HICKORY, NC - Lenoir-Rhyne will begin conference play against Mars Hill University on the road this Saturday. The Bears come into the matchup with a 2-0 record, helped in part by a 38-17 defeat of Tiffin last week. Mars Hill will being playing in their first game since a 47-16 week-one loss to Delta State. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 p.m.
Notes:
Matchup History: Saturday's game will be the 51st meeting all-time between Lenoir-Rhyne and Mars Hill. The Bears lead the all-time series 25-24-1 and are currently on a three game winning streak. This weekend will be the first time these two conference rivals will face off against one another since the 2021 season, where the Bears prevailed in a 31-16 victory at Moretz Stadium. Lenoir-Rhyne has won seven of the last ten matchups and are seeking to improve their record at Meares Stadium to 9-13.
Opponent Profile: Mars Hill opened up their 2024 season on August 29th with a 47-16 loss to Delta State. The Lions' defense gave up over 500 yards of offense, but managed to force three turnovers against the Statesmen. JR Martin threw for 197 yards and two touchdowns while Jon Gullette led the Lions in rushing with 58 yards on ten attempts. Mars Hill struggled on third down only converting 25% (4-for-16). Mars Hill is coming off a strong season in 2023 finishing with a 8-2 (6-2 SAC) record. The Lions went undefeated at home, averaging 27.8 PPG on offense, while the defense held opponents to 13.0 PPG. Last season, JR Martin led the Lions in passing, throwing for over 1,900 yards and 16 touchdowns. Jon Gullette led the Lions on the ground rushing for 869 yards and four scores.
Tiffin Recap: Lenoir-Rhyne forced four turnovers last week in their 38-17 win over Tiffin University.
Chris Brown led the Bears on defense with a 68-yard pick-six and a fumble recovery on back-to-back plays.
JT Black led the team with five tackles, 1.0 TFL for 13 yards, one pass breakup, and a 75-yard fumble recovery. Offensively,
Jalen Ferguson went 16-for-27 for 148 yards and three touchdowns. Zayvion Turner Knox led the rushing attack with 65 rushing yards while
Songa Yates led the receivers with 67 receiving yards.
Milestones and Accomplishments: Chris Brown's 68-yard pick-six on Saturday is the first time the Bears have recorded a 65+ yard interception return since
Percy King's 80-yard return on November 6, 2021 vs. Barton.
Adonis McDaniel and
Aiden Heilmann each caught the first touchdowns of their careers against the Dragons.
Andre Jefferson recorded 1.0 TFL for 13 yards on Saturday to bring his TFL career total to 52 for 234 yards.
