HICKORY, NC -- UVA Wise scored late and were driving as time expired as Lenoir-Rhyne held on for the 23-10 South Atlantic Conference win at Moretz Stadium Saturday afternoon.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result: Lenoir-Rhyne 23, UVA Wise 10
Records: UVA Wise (1-6, 1-5 SAC); Lenoir-Rhyne (4-4, 3-3 SAC)
Location: Hickory, NC | Moretz Stadium
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Bears scored on their opening possession with L-R's Trey Brenton spearheading the drive, rushing for a total of 44 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown at the 10:28 mark. After their opening drive stalled, defensive efforts by UVA Wise's RaaPhell Mayes II and
Matt Strong were notable, with Mayes recording multiple tackles and contributing to a key defensive stop that led to a L-R intentional grounding penalty, That held the Bears to a field goal attempt, which they missed. The score was 7-0 at the end of the quarter.
- In the second quarter, UVA Wise advanced into Lenoir-Rhyne territory with a 30-yard pass from
Jake Corkren to
DJ Powell, followed by a 38-yard completion to
Peyton McClanahan. However, their drive stalled at the 1-yard line, resulting in a turnover on downs. Lenoir-Rhyne capitalized on the opportunity with a 99-yard drive, culminating in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Khamoni Robinson to Destun Thomas at 2:16. The Cavs responded on the ensuing drive with a 62-yard pass to
Kahlil Jones Jr., setting up a successful 28-yard field goal by
Noah Perrin with 30 seconds remaining. A late interception by
Brub Hines III halted the Bears' final drive, making the score 14-3 at the half.
- The Highland Cavaliers received the ball to open the third quarter, where
McCalan Beason connected with
Kahlil Jones Jr. for a 15-yard gain, picking up a first down.
Daniel Thomas added another first down with an 11-yard rush, but the drive stalled, leading to a punt by
Jake Marcantel. Lenoir-Rhyne responded with a series of short gains, highlighted by Khamoni Robinson's 11-yard completion to Alex Boyd for a first down. Boyd also had a significant 18-yard reception, moving the Bears into UVA Wise territory. The quarter ended with Lenoir-Rhyne advancing to the UVA Wise 11-yard line.
- The Bears scored an early touchdown by Alex Boyd, who rushed 11 yards into the end zone just eight seconds into the fourth quarter. A few minutes later, Lenoir-Rhyne's defense scored a safety, extending their advantage to 23–3. The Bears then got the ball again, but Strong's interception for the Cavaliers shifted momentum, leading to a drive that culminated in
McCalan Beason connecting with
DJ Powell for a 2-yard touchdown pass. After a successful extra point by
Noah Perrin, the score moved to 23-10. UVA Wise continued to fight back, with Beason completing a 30-yard pass to Powell in the closing seconds, advancing to Lenoir-Rhyne's 31-yard line. However, time expired before further progress could be made. The game concluded with the Bears securing a 23-10 victory.
GETTING WISE
-
McCalan Beason completed 16 of 27 passes for 239 yards and threw one touchdown, while
Jake Corkren was 3-6 for 72 yards.
-
DJ Powell recorded 10 receptions for 144 yards and scored a touchdown.
Peyton McClanahan had four catches for 72 yards, while Jones caught three passes for 75 yards.
- RaaPhell Mayes II led the team defensively with 13 tackles.
Brub Hines III contributed with an interception and a sack.
- The Cavs overcame a big first-half deficit to out-gain the Bears 358-307. They had 311 passing yards to 107 by L-R, but the Bears had the edge in rushing 140-47.
UP NEXT
The Cavs will make the short trip to face Carson-Newman at Burke-Tarr Stadium in Jefferson City, Tennessee, next Saturday at 3 p.m.
