Hickory, N.C. – The Wingate University Football Team (4-0, 2-0) remained undefeated on the year after holding on to defeat Lenoir-Rhyne (1-3, 0-2), 22-14, Saturday night in a South Atlantic Conference game at Moretz Stadium.

The Bulldogs' Lawrence Pittman (Charlotte, N.C.) rushed for 127 yards on 37 carries and a score while Freddy McCollum (Sanford, N.C.) kicked three field goals in the win.

Lenoir-Rhyne – despite being outgained by a 434-257 margin in total offense – was in the contest until the last play of the game.  Sophomore quarterback Jarrod Kellar's (Shinnston, W.Va.) pass in the end zone fell incomplete as the Bears suffered their third straight loss to the Bulldogs.

Kellar passed for 186 yards while sophomore running back Nelson Brown (Salisbury, Md.) and freshman running back Xzavion Huff (Maiden, N.C.) both scored rushing touchdowns in the losing effort.

Wingate had balance on offense – 220 on the ground and 214 through the air – while quarterback James Whitaker (Roswell, Ga.) also threw for a score as the Bulldogs sustained, time-consuming drives (34:08-25:52 in time of possession) proved to be the difference.

Lenoir-Rhyne sophomore linebacker Clayton Horn (Mount Pleasant, N.C.) led all tacklers with 16 while sophomore linebacker Sherrod Williams (Edison, Ga.) added 13 takedowns including two for a loss in the setback.
 
Lenoir-Rhyne hits the road to take on Tusculum in Greeneville, Tenn., next Saturday, September 30, at 6:00 p.m., while Wingate hosts UNC Pembroke on Saturday, October 7, at 6:00 p.m.