SALISBURY – Winston-Salem State maintained its position among the CIAA's top teams Saturday, using a balanced offensive attack and timely defensive plays to defeat Livingstone College 31-17 at Alumni Memorial Stadium.
The victory improved Winston-Salem State to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play, while Livingstone dropped to 5-3 (3-2 CIAA) despite a strong passing performance from quarterback De'Angelo Alston.
The Rams struck quickly in their opening drive when running back Trevon Hester capped a short two-play sequence with a 1-yard touchdown run. Livingstone answered midway through the first quarter as Alston connected with Davontay Deloatch on a 10-yard scoring pass, completing an 11-play, 73-yard drive that tied the game at 7-7.
Winston-Salem State regained the lead early in the second quarter on Gilberto Lorenzana's 36-yard field goal. The Rams extended their advantage before halftime when quarterback Daylin Lee found Kaleb Washington for a 35-yard touchdown strike, making it 17-7.
While Livingstone's offense outgained Winston-Salem State in passing yards (210-182) and collected more first downs (19-16), the Blue Bears struggled to sustain drives against the Rams' defensive pressure. Winston-Salem State recorded three sacks and forced two interceptions, including a crucial pick-six by Dante Bowlding in the third quarter that pushed the lead to 24-10.
Hester led all rushers with 87 yards on 21 carries for the Rams, who accumulated 129 yards on the ground. Livingstone's rushing attack was limited to 64 total yards, with Mohamed Nyanamukenga gaining 12 yards on 12 attempts.
Deloatch emerged as Livingstone's primary offensive threat, catching eight passes for 117 yards and a touchdown. Washington paced the Rams' receiving corps with two catches for 58 yards and a score.
The defensive effort was anchored by Winston-Salem State's Camar Kyle, who recorded eight tackles including two for loss. Livingstone's Terrance McPherson Jr. led all defenders with 14 tackles, including one for loss.
Special teams played a significant role, with Winston-Salem State's coverage units holding Livingstone to an average starting field position inside their own 30-yard line. The Rams also benefited from JahTwan Strafford's 83-yard punt return that set up favorable field position.
Trailing 24-10 in the fourth quarter, Livingstone's comeback hopes dimmed when Winston-Salem State orchestrated a 13-play, 68-yard drive that consumed over eight minutes. Lee's 1-yard quarterback sneak capped the possession and effectively sealed the outcome at 31-10.
The Blue Bears managed a late touchdown when Nyanamukenga scored from a yard out with 32 seconds remaining, but the outcome had been decided.
Both teams faced penalty issues throughout the contest, with Livingstone drawing 12 flags for 73 yards and Winston-Salem State being penalized eight times for 75 yards.
Up Next
Winston-Salem State returns home next Saturday to host Johnson C. Smith in a televised contest on HBCUgo, with kickoff scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Livingstone will travel to Raleigh on November 2 to face Shaw University.
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