Courtesy: Lincoln Sports Information
UNIVERSITY, Pa. – The Lincoln University Lions (1-0) opened the 2014 season with a 30-18 victory over rival Cheyney University (0-1) at home in a televised game on Thursday, September 4th. Senior wide receiver Akeem Jordan set a career-high with 156 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions leading the Lions to the glorious win.
In his second season as head football coach at The Lincoln University, Ramon Flanigan has led his Lions to season-opening wins in the Battle of the Firsts rivalry with Cheyney University. Last year, the Lions defeated the Wolves 33-28.
Lincoln collected 357 total offensive yards after rushing for a solid 135 yards and 222 passing yards. Defensively, the Lions forced two interceptions in the final five minutes of the game to seal their second consecutive victory over Cheyney, improving to 12-2-1 in the series. The Wolves took a late 18-17 lead at the 8:22 mark in the fourth quarter after their second rushing touchdown of the night. With their backs against the wall, the Lions roared back with timely defensive plays. Senior defensive back Jacob Lockley intercepted the Cheyney offense at mid-field with 4:53 left in regulation giving his offense another opportunity to pull ahead.
Lincoln used a pair of rushes to lure the Cheyney defense for a third passing touchdown from 25-yards out by quarterback Doug Cook and Akeem Jordan. With a 23-18 advantage and 1:40 left to play, the Lincoln defense once again rose to the occasion forcing a second-straight Cheyney turnover.
In five plays, the Wolves offense gained 38 yards driving to the Lions 32-yard line in a final attempt for a score. The Lions defense applied pressure and sophomore Dezman Ellis picked off Cheyney for a 65-yard touchdown returned off of an interception. That was Ellis’ first career interception and also touchdown as a Lion. With 19-seconds remaining, Lincoln extended their lead to 30-18 downing Cheyney.
Lincoln moves to 1-0 in 2014 and will host North Carolina Wesleyan at home in their next game on Saturday, September 12th at 1 p.m.
