HICKORY, N.C. - Despite an valiant comeback effort, the Lenoir-Rhyne football team fell 35-28 to Anderson on Saturday afternoon. The Trojans used 291 yards on the ground and two interceptions to spoil what was a gorgeous afternoon in Hickory.
"This was a disappointing loss. We didn't take advantage of our opportunities in the second ahlf and could never regain momentum." - Head Coach
Doug Socha.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Anderson 35, Lenoir-Rhyne 28
Records: Anderson (5-2, 3-2 SAC), Lenoir-Rhyne (3-4, 2-3 SAC)
Location: Hickory, N.C. | Moretz Stadium
STORY OF THE GAME:
- The Bears ate up over eight minutes of clock on their opening drive, which ended in a Zion Agnew five-yard receiving touchdown.
- Anderson answered quickly with a touchdown of their own.
- Khamoni Robinson and Agnew hooked up again for their second touchdown of the quarter, this time a 55-yard completion just three plays into their next drive.
- Mistakes cost the Bears in the second quarter, as two interceptions led to two 99-yard scoring drives from the Trojans, giving them a 21-14 lead at the break.
- The Trojans went up two scores thanks to a touchdown on their first drive of the second half.
- Redshirt freshman Trey Brenton kept the game within reach, scoring the first touchdown of his career to make it 28-21 Trojans.
- Anderson took advantage of two Lenoir-Rhyne turnover on downs, going up 35-21 with 4:17 left in the game.
- Tye Roberson broke out for a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown following the Anderson score, making it a one touchdown game.
- A big defensive stop gave Lenoir-Rhyne life, but their final drive was stopped short at midfield.
STATS OF THE GAME:
- Khamoni Robinson finished 20-for-34 with two touchdowns and two picks.
- Trey Brenton, who had 75 career rushing yards going into this game, broke out for 107 yards and a score.
- Zion Agnew led the receivers with four catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Songa Yates had five catches for 37 yards.
- Captain Tre'von Cooper was the team leader with eight tackles and 1.0 TFL. Maddox Aprile was just behind with seven tackles and 0.5 sacks.
- Tye Roberson finished with 181 kickoff return yards, just 18-yards shy of the school record of 199 set by Scott Walker in 1990.
- Royce Turner grabbed his third interception of the year with a pick in the third quarter.
- Anderson's Bryson James ran all over the Bears, finishing with 221 yards and three scores.
- The Trojans out gained the Bears 479-389 on offense, despite running nine fewer plays (64-55).
BEYOND THE STATS:
- The Bears recorded zero punts in this game after having just one in last year's contest vs. Anderson.
- Trey Brenton was the fifth Bear to record a rushing touchdown this season.
- Roberson's 98-yard kickoff return touchdown was the first for a Bear since Ryan Carter against Limestone in 2022.
- Anderson's Bryson James has just three 100-yard games in his career, with two coming against the Bears.
Lenoir-Rhyne turns their focus to next week's homecoming contest vs. UVA Wise. The Cavaliers and Bears have played just four times, with LR holding a 3-1 lead. Their last meeting ended in a 56-3 win for the Bears in 2023. UVA Wise, who sits at 1-5 (1-4 SAC), defeated South Carolina Central Christian 65-0 in a non-countable game this afternoon. Kickoff for next week's homecoming contest is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.