Winston-Salem State Pulls Away, Holds Off Lincoln (PA) for 21-14 Victory

_{image via Garrett Garns}

Winston-Salem State used a special-teams touchdown and two third-quarter scoring plays to defeat Lincoln University (PA), 21-14, on Saturday, October 24.

The Rams overcame a 7-0 first-quarter deficit, scored 21 unanswered points and held off a late Lincoln rally to secure the seven-point victory.

Lincoln struck first when Malory Pinkney scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with 5:58 remaining in the opening quarter. Armando Avril added the extra point to give the Lions a 7-0 lead.

Winston-Salem State answered in the second quarter with a momentum-changing special-teams play. Daunte Stokes returned a punt 36 yards for a touchdown with 4:07 remaining before halftime. Gilberto Lorenzana converted the extra point to tie the game at 7-7.

Rams Take Control in the Third Quarter

Winston-Salem State seized control after halftime with two touchdowns in the third quarter.

Quarterback Brayden Jeffries connected with Sean Walker Jr. for a 75-yard touchdown pass just 2:30 into the quarter. Lorenzana’s extra point put the Rams ahead 14-7.

The Rams extended their advantage to 21-7 when Jamison Funderburk scored on a 2-yard touchdown run with 2:07 remaining in the third quarter. Lorenzana again converted the extra point, capping a stretch of 21 consecutive points for Winston-Salem State.

Lincoln continued to battle and made a push in the fourth quarter. Rhyel Miles-Eubanks found Kyrie Tyson for a 29-yard touchdown pass with 4:40 remaining. Avril’s extra point cut the deficit to 21-14.

However, the Lions could not find the equalizer, and Winston-Salem State held on for the win.

Winston-Salem State Makes the Most of Its Opportunities

Lincoln finished with advantages in first downs and time of possession but could not translate those opportunities into enough points.

The Lions recorded 18 first downs compared with 13 for the Rams and controlled possession for 36:17, more than 12 minutes longer than Winston-Salem State’s 23:43.

Lincoln also ran 74 offensive plays to Winston-Salem State’s 50. Despite the difference in volume, the Rams finished with a slight edge in total offense, gaining 292 yards to Lincoln’s 283.

Winston-Salem State’s explosive plays proved decisive. The Rams averaged 5.8 yards per play compared with Lincoln’s 3.8, with Walker Jr.‘s 75-yard touchdown reception providing the game’s biggest offensive play. Stokes’ punt-return touchdown also gave the Rams a crucial score without requiring their offense to take the field.

The Rams finished with 235 passing yards and 57 rushing yards. Jeffries’ touchdown connection with Walker Jr. accounted for their lone passing touchdown, while Funderburk supplied the team’s rushing score.

Lincoln accumulated 187 passing yards and 96 rushing yards. Miles-Eubanks’ touchdown pass to Tyson helped the Lions make the final score respectable, but their comeback ultimately fell short.

Defensive Efforts and Key Numbers

Both teams recorded one interception. Winston-Salem State’s defense also collected three sacks for 18 yards lost, while Lincoln recorded one sack for 10 yards.

The Lions converted six of 17 third-down attempts, while the Rams converted just one of nine. Lincoln’s ability to sustain drives helped it control the clock, but the Rams’ defense made enough plays to protect the lead.

Turnovers were relatively even, with each team losing one fumble and throwing one interception. Lincoln was also penalized eight times for 58 yards, compared with five penalties for 35 yards for Winston-Salem State.

Ultimately, the Rams’ ability to create points through special teams and capitalize on explosive offensive plays made the difference in a competitive CIAA matchup.

Scoring Summary

Team Statistics