INDIANAPOLIS – The NCAA Division II Football Committee released the 2024 championship bracket Sunday afternoon and both Wingate and Lenoir-Rhyne will represent North Carolina in the race for the championship, continuing the South Atlantic Conference's strong football tradition.

The Wingate Bulldogs (9-1) earned the No. 2 seed in Super Region Two and will host Virginia Union (8-3) in the first round on November 23 at Irwin Belk Stadium. Meanwhile, Lenoir-Rhyne (9-2) will travel to face third-seeded West Alabama (9-1) in Livingston, Alabama.

Wingate enters postseason play as one of the hottest teams in the country, riding a seven-game winning streak that includes three shutouts. The Bulldogs have outscored opponents 222-50 over their last seven games, culminating with Saturday's 28-13 victory over #19 Carson-Newman in the SAC title game. The victory secured Wingate's third SAC championship in program history.

The Bulldogs' success has been built on one of the nation's most dominant defenses. Wingate leads the nation in third-down defense while ranking second nationally in total defense and red zone defense. They're third in pass defense, fifth in scoring defense and eighth in tackles for loss. Reigning SAC and Region Defensive Player of the Year Marquise Fleming leads the nation in tackles for loss. The defense has held six different opponents to their lowest point total of the season this year.

For Lenoir-Rhyne, the path to the playoffs included bouncing back from an early October loss to Emory & Henry. The Bears responded by winning five of their final six games, with their only loss coming in a tight 14-10 battle against Wingate on November 2. They closed the regular season strong with victories over Catawba (33-14) and Anderson (27-24).

The Bears were particularly effective through the air, with quarterback Jalen Ferguson throwing for 2,613 yards and 14 touchdowns. The team showed good balance, adding 1,349 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns for the season, led by Alex Boyd and Zayvion Turner-Knox. The Bears' defense was a significant strength, forcing 19 interceptions and recording 20 sacks while holding opponents to under 17 points a game.

The two North Carolina schools could potentially meet again in the second round. If Wingate defeats Virginia Union, they would host the winner of the West Alabama-Lenoir-Rhyne matchup on November 30 at Irwin Belk Stadium.

Valdosta State (10-0) earned the top seed in Super Region Two and receives a first-round bye. Miles (9-2) rounds out the region's representation, hosting Carson-Newman (9-2) in the first round.

First-round games are scheduled for 1 p.m. local time on November 23, unless otherwise approved by the committee. The tournament will continue with second-round games on November 30, quarterfinals on December 7, and semifinals on December 14, leading up to the national championship game in McKinney, Texas on December 21. The championship game will be broadcast live on ESPN2 HD.

NCAA DII football championship history 

Harding, which won its first-ever DII football championship last season by defeating Colorado School of Mines 38-7, enters the tournament looking to become the first repeat winner since Ferris State captured back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.

HICKORY – Wingate's defense held No. 12 Lenoir-Rhyne to season lows in yards and points as the Bulldogs earned a crucial 14-10 South Atlantic Conference victory Saturday afternoon at Moretz Stadium.

The win was Wingate's fifth straight and improved their record to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in SAC play. Lenoir-Rhyne dropped to 7-2 and 5-2 in conference action.

All of Wingate's scoring came in the second quarter. O'Brien Barnett broke free for a 30-yard touchdown run to open the scoring at 11:14. With 37 seconds remaining before halftime, Brooks Bentley connected with Evan McCray on a 21-yard touchdown pass to give the Bulldogs a 14-0 lead.

The Bears mounted a comeback in the third quarter. Jalen Ferguson's 22-yard touchdown run capped a 75-yard drive to start the half. Jake Brown added a 27-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 14-10, but Lenoir-Rhyne couldn't complete the rally.

Wingate's defense, which has now held five opponents to their season-low point totals, limited the Bears to just 175 total yards. The Bulldogs recorded eight tackles for loss, including contributions from Marquise Fleming (2.5 TFL, one sack) and Jaden White (2 TFL).

McCray had a career day receiving for Wingate, catching 10 passes for 140 yards and the touchdown. Bentley finished with 248 passing yards, helping the Bulldogs control possession for nearly 33 minutes.

Lenoir-Rhyne's defense was led by Jaelin Willis, who tied his career-high with 14 tackles. Nic Cheeley recorded an interception for his fourth straight game.

The victory gives Wingate the inside track for a spot in the SAC Championship game. The Bulldogs conclude their regular season next Saturday hosting Newberry, while Lenoir-Rhyne travels to Catawba needing wins in their final two games to maintain playoff hopes.

CHARLOTTE – Johnson C. Smith quarterback Darius Ocean threw three touchdown passes to three different receivers as the Golden Bulls defeated the Shaw Bears 21-14 on Saturday afternoon at Irwin Belk Complex, preserving their perfect record.

Ocean connected with Brevin Caldwell 15 times for 182 yards and a touchdown, leading an efficient passing attack that helped Johnson C. Smith improve to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in conference play. The Golden Bulls remain the lone undefeated team in the state of North Carolina.

Shaw (4-4, 2-3) opened the scoring when quarterback Christian Peters found Ah’sha Belcher for an 8-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. The Golden Bulls answered quickly as Ocean hit Blake McCullough for a 23-yard score to tie the game at 7-7.

After a scoreless second quarter, Johnson C. Smith took control in the second half. Ocean found Avante George for an 8-yard touchdown in the third quarter and later connected with Caldwell on a 12-yard score, capping a 100-yard drive to build a 21-7 lead.

Shaw’s Travon Tensley, who finished with 96 rushing yards on 20 carries, scored on a 1-yard run with 2:18 remaining to narrow the gap. However, Johnson C. Smith’s defense held firm in the final minutes to secure the victory.

Despite controlling possession for over 36 minutes and outgaining Johnson C. Smith 355-325 in total yards, Shaw was unable to overcome the Golden Bulls’ defensive effort, led by Benari Black’s 15 tackles.

Up Next

The Golden Bulls will look to maintain their unbeaten record next week at Winston-Salem State, while Shaw aims to rebound from their fourth loss of the season with another road game at Fayetteville State.

DURHAM – The Catawba Indians secured their first win of the season, defeating the Shaw Bears 37-28 at Durham County Memorial Stadium on Saturday. The game featured multiple lead changes and showcased offensive prowess from both teams.

First Half: Back-and-Forth Battle

Catawba struck quickly, scoring on a 14-yard run by LJ Turner just 36 seconds into the game. Shaw responded with a 12-play, 75-yard drive, capped by Travon Tensley's 2-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 7-7.

The second quarter saw both offenses hitting their stride:

- Catawba regained the lead with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Preston Brown to Deuce Linder.

- Shaw answered with two consecutive scores:

  - A 10-yard touchdown pass from Christian Peters to Jon Barnes (PAT blocked)

  - An 8-yard touchdown pass from Peters to Ah'shaan Belcher, followed by a successful two-point conversion

- Catawba tied the game at 21-21 just before halftime with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Brown to Quece Williams, concluding a impressive 90-yard drive.

Second Half: Catawba Pulls Ahead

Catawba dominated the third quarter, scoring 9 unanswered points:

- A 27-yard field goal by Bryson Sims

- A 24-yard touchdown pass from Brown to Jordan Mitchell (PAT failed)

Shaw fought back in the fourth quarter with Belcher's second touchdown reception, cutting Catawba's lead to 30-28. However, Catawba sealed the victory with another Brown-to-Linder connection, this time for a 16-yard touchdown.

Key Statistics

- Total Yards: Catawba 419, Shaw 254

- Passing Yards: Catawba 295, Shaw 115

- Rushing Yards: Shaw 139, Catawba 124

- Time of Possession: Catawba 33:45, Shaw 26:15

- Third Down Conversions: Catawba 6/11, Shaw 5/12

Standout Performances

- Catawba's Preston Brown: 24/29 for 295 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs

- Shaw's Travon Tensley: 20 carries for 99 yards, 1 TD

- Catawba's Deuce Linder: 7 receptions for 98 yards, 2 TDs

- Catawba's Kobe Christian: 6 receptions for 101 yards

- Shaw's Ah'shaan Belcher: 4 receptions for 51 yards, 2 TDs (became Shaw's all-time leader in touchdown receptions)

- Catawba's Deno Wardlow: 10 tackles

- Shaw's Jalen Banks: 10 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack

Notable Moments

- Shaw won the turnover battle, recovering one Catawba fumble without committing any turnovers themselves.

- Catawba's defense held Shaw to a season-low 254 yards of total offense.

- Shaw's offense was efficient in the red zone, scoring touchdowns on all four of their trips.

This victory improved Catawba's record to 1-1 for the season, while Shaw dropped to 2-1. The game showcased the offensive capabilities of both teams, with Catawba's aerial attack ultimately proving too much for Shaw's defense to contain.

Up Next

Both teams open conference play next week as Catawba will travel to UVA Wise for their SAC opener and Shaw will host Lincoln (PA) to begin CIAA play.

In Saturday afternoon’s NCAA Division II national quarterfinal game, the visiting Lenoir-Rhyne Bears dominated the host Valdosta State Blazers in a decisive victory. Despite the rainy weather at Valdosta’s Bazemore-Hyder Stadium, the Bears showcased their knack for defeating top teams on the road, walking away with a 35-7 victory and a trip to the national semifinals next week.

After a scoreless first quarter that saw both teams struggling to find any offensive momentum, the Bears took control of the game in the second quarter, scoring four straight touchdowns to take a commanding lead. Dwayne McGee initiated the scoring with a 1-yard run, followed by Zayvion Turner-Knox with a 2-yard run. Sean White added to the tally with a 4-yard run, and Turner-Knox rounded off the quarter with an impressive 87-yard run for his second touchdown on the day. Jake Brown successfully kicked after each touchdown, bringing the score to 28-0 in favor of the Bears at halftime.

The Blazers attempted a comeback in the third quarter with Tyler Ajiero catching a 6-yard pass from Sammy Edwards for a touchdown. Estin Thiele's successful kick brought the score to 28-7. However, the Bears responded in the fourth quarter with Dwayne McGee's 2-yard run and Jake Brown's successful kick, sealing the game at 35-7.

The Bears' offense was relentless on the ground, with a strong showing of 307 rushing yards. The defense was equally formidable, with Jon Ross Maye leading the team with 5 tackles and Rashad Yelding contributing 2 sacks for a loss of 26 yards.

The game ended with the Bears' possession time dominating at 38 minutes compared to the Blazers' 22 minutes. The Bears' superior execution on both sides of the ball kept Valdosta State at bay for most of the afternoon, propelling the Bears into the semifinals of the NCAA Division II playoffs.

Notable Performances

• Dwayne McGee (LR): McGee was a key player in the Bears' offense, contributing two touchdowns. He made a 1-yard run and a 2-yard run, resulting in a net gain of 102 yards from 22 attempts.
• Zayvion Turner-Knox (LR): Turner-Knox was another standout on the Bears' offense. He made two significant runs, one for 2 yards and another impressive 87-yard run, resulting in a total net gain of 145 yards from 15 attempts.
• Sean White (LR): White, the Bears' quarterback, completed 9 out of 15 passes for a net gain of 51 yards. He also contributed a 4-yard run for a touchdown.
• Tyler Ajiero (VSU): Ajiero was a bright spot in the Blazers' offense, catching a 6-yard pass from Sammy Edwards for a touchdown.
• Jon Ross Maye (LR): On the defensive side, Maye led the Bears with 5 tackles, including 2 solo and 3 assisted. He also contributed to a forced fumble.

Up Next

Lenoir-Rhyne awaits its opponent in the national semifinals as the teams are reseeded once regional play is completed.

MACON, GA – In a hard-fought battle on the gridiron, the Mercer Bears emerged victorious against the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs in the first round of the FCS Playoffs, ending the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ season with a final score of 17-7 on Saturday afternoon.

The game showcased intense defensive efforts from both teams, with Mercer ultimately prevailing through a combination of standout plays and resilient defense.

The Bears’ Carter Peevy wasted no time asserting his dominance in the second quarter, scoring both of Mercer’s touchdowns in a four-minute window. Peevy’s 2-yard run in the second quarter set the tone offensively and he continued to dazzle with a spectacular 72-yard touchdown run, expanding Mercer’s lead to 14-0.

Gardner-Webb, however, answered back before halftime. Quarterback Jaylen King connected with Karim Page for a 3-yard touchdown pass, closing the gap to 14-7, and entering the locker room with hopes of a second-half comeback.

The third quarter saw both teams locked in a defensive struggle, with neither side yielding significant ground. Gardner-Webb’s Jay Billingsley attempted a 45-yard field goal that went wide left, maintaining Mercer’s lead. Mercer matched possessions with a missed field goal of their own to keep it scoreless heading into the final stanza.

As the game progressed, the Mercer defense proved formidable, forcing turnovers and limiting Gardner-Webb’s offensive opportunities. Despite Gardner-Webb’s defense, highlighted by Ty French’s three sacks, Mercer’s Reice Griffith sealed the deal with a 29-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, extending the lead to its final margin.

Gardner-Webb fought hard in the closing minutes, attempting to mount a comeback, but Mercer’s defense stood strong. A pair of interceptions by Mercer on Gardner-Webb’s final two drives sealed the fate of the Runnin’ Bulldogs.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs ended the 2023 season as back-to-back conference champions for the first time in two decades with the first-ever set of back-to-back postseason appearances. Gardner-Webb finished a perfect 5-0 at home for only the second time in team history.

COLUMBIA, SC – In a thrilling second-round NCAA Division II playoff game, Lenoir-Rhyne emerged victorious over Benedict, whose #1 seed in the region allowed them to host the second-round game. Homefield advantage was not enough for the Tigers as the visiting Bears were able leave Columbia with a 35-25 victory.

How it Happened

The first quarter saw Lenoir-Rhyne's Dwayne McGee run 29 yards for a touchdown, followed by an extra point from Jake Brown. However, Benedict quickly retaliated with two touchdowns from Reginald Harden, who ran 58 yards and 87 yards respectively.

In the second quarter, Zayvion Turner-Knox from Lenoir-Rhyne ran 4 yards for a touchdown, with an extra point added by Jake Brown. Benedict's Aeneas Dennis completed a pass to Caden High, who ran 29 yards for a touchdown, with Tom Piccirillo securing the extra point.

The third quarter saw Lenoir-Rhyne take the lead with two touchdowns. Sean White completed passes to Songa Yates and John Godwin, who ran 21 yards and 26 yards respectively for touchdowns, with Jake Brown adding the extra points.

In the final quarter, Zayvion Turner-Knox ran 2 yards for a touchdown, with Jake Brown adding the extra point. Benedict's Aeneas Dennis completed a pass to Reginald Harden, who ran 36 yards for a touchdown.

Playmakers

Lenoir-Rhyne's Dwayne McGee had an impressive game, rushing 216 yards from 21 attempts and scoring one touchdown. Zayvion Turner-Knox also contributed significantly, rushing 45 yards from 8 attempts and scoring two touchdowns. In the passing game, Sean White completed 27 out of 35 attempts, throwing for 310 yards and two touchdowns.

On the receiving end, Kelin Parsons caught 6 passes for 103 yards, while Songa Yates caught 4 passes for 48 yards and one touchdown. Deondre Lester and Tate O'bryan also contributed to the receiving game.

On the defensive side, Jon Ross Maye led the team with 11 total tackles, while C'darius Kelley made 2 solo tackles.

What’s Next

This victory propels fourth-seeded Lenoir-Rhyne into the national quarterfinals, with a matchup against region #3 Valdosta State, who upset the number two seed Delta State, 38-31, on Saturday afternoon.

HICKORY – In a historic performance, quarterback Sean White led the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears to a resounding victory over the Shepherd Rams in the opening round of the NCAA Playoffs. White’s stellar performance saw him amass 398 passing yards, breaking a 104-year program record and surpassing the previous mark set by Brian Bryson in 1987. White’s impressive stat line included 25 completions on 31 attempts, five passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns.

The Bears dominated the game, securing a decisive 63-17 victory over Shepherd at Moretz Stadium in Hickory. With this win, Lenoir-Rhyne advanced to an 11-1 overall record, while Shepherd concluded their season at 9-3.

Key moments from the matchup included White’s flawless opening drive, where he went 10-for-10 for 65 yards, setting the tone for the game. The Bears displayed offensive prowess, recording six passing touchdowns – a feat achieved for the second consecutive game and a historic first in the program’s history.

The game statistics tell the tale of Lenoir-Rhyne’s dominance. White’s 405 total yards of offense broke an NCAA era program record, and the team registered a remarkable 617 total yards, with 461 yards coming through the air. The Bears showcased balance on offense, limiting the Rams to just 94 rushing yards on 32 attempts.

Individual performances highlighted Dwayne McGee’s 96 rushing yards on 16 carries, while Songa Yates continued his impressive form with six receptions for 141 yards, contributing to his back-to-back 100-yard games and five touchdowns over the past two weeks. Defensively, Jon Ross Maye recorded seven tackles and an interception, while Andre Jefferson contributed four tackles and two sacks.

Beyond the box score, the Bears set several records, including 461 passing yards, an 80 percent completion rate, and 8.9 yards per play – the second-highest in the NCAA Era. Jake Brown tied a record with nine made extra points, and Lenoir-Rhyne’s 617 total yards ranked as the sixth most in a single game in the NCAA Era.

Lenoir-Rhyne’s head coach, Mike Jacobs, secured his first win against Shepherd in three attempts and notched his fifth career playoff victory. Looking ahead, the Bears will face Super Region 2’s top seed, Benedict, next Saturday in Columbia, S.C., with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. As they continue their playoff journey, Lenoir-Rhyne aims to build on the momentum of their record-breaking performance and extend their success in the postseason.

GREENEVILLE, TN – No. 13/15 Lenoir-Rhyne showcased an impressive performance in the SAC Championship, claiming a dominating victory over Tusculum with a score of 48-7. The Bears, led by quarterback Sean White, left an indelible mark on the game with an exceptional offensive display.

White, named the game's Most Valuable Player, orchestrated the Bears' offensive prowess by completing 19-of-30 passes for 305 yards and an outstanding five touchdowns, all without committing a turnover. This remarkable feat solidified his place in Lenoir-Rhyne's history as the first passer since 1990 to achieve such a touchdown milestone in a single game.

The LR offense, collectively, set a historic record by throwing six touchdown passes, marking the most in the 104-year history of LR Football. The Bears' dominance continued on the defensive end, with Chris Brown forcing a crucial fumble on Tusculum's second play, setting the tone for LR's defensive prowess throughout the game.

Throughout the matchup, Lenoir-Rhyne's defense consistently thwarted Tusculum's attempts, allowing just one first down in the first half and limiting the Pioneers to a mere 50 total yards of offense on 26 plays. The Bears went into halftime with a commanding 20-point lead, showcasing their well-rounded performance on both ends of the field.

The second half saw the Bears extending their lead, with key plays such as Tate O'Bryan's first career touchdown grab and John Godwin's 7-yard strike contributing to LR's 48-0 lead. Songa Yates and O'Bryan continued their impressive performance, each securing two touchdowns.

Tusculum managed to salvage a touchdown late in the game, but it was not enough to overcome Lenoir-Rhyne's dominance. The final score stood at 48-7 in favor of the Bears, securing their 26th all-time conference championship in program history.

Beyond the box score, Lenoir-Rhyne outgained Tusculum 497-156, maintaining possession of the ball for an astonishing 41 minutes and 35 seconds. Yates, with his three receiving touchdowns, tied a program record, while White's 305 passing yards marked a significant milestone for the team.

With this victory, Lenoir-Rhyne clinched a spot in the NCAA Playoff field, eagerly awaiting the postseason draw on Sunday at 6 p.m. on NCAA.com. The Bears' impressive performance in the SAC Championship solidifies their status as a formidable contender as they look ahead to the challenges of the upcoming postseason.

HICKORY – #15 Lenoir-Rhyne clinched the Piedmont Division Championship, celebrating Senior Day at Moretz Stadium with a convincing 28-7 victory over Catawba. A spirited crowd of over 7,000 witnessed this remarkable feat on Saturday, propelling the Bears to the SAC Championship, where they will face Tusculum in a rematch of the first-ever SAC Championship game from the 2020-21 COVID season.

In a matchup that showcased the Bears' dominance, Lenoir-Rhyne took an early lead, with Sean White connecting with DeAree Rogers for a 35-yard strike in the first quarter. White added to the lead with a 48-yard touchdown pass to Deondre Lester. At the close of the first half, White executed a 1-yard QB sneak, tallying three first-half touchdowns and a 21-0 advantage.

Catawba attempted a comeback in the second half, scoring a 3-yard touchdown, but the Bears responded swiftly when White threw his third touchdown pass, connecting with Malakei Sumner. The game's latter half saw solid defensive performances from both teams, with no further scoring.

Lenoir-Rhyne's defense held Catawba to 44 rushing yards on 37 attempts and just 232 total offensive yards on 70 plays. Offensively, the Bears amassed 418 yards and 228 rushing yards, averaging 6.9 yards per play. Sean White completed 15-of-23 passes for 190 yards, while Dwayne McGee exceeded 1,000 yards on the season, rushing for 96 yards.

Defensively, Jon Ross Maye tallied 14 total tackles and two pass breakups, while D.J. Taylor contributed nine tackles and three sacks. Andre Jefferson recorded four tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hurry. As a team, Lenoir-Rhyne secured seven sacks.

The victory marked the 102nd all-time meeting between Lenoir-Rhyne and Catawba, with each team now having 49 wins and four ties. Notably, the Bears lost their first two fumbles of the season in the fourth quarter. Additionally, Lenoir-Rhyne's seven sacks tied for the second-highest in a single game in the NCAA era.

Lenoir-Rhyne's strong home record continued, with a 60-21 record at home since the start of the 2010 season. The game broke a streak of 16 straight quarters without allowing a touchdown at home.

Lenoir-Rhyne's victory sets the stage for the SAC Championship clash with Tusculum, scheduled for 1 p.m. in Greeneville, Tenn., after the Pioneers secured a win over Mars Hill in overtime.

In a rare Saturday night matchup, the Appalachian State Mountaineers will face off against Marshall at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone. The game, scheduled for 6 p.m., is generating buzz as it is believed to be the first Saturday night home game played in Boone during November or December in recent memory. The last time the Mountaineers played a Saturday night game at Kidd Brewer Stadium was in 2014, their inaugural year as an FBS member. Since then, the team has enjoyed significant success at home, boasting a remarkable 51-10 record and drawing record-breaking crowds, with 2022 seeing ten of the top 12 crowds in stadium history.

The Mountaineers' strong performance at home, coupled with an average attendance of 35,774, has cemented their reputation as a powerhouse in college football. The 2023 season has also seen quarterback Joey Aguilar shine, leading the Sun Belt Conference with 20 touchdown passes and ranking 7th nationally. This upcoming game against Marshall carries added significance as it marks the first league matchup between the two teams in Boone since 1996, a nostalgic encounter for long-time fans. The game serves as a reminder of the rich history between Appalachian State and Marshall, who were both former FCS-level Southern Conference members and only recently reunited on the field in 2020 and 2021 for nonleague games. 

Lenoir-Rhyne vs. Catawba: On Saturday, November 4, 2023, #16 Lenoir-Rhyne (8-1, 6-1 SAC) faces Catawba (4-5, 2-5 SAC) at Moretz Stadium in Hickory. For Lenoir-Rhyne, a win would secure their spot in the SAC Championship next week, thanks to their head-to-head win this season, giving them a tiebreaker over Limestone, and they also control their destiny in the Piedmont Division race. LR can also clinch a championship berth if Limestone loses against Barton. This game is significant as the Bears aim to add to their 24 overall conference championships in program history, with seven won since 2010. Additionally, it marks the 102nd all-time battle between Lenoir-Rhyne and Catawba, one of the most played and closely contested rivalries in NCAA Division II. LR has recently dominated, winning four straight games and seeking to even the all-time series, which currently stands at 49-48-4 in Catawba's favor. The rivalry between the two schools has been a historic and pivotal part of the conference's football history, often deciding championships in their final regular-season game, although this tradition has changed with the introduction of the SAC Championship game after the regular season.

WINGATE – In a thrilling South Atlantic Conference football showdown, the Wingate University Bulldogs delivered a stunning upset, securing a 34-30 victory over the seventh-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne University Bears. The game, filled with high-stakes drama, ended with a jaw-dropping 75-yard touchdown pass with just 50 seconds left on the clock, catapulting Wingate to victory. 

The Bulldogs’ triumph improves their overall record to 6-3, with a 5-2 record in the South Atlantic Conference, while the highly-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne Bears now stand at 8-1 overall and 6-1 in league play. It’s worth noting that the Bears were one of just 11 remaining NCAA Division II teams without a loss leading up to this thrilling contest.

Wingate receiver Evan McCray goes 75 yards for the win Photo Credit: Anna Torras (Wingate Athletics)

How it Happened:

In the first quarter, Wingate initiated the scoring with a 52-yard, 12-play drive that culminated in a touchdown pass from Brooks Bentley to Matt Flanders. Lenoir-Rhyne responded with an 80-yard drive, ending with a touchdown pass from Jalen Ferguson to John Goodwin.

The second quarter saw Wingate regain the lead with a field goal, but Lenoir-Rhyne quickly answered with another touchdown pass from Ferguson to Malik Simmons. Wingate surged ahead again with a 47-yard touchdown pass from Bentley to Tremel Jones.

In the third quarter, Wingate took control, embarking on a 71-yard drive, resulting in a field goal. Lenoir-Rhyne swiftly replied with a 63-yard rushing touchdown by Dwayne McGee.

The final quarter was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams exchanging leads. Lenoir-Rhyne managed a field goal to go up by three points, but Wingate responded with a touchdown run by Bentley. Lenoir-Rhyne regained the lead with a touchdown pass from Ferguson to Songa Yates with just over a minute remaining. However, Wingate sealed the win with a sensational 75-yard touchdown pass from Bentley to McCray.

Key Stats:

• Lenoir-Rhyne amassed 262 passing yards and 221 rushing yards for a total of 483 yards.
• Wingate countered with 335 passing yards and 104 rushing yards, resulting in a total of 439 offensive yards.
• Although the Bears held a slight advantage in first downs with 24 compared to Wingate’s 21, they had the game’s only turnover, an interception on a desperation play at the end.
• Wingate controlled the clock, maintaining possession for over 32 minutes of game time.
• Wingate succeeded on seven of 13 third-down conversions, while Lenoir-Rhyne managed just one successful third-down conversion out of nine attempts.

Key contributors for the Bulldogs included Brooks Bentley, who completed 24 of 37 passes for 335 yards and three touchdowns, in addition to contributing 37 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. Evan McCray was instrumental with four receptions for 97 yards, including the game-winning 75-yard touchdown. Tremel Jones and Carlos Estronza also made significant receiving contributions.

On the defensive side, Tre Morrison and Jaheim Mullen led the way with 10 tackles each, while Dontorian Best added nine tackles. Dequan Mosley made a crucial interception to seal the win for Wingate, while Darius Randolph contributed with a tackle for loss, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hurry.

Special teams played a role in the victory, with Caleb Bonesteel hitting all four PATs and adding field goals of 21 and 39 yards.

The victory signifies Wingate’s second consecutive win against Lenoir-Rhyne and a memorable upset of the seventh-ranked team. The game was characterized by dramatic twists and turns, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams.

Looking ahead, Wingate will face Newberry in their next matchup on the road, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday. Lenoir-Rhyne, on the other hand, will regroup and prepare for their next game on Senior Day, where they will host Catawba at 2 p.m.

As the fall season ushers in a crisp chill to the air, the stage is set for a classic showdown in college football. On Saturday, the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears and the Wingate Bulldogs will renew their age-old rivalry in a game that promises high stakes and gridiron drama. For most seasons, Lenoir-Rhyne and Wingate meet at the end of the season with much on the line, and this year's matchup is no different. With a win on Saturday, the Bears can secure a spot in the SAC (South Atlantic Conference) Championship Game on November 11 and earn at least a share of the Piedmont Division championship for the second consecutive season. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, still have a chance to grab a share of the Piedmont Division title, but they need a win against Lenoir-Rhyne to keep their hopes alive. Wingate is looking to play spoiler and replicate last year's upset when they defeated Lenoir-Rhyne 24-21 in Hickory. On October 29, 2022, Shaw Crocker connected with Trevor Grant for a 10-yard touchdown with 4:29 left, sealing the game with a game-clinching score.

In what promises to be a defensive battle, both teams boast two of the top defenses in Division II football. Lenoir-Rhyne enters the game with the nation's second-ranked scoring defense, allowing a mere 8.5 points per game, with almost every opponent being held to 10 points or fewer. Wingate's defense is equally formidable, conceding just 13.6 points per game, earning them the seventh spot in Division II rankings. In terms of yardage, Wingate allows 256.5 yards per game, ranking 14th nationally, while Lenoir-Rhyne is just as impressive, allowing 207.6 yards per game, placing them fourth. National recognition has also come Lenoir-Rhyne's way, as they are currently ranked at No. 7 in both the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) national poll and the D2Football.com poll. This marks the 34th time in the NCAA era that the Bears have earned a top-10 ranking. The Bears boast an impressive 55-12 record when playing as a nationally ranked team, with a 25-6 record on the road as a ranked squad.

The Lenoir-Rhyne-Wingate rivalry extends back over a decade, with both teams being consistent powerhouses in the South Atlantic Conference. Since 2010, these two institutions have dominated in overall wins, SAC wins, NCAA appearances, NCAA wins, and Jacobs Blocking Trophy winners. Furthermore, they have excelled in producing academic All-Americans. Lenoir-Rhyne holds 105 overall wins since the 2010 season, while Wingate has secured 97. In SAC play, the Bears lead with 75 victories, while the Bulldogs have 64. Lenoir-Rhyne has made six NCAA playoff appearances with eight wins, while Wingate has five appearances with four wins. This game will mark the 39th all-time meeting between these two programs, with Lenoir-Rhyne leading the series 24-14. The Bears had a five-game winning streak against Wingate before last year's 24-21 defeat. The last loss for Lenoir-Rhyne at Wingate was a lopsided 49-6 defeat in 2016. Lenoir-Rhyne has won the past three matchups at Irwin Belk Stadium, with the last two victories coming by a combined 48 points. As the Bears and Bulldogs prepare to step onto the gridiron once again, fans can expect a fiercely competitive matchup with historic implications. With defensive prowess, national rankings, and a rich history between these teams, this renewal of the Lenoir-Rhyne and Wingate rivalry promises to be a must-watch event for college football enthusiasts.

Duke at Louisville: In an upcoming college football showdown, No. 20 Duke is set to face off against No. 18 Louisville at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m., and ESPN broadcasting the game live. This marks the fourth meeting between the two schools, with Louisville currently leading the series 3-0, including a resounding 62-22 victory in their last encounter in 2021. Notably, this game is the first time both programs are nationally ranked when they face off. Duke has had a challenging schedule this season, taking on its fourth nationally-ranked opponent in eight games, and they hold a 1-2 record against top-25 teams. The Blue Devils also face back-to-back top-20 opponents for the first time since 2013. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Elko, Duke has excelled in the turnover battle, accumulating 129 points from turnovers in 20 games. Coach Elko's record at Duke is an impressive 14-6 in his first 20 games, making it the second-best start for a head coach in the school's history. Duke's football team stands out in the ACC, ranking highly in both scoring offense and defense. Graduate running back Jordan Waters has been a scoring machine, and redshirt sophomore linebacker Tre Freeman leads the team in tackles, making significant contributions. The upcoming clash between Duke and Louisville promises an exciting contest between two nationally ranked teams, setting the stage for an action-packed game that college football fans won't want to miss.

HICKORY – In a South Atlantic Conference showdown on a perfect Homecoming afternoon, the No. 12/13 Lenoir-Rhyne Football Team delivered a dominating performance, thrashing Barton by a resounding 44-point margin at Moretz Stadium. The Bears, who remain unbeaten with a 7-0 record, showcased their offensive prowess and unyielding defense to secure the emphatic victory. 

The Barton Bulldogs initially struck first, putting three points on the board with a field goal just 7:36 into the first quarter. However, Lenoir-Rhyne quickly found their rhythm, outscoring the visitors 40-0 for the remainder of the game. The Bears' defense proved relentless, limiting Barton to a mere eight first downs and 148 total yards of offense throughout the contest. In contrast, Lenoir-Rhyne's offense amassed a remarkable 515 yards, overwhelming their opponents.

Reigning SAC Offensive Player of the Week, Jaquan Lynch, who had been on fire, was stifled by the Bears' tenacious defense. Lynch was held to a mere 66 yards passing on 6-of-14 completions, accompanied by an interception, and just eight yards rushing on eight attempts.

The Bears started the game with a flourish, as Deondre Lester hauled in a 48-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jalen Ferguson. Although Barton responded with a field goal, the Bears dominated the first half, scoring 27 unanswered points. Dwayne McGee and Lester added to the lead with touchdowns, and a trick play saw Songa Yates connect with DeAree Rogers for another score. The Bears headed into halftime with a commanding 34-3 lead.

The second half saw Lenoir-Rhyne continuing their relentless performance, scoring two more field goals and a quarterback sneak by Sean White, bringing the final score to 47-3. Jalen Ferguson finished the game with an impressive 241 yards passing and three touchdowns, while Dwayne McGee rushed for 92 yards. DeAree Rogers played a pivotal role, with 11 receptions for 150 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive end, Jon Ross Maye and Malik Taylor each recorded six tackles, and the Lenoir-Rhyne defense tallied three sacks, with Taylor also forcing a fumble.

Beyond the box score, the game marked the one-year anniversary of a significant injury for DB T.J. Blanding, who had an interception, his second of the year. The crowd was announced as a sellout, showcasing the immense support for the Bears. Lenoir-Rhyne's win extended their winning streak to nine games, dating back to the end of the 2022 season, making it the second-longest current winning streak in Division II. The Bears continue to impress, holding a 54-12 record in games where they are nationally ranked.

The Bears' exceptional passing game performance was a highlight, with a 24-for-30 completion rate, marking the second-highest in a single game during the NCAA Era. DeAree Rogers' 11 receptions ranked as the third-most in a game during the NCAA Era, and his 150 receiving yards were the seventh-highest during that period. The Bulldogs managed just 44 total plays, making it the fifth fewest allowed in the NCAA Era. Moreover, Lenoir-Rhyne's home defense remains stout, conceding just one touchdown all season, which occurred in the home opener against St. Augustine's.

Looking ahead, Lenoir-Rhyne is set to take on Newberry in Newberry, South Carolina, next Saturday at 4 p.m. as they aim to maintain their undefeated streak. On the other hand, Barton looks to bounce back from the loss when they host Wingate for Homecoming at Truist Stadium next Saturday at 2:00 p.m.

Duke and NC State Set to Renew Rivalry: A Look at the Upcoming Clash

The anticipation is building for the 84th installment of the Duke-NC State football rivalry, set to take place this Saturday night at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium. Both teams are gearing up for a classic battle that promises to be memorable for fans of both sides. The history between these two ACC charter members dates back nearly a century, with Duke holding a narrow lead in the series, 41-37-5. However, recent history has favored the Wolfpack, with NC State boasting a 15-3 record against the Blue Devils since 1990. The most remarkable stretch for the Wolfpack came between 1994 and 2008 when they enjoyed an 11-game winning streak. The proximity of the two stadiums, a mere 22 miles apart, adds to the intensity of the rivalry. It's a game where bragging rights are not the only things at stake.

Dave Doeren, in his 11th year as head coach for the Wolfpack, has seen limited action against the Blue Devils. In his inaugural season in 2018, Duke emerged victorious in a 38-20 victory in Durham. In 2020, the Pack won 31-20 in a home game at Carter-Finley Stadium. This weekend's clash will mark just the third meeting between these teams during Doeren's tenure. The Wolfpack is currently making waves in college football under Coach Doeren. Notably, they lead the ACC in third-down conversion defense, boasting an impressive .293 success rate, which ranks 14th in the entire FBS. Dave Doeren is also on the verge of tying the school record for coaching victories, and a win in this rivalry game could put him in the history books.

NC State is also demonstrating its prowess in the red zone, going 12-for-12 inside the 10-yard line this season, with 11 touchdowns and one field goal. True freshman receiver KC Concepcion is making waves, accounting for 28% of the Wolfpack's receptions and becoming the first true freshman in school history to record two 100+ yard games in a season. In the last outing, quarterback MJ Morris made a significant impact with a career-best four touchdowns and 265 passing yards, despite it being only his third career start. Running back Delbert Mimms has been impressive too, ranking sixth in the ACC and 24th nationally with six rushing touchdowns, which is two more than any Pack player had in all of 2022.

The Wolfpack's defense has been no slouch either, ranking 11th in the FBS in team sacks, thanks to reserve defensive end Red Hibbler. However, they have been dealing with the loss of two of their top four safeties for the season, which poses a challenge for their defensive unit. Linebacker Payton Wilson is having an incredible season, leading the ACC in tackles with an average of 11.7 per game, which is the fourth-best in the FBS. He was named the Butkus National LB of the Month for September and has earned ACC LB of the Week honors three times already this year. 

On the other side of the rivalry, Duke is coming off a strong start to the season, with a 4-1 record. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Elko, Duke has won the turnover battle in 12 of their last 18 games, leading to 115 points off those turnovers. Elko's record through his first 18 games is the best start to a head coaching stint in school history. 

This year's Blue Devils rank highly in both scoring offense and defense within the ACC. Their scoring offense ranks 6th with an average of 32.6 points per game, while their defense is leading the conference, allowing a mere 11.2 points per game. They are one of only two ACC schools averaging 30.0 points per game and allowing just 15.0 points per outing, with Miami being the other school achieving these impressive numbers.

All eyes are now set on Saturday night as these two longstanding rivals prepare for another intense and highly anticipated battle. The history, the records, and the proximity between the stadiums all contribute to making this a must-watch ACC matchup. The kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. and will be televised live by ACC Network.

Saturday Showdown: Barton Bulldogs Face Undefeated Lenoir-Rhyne Bears in Crucial SAC Matchup

This Saturday, the college football world's attention turns to Moretz Stadium in Hickory, North Carolina, as the Barton Bulldogs prepare to take on the undefeated Lenoir-Rhyne Bears in a highly anticipated SAC matchup. The clash will feature the two teams with the best overall records in the conference, setting the stage for a thrilling battle on the gridiron.

The Bears, currently boasting a perfect 6-0 record, will put their unblemished mark on the line as they aim to continue their remarkable winning streak. Not only are they on an eight-game winning streak, but their six consecutive victories in 2023 have propelled them to a strong position in the South Atlantic Conference.

Lurking just one game behind the Bears in the SAC standings is the Barton Bulldogs, who bring a commendable 5-1 record to Moretz Stadium. Their lone loss this season came at the hands of Mars Hill, but they are determined to make a statement and potentially seize the driver's seat in the conference with a win and the tiebreaker over Lenoir-Rhyne.

A win for the Bears would take them a significant step closer to clinching the Piedmont Division Championship, but the Bulldogs are poised to disrupt those plans with their strong performance this season.

The matchup is filled with intriguing storylines and streaks on the line. Lenoir-Rhyne has not only won its last six games but also the final two games of the 2022 season, which makes for an impressive eight-game winning streak. This streak currently ties them for the second-longest in all of NCAA Division II, with only Harding boasting a longer streak of 10 consecutive victories. Western Colorado, like the Bears, has also won eight straight.

Moreover, the 2023 season marks just the third time since 1970 that Lenoir-Rhyne has started with a perfect 6-0 record, showcasing their consistency and dominance on the field. Previous seasons with such a strong start came in 2014 and 2019.

Adding to the anticipation, Lenoir-Rhyne has a perfect 12-0 record against Barton in their history, a record that the Bulldogs are surely eager to change. This long-standing dominance has also translated into a seven-game winning streak in conference play, which ranks eighth in NCAA Division II.

In national rankings, Lenoir-Rhyne enters the game ranked No. 12 in the AFCA national poll and No. 13 in the d2football.com poll. The Bears have historically performed well when nationally ranked, with a record of 53-12.

At Moretz Stadium, their home field, the Bears have been particularly formidable when ranked, boasting a record of 29-5. This bodes well for their prospects in the upcoming game.

As the stage is set for this Saturday's showdown between the Barton Bulldogs and the undefeated Lenoir-Rhyne Bears, college football fans are in for an exciting clash that could have a significant impact on the South Atlantic Conference standings. With both teams showcasing impressive records and a hunger for victory, it promises to be a game that football enthusiasts won't want to miss.

New Bern struck first with a six-play, sixty-four-yard drive, all on the ground. Senior running back Chamir Wright capped off the drive with a twenty-two tard scamper around the left side of the line. The Bears looked to try and put the game away early after No’Tavien Green wrestled a pass from a Grimsley receiver and returned the interception into Whirlies territory. Aronne Herring punched it in five plays later to give New Bern a 13-0 lead.

A ninety-eight-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Terrell Anderson got the Grimsley on their feet and the Whirlies defense stepped up on the next drive, stopping the Bears for the first time on the evening. A five-play, fifty-one-yard drive, finished off with a thirty-yard Ryan Stephens rushing touchdown gave the Whirlies their first lead of the night. The lead was short-lived, though, as New Bern’s Chamir Wright found the end zone a second time, and the New Bern defense held on a fourth down to end the half.

After forcing a three-and-out to start the second half, Aronne Herring exploded on the next play, racing sixty-six yards for the score. Just like the first half, when it looked like New Bern was poised to take a three-score lead, the Grimsley defense stepped up again, forcing a fumble on a fourth down and returning into New Bern territory. Mitchell Summers’s six-yard score made it a one-score game going into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter began with a bang as New Bern quarterback Damaree Tucker ran the option keeper for a twenty-three-yard touchdown. In what seemed to be a pattern on the evening, the Bears were knocking on the door for a score again, but the Grimsley defense stuffed New Bern at the one-yard line. The Whirlies were ninety-nine yards away from the end zone, but undeterred. When Terrell Anderson got behind the New Bern defense and hauled in the Ryan Stephens pass, the junior receiver raced eighty-five yards for the score, keeping the Whirlies fans on the edge of their seats. New Bern had the final say, a thirty-six-yard score by Bears quarterback Tucker, his second of the night.

MVP – No'Tavien Green

Grimsley Def. MOP – Keshaun Jones

Grimsley Off. MOP – #22 Mitchell Summers

New Bern Def. MOP – KJ Sampson

New Bern Off. MOP – Aronne Herring

HICKORY – The Wingate University Bulldogs raced out to a 17-0 lead Saturday afternoon, then rallied late to pick up a huge 24-21 victory at #22 Lenoir-Rhyne in South Atlantic Conference football action at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Wingate improves to 8-1 overall and 6-1 in the SAC, while the Bears fall to 6-3 overall and 5-2 in the SAC. The victory sets up a huge matchup next weekend, with the Bulldogs hosting Newberry for a bid to the first-ever SAC championship game.

Wingate's Justin Rhodes Takes Down Lenoir-Rhyne QB Sean White Photo Credit: Dominigue Maneice

After the teams traded punts to open the game, the Wingate defense had a pair of TFLs to drive Lenoir-Rhyne back to its own 14. The punt was returned into Lenoir-Rhyne territory by J Max Swaim. Crocker hit Bryan for 15 yards to get the Bulldogs inside the Lenoir-Rhyne 30. Crocker's seven-yard run got Wingate inside the red zone. Crocker hit Desor for a 19-yard touchdown to put Wingate on top 7-0.

Wingate went 40 yards on 11 plays to set up a field goal early in the second. Matt Pack started the drive with a 15-yard run that got the Bulldogs into Bear territory. An Evans 35-yard field goal made it 10-0 with 10 minutes left. Wingate forced another three-and-out and went on a 12-play, 53-yard TD drive. Simmons got things started with his 25-yard punt return to the Wingate 47. Three straight Wilson runs set the Bulldogs up with a first down inside the 30. Corey Siemer's eight-yard run got Wingate inside the 10. Crocker converted a fourth and one with a two-yard run. On third-and-five, Crocker scrambled and pitched it to Martin, who ran it in from five yards out. Wingate led 17-0 with 1:50 to go. Lenoir-Rhyne got on the board when Sean White hit Malik Simmons for a 70-yard touchdown to make it 17-7 at halftime.

The third quarter saw the teams trade turnovers, with four interceptions in a span of six plays. Best picked off White to set Wingate up around midfield, but the Bears got it back two plays later. The Bears took over and a completion got them to the Wingate 18. Armwood was there with a huge interception in the end zone to get the ball back to the Bulldogs. Lenoir-Rhyne got it back on the next play, taking over at the Wingate 18. White hit Kelin Parsons for a seven-yard touchdown to make it 17-14 with 7:15 left in the third.

A 40-yard Evans punt was downed at the Lenoir-Rhyne two-yard line. The Bears answered with a 98-yard drive to take the lead. White hit Deondre Lester for a 14-yard touchdown to make it 21-17 with 9:42 remaining. Wingate's drive stalled, but an Evans 52-yard punt pinned Lenoir-Rhyne at the three. On the second play of the drive, Mosely picked off White and set Wingate up at the Lenoir-Rhyne eight. A penalty backed Wingate up, setting the Bulldogs up with a third and goal from the 10. Crocker found Grant in the back of the end zone to put Wingate back on top. An Evans extra point made it 24-21 with 4:29 remaining. Wingate forced a punt and took over at its own 17 with 2:26 to go. The Bulldogs could not get the first down, punting it back to Lenoir-Rhyne with 1:51 remaining. A 56-yard Evans punt set Lenoir-Rhyne up at its own 31. The Bears could not gain a yard on their final drive. Thomas broke up the first pass, while Gilmore had back-to-back break-ups to set up a fourth down. The fourth down throw fell incomplete, giving it back to Wingate with 1:15 remaining. The Bulldogs went into victory formation to secure the victory.

UP NEXT

Wingate hosts Newberry Saturday at 2 p.m.. The winner of that contest will host the SAC championship game on Nov. 12. Lenoir-Rhyne will hit the road and take on Catawba on Saturday at 2 p.m.

WINGATE ----For the ninth consecutive season and 19th time in 21 years under head coach Joe Reich, the Wingate University Bulldogs have started the season with a victory, jumping out to a 30-0 lead en route to a 30-7 victory over the visiting Shaw University Bears in NCAA Division II football action at Irwin Belk Stadium Thursday night. Wingate starts the season 1-0, while the Bears fall to 0-1.

THOUGHTS FROM HEAD COACH JOE REICH

"For a first game, it was fairly clean. We did some good things, executed some things really well. It was good to see. Obviously we made some mistakes and we've got plenty to work on, but for a first game, with the way it laid out, there were certain things we executed that we thought looked pretty good. I felt like we were hitting the throws we needed to make. Shaw has a veteran group on defense with a good front eight, that we figured would be tough to run against, but Nijere was able to get some yards, then we were able to roll some guys in during the first half. Defensively, our first group played really, really well, which was great to see. We have some things to clean up, but it was a solid first game. As a team, we probably play as many guys as anyone, regularly. We like to roll guys through, be fresh, keep everyone going, we feel it builds our program. Tonight we were able to go even deeper than usual, which was definitely a great thing for our guys."

NOTES

KEY STATS

KEY BULLDOGS

FIRST QUARTER

SECOND QUARTER

THIRD QUARTER

FOURTH QUARTER

UP NEXT

Although Western Carolina’s Donnavan Spencer found the end zone three times on the ground for the Catamounts, it was the Mercer run game that made the difference as the Bears played keep-away with the football all Saturday afternoon, running for over 300 yards and chewing more than forty minutes off the clock on their way to a 45-28 win.

Spencer, a former Vance standout, now has twenty career scores, inching him closer to a top ten spot in WCU history. Former Southern Guilford defensive tackle Roman Johnson, along with Ty Harris, both led the defense with eleven tackles each on the afternoon.