- Posted in All University
- Category: AthleticsCampus News
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. – As the clock ticked away and the rain steadily cascaded from the sky, the excitement on the field was palpable as the Lincoln University football snapped a 19-game losing streak with a 17-14 Homecoming victory over Elizabeth City State University Saturday at Red Raider Stadium, Coatesville, Pa.
Ironically, it was a case of déjà vu for the Lions as the last Lincoln victory came in 2019 against Elizabeth City State, on Homecoming.
The victory was historic as for the first time since bringing back football in 2011, two players rushed for at least 100 yards in the game. In his first start, junior Samuel Jordan (Shamong, N.J./Seneca) gained 113 yards on 27 carries, while freshman quarterback Andrew Banks (Atlanta, Ga. /Mays) added 100 yards on 17 carries and a pair of touchdowns. Banks finished 4-of-11 for 55 yards and two interceptions.
Special teams set up the eventual game-winning touchdown when freshman Jesse Jackson (Washington, D.C./Dunbar) forced a fumble in the end zone on a punt attempt, and the bouncing ball was recovered on the two-yard line by junior Roosevelt Jordan (Shamong, N.J./Seneca). In the very next play, Banks was diving into the end zone, giving Lincoln the 17-7 lead early in the third quarter.
While Elizabeth City State had the quick answer on the ensuing drive to pull to within three, the Lions' defense kept the Vikings from taking the lead.
Lincoln took the lead with a nine-play, 64-yard drive on its second possession of the game, capped by a one-yard touchdown from Banks.
A special teams miscue set up the Vikings in plus territory, and ECSU capped a five-play, 42-yard drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to even the game with 8:33 remaining.
It was the last time the Vikings had the ball in the first half.
Lincoln methodically matriculated the ball down the field, covering 63 yards on 13 plays – all rushes. While the drive didn't end in a touchdown, freshman Samuel Okezie-Imo (Owings Mills, Md. /New Town) converted his third field goal of the season – connecting from 27 yards to give LU the halftime lead.
Defensively, junior Devon Cathcart (Chicago, Ill./Thornton Fractional South) led the way with eight tackles, five of which were solo, with a half tackle for loss and a pass breakup. Junior Andre Williams (Philadelphia, Pa./Neumann-Goretti) and R. Jordan added five tackles and two pass breakups in the victory.
Lincoln (1-6 overall, 1-3 CIAA) plays travels to Virginia State 1 p.m. Saturday.
