HICKORY, N.C. - The Lenoir-Rhyne Bears dropped a tight 15-7 contest to Mars Hill on Saturday evening, dropping their record to 2-2 on the year (1-1 SAC).
Following an hour and 20 minute rain delay late in the fourth quarter, the Bears had a chance to tie the game, but a Mars Hill interception sealed the upset.
"Have to coach better, said head coach
Doug Socha. "A lot of self inflicted mistakes, penalties, and turnovers. Lack of run game on offense sticks out and missed tackles on defense."
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Mars Hill 15, (RV) Lenoir-Rhyne 7
Records: Mars Hill (3-0, 2-0 SAC), Lenoir-Rhyne (2-2, 1-1 SAC)
Location: Hickory, N.C. | Moretz Stadium
STORY OF THE GAME:
- Mars Hill opened the game by interception Lenoir-Rhyne quarterback Wells Bettenhausen on the Bears' first drive of the game.
- The Lions threatened late in the first, but Christian Santana made a big stop on fourth down to keep the game scoreless after one.
- Mars Hill scored 12 points in the second quarter on a touchdown, field goal, and safety.
- For the second week in a row the Bears were held scoreless in the first half, this time rushing for -5 yards.
- The Bears put together two solid drives in the third quarter, but penalties forced punts on both.
- Mars Hill kicked a field goal in the third quarter and led 15-0 heading into the final frame.
- Just when rain was starting to fall, Bettenhausen connected with Shermon Davis for an 86-yard touchdown pass to cut into the lead.
- Lightning forced an hour and 20 minute delay with just over five minutes left in the game.
- Following the delay the Bears got a big stop, but their ensuing drive was halted with an interception in the red zone.
STATS OF THE GAME:
- Wells Bettenhausen was 21-for-41 with 296 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
- Mikel McClellan led the receiving core with 11 catches for 143 yards.
- LJ Turner was tops on the team with 46 rushing yards on an average of 5.1 yards per carry.
- KJ Whitehead led the team with eight tackles. Christian Santana finished with four tackles, three QBH, and a sack.
BEYOND THE STATS:
- The Bears avoided being shut out for the first time since 2016.
- Lenoir-Rhyne leads the all-time series 27-25-1. This win breaks up a five game win streak for the Bears.
- Tye Roberson broke off for a 48-yard kickoff return in this game, his longest of the season.
Up Next: Lenoir-Rhyne will travel to Anderson next Saturday for a matchup with the Trojans. Anderson is 3-1 (2-0 SAC) and defeated Tusculum 14-7 earlier today. Kickoff for Saturday's contest is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
