Final Stats

Lincoln, PA- The Elizabeth City State University survived an upstart Lincoln University football team, edging the Lions 27-26 in a thriller before a Homecoming crowd at LU Stadium.

ECSU's defense surrendered only 250 yards to the feisty Lions (1-6, CIAA 0-4) but it would be two critical turnovers that swung momentum in Lincoln's favor.

Facing a 13-0 deficit in the second quarter, Wadel Louis was the beneficiary of an interception for a score near the ECSU goal line. He plucked a tipped ball out of the air and fell into the end zone for the Lions' first points of the day (PAT failed).

On ECSU's first drive of the second half, Tyahir Mitchell recovered a Viking fumble and scampered 68 yards for a score and the Lions took their first lead of the day 20-13.

The Vikings tied the game at 20 with 1:33 left in the third quarter.

The Lions appeared poised to get their first ever victory over ECSU when Akeem Jordan hauled in a 14 yard TD pass from Edward McKenzie with 13:15 left in the game. However Brett Arkelian again misfired on the point after attempt and the Lions led 26-20.

Both teams would go three and out on their ensuing drives. Then Petey Boone's second rushing TD of the day capped a 14 play, 69 yard drive and with Jeff Flores' PAT the Vikings took a 27-26 lead with three minutes left in the game.

After a touchback on the kickoff the Lions converted two first downs and made it to ECSU's side of the field. Facing 3rd and 8 at the Viking 40-yard line McKenzie's pass was picked off by Justin Beatty at the ECSU 5 and was returned 95 yards for what appeared to be a score. However the Vikings were whistled for an illegal block during the return and ECSU took over first and ten at their own 15 yard line with 1:10 remaining.

The Vikings sealed the game when Kenny King converted the Vikings' 3rd and 8 with a 34 yard rush to the 50 yard line. King finished the afternoon setting personal bests in both carries (26) and yards (161).

ECSU (3-4, CIAA 2-2) will return to Roebuck Stadium on Saturday, October 25 for Homecoming 2014 against Chowan University. Game time is scheduled for 1:30pm.