LINCOLN, Pa. – The Elizabeth City State University football team came up short late after cutting into a 14-point fourth quarter deficit, 21-20 to Lincoln University (PA) during the Lions' Homecoming. 

With the loss, the Vikings fall to 1-4 overall, 0-3 in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association; while Lincoln improves to 1-6 overall and 1-3 in the CIAA.

Freshman wideout Zion Riddick (Ahoskie, NC) sparked Elizabeth City with an 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown with 1:54 remaining in the first half. The defense were able to bounce back after the half and hold Lincoln (PA) scoreless in the second half. 

Senior wideout Daquan Greene hauled in a 20-yard touchdown pass for the Vikings from freshman quarterback Ezekiel Best to open the fourth quarter. Sophomore wideout Brandon Joyner also recorded a touchdown for Elizabeth City State in the fourth with 5:35 remaining in the game, but a missed field goal by freshman placekicker Jason Monstra capped the 21-20 victory for the Lions.

Senior running back Deshon Saunders led the Vikings rushing with 76 yards on seven carries. Greene hauled in six receptions for 66 yards; including a touchdown. Junior defensive tackle Shawn Bridges led ECSU defensively with eight total tackles; including six tackles for a loss, two sacks and a forced fumble.  

Lincoln jumped out front with a two touchdown deficit going into the second quarter, before connecting on a 49-yard bomb from quarterback Vincent Espinoza to Reginald Mays with 2:09 remaining in the first half. 

The Vikings recorded 18 first downs, 127 total rushing yards, and 149 total passing yards; while holding Lincoln (PA) to just 13 first downs, 123 total rushing yards, and 122 total passing yards. Elizabeth City State gained a total of 276 total yards from scrimmage throughout the contest; while gifting the Lions 245, despite the loss. 

ECSU will host Chowan University Saturday, Oct. 20 for its Think Pink Game in Roebuck Stadium at 1:00 p.m. We are asking ALL Vikings to wear something pink to pink out Roebuck Stadium for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Follow Elizabeth City State Athletics via its official website at: www.ecsuvikings.com to get pre and post-game stories and updates. Like us on Facebook at: ECSU Athletics and follow us on twitter at: @ECSUVikings


 

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