Hickory, N.C.– Limestone University’s football team was stopped short on a last-minute two-point conversion that enabled No. 16-ranked Lenoir-Ryne to escape with a 21-19 victory at Moretz Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 26.
The Saints move to 5-3 overall and 4-2 in the South Atlantic Conference, while the home-standing Bears improve to 5-1 and 5-1, respectively.
Limestone pulled to within two with 1:14 left in the fourth quarter as running back Preston Lounds bulled his way in from two yards. The two-point conversion run was stopped short to provide the final score.
Starting quarterback Dustin Noller missed his first start of the season with an injury. Back-up Jayden Stinson finished the day going 16-for-27 through the air for 191 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He also had five carries for 15 yards.
With 7:28 to go in the first quarter, kicker Daniel Deneen Jr. put the Saints on the scoreboard first with a 24-yard field goal that gave Limestone a 3-0 advantage. With 2:35 remaining in the initial quarter, Stinson connected with Herman McCray on an eight-yard touchdown pass to push the Saints’ lead to 10-0.
Lenoir-Rhyne‘s offense answered quickly in the second quarter when quarterback Jalen Ferguson completed a pass to the left to connect on a 10-yard slant to Tye Roberson for the team’s first points in the game. Jake Brown’s extra point cut the Bears’ deficit to 10-7.
Late in the second quarter, Ferguson hit Songa Yates in the middle of the field for a 23-yard touchdown to give the Bears their first lead of the game. Brown connected on the point after to put Lenoir-Rhyne in front, 14-10. Limestone made the halftime score 14-13 when Dennen nailed a 25-yard field goal.
The third quarter went scoreless as each team‘s defense made multiple stops. The Bears got back on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter after Ferguson completed a five-yard pass to Roberson who fumbled at the Saints’ two-yard-line, and Adonis McDaniel was able to dive on the loose ball in the end zone for a touchdown. The PAT put the Bears in front 21-13 with 14:48 left in regulation.
Limestone‘s final drive started with 2:20 remaining, and Lounds’ touchdown capped a six-play, 67-yard scoring drive. After the failed two-point conversion by Tre Williams, the Saints’ onside kick attempt was recovered by the Bears who would go on to run out the clock.
Kevin Lalin led Limestone’s rushing attack on the day as he collected 162 yards on 22 attempts. Mikey Jones was the top wide receiver for the Saints with five receptions for 66 yards. On the defensive side, Luke Janack finished the game with eight solo tackles, five assisted tackles, and one forced fumble.
Up Next: Limestone will stay on the road as it travels to Newberry on Saturday, Nov. 2, for a 4 p.m. South Atlantic Conference showdown.
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