No. 22 Langston Lions Open Season With 30-14 Win Over Lincoln

LANGSTON, Oklahoma -- The Langston Lions kicked off the 2017 campaign with a dominating 30-14 victory over Lincoln (Mo.) on Saturday, Sept. 2 at W.E. Anderson Stadium. This was the 64th annual Battle of the LU's between both schools.

Langston got on the scoreboard after quarterback Milton Harper (SR/Tulsa, Okla.) hit Taj Johnson (SO/Aurora, Colo.) for a 15-yard touchdown pass, capping a five-play 36-yard drive in the first quarter.

The Lions tacked on two more scores in the second quarter after Tyree Hanson scored on a two-yard run and defensive lineman Tyler Bess (SR/Hollis, Okla.) returned a fumble 61 yards for a touchdown to take a 20-0 lead into halftime.

On their opening drive of the third quarter the Lions again marched straight down the field, ending with Harper hitting Daylon Person (SO/Watts, Calif.) for a 45-yard touchdown pass to hold a commanding 27-0 lead at the 13:15 third quarter mark.

The first score for the Blue Tigers came courtesy of the defense when they blocked Jaylen Lowe's punt and returned it to the end zone to pull within 27-7 at the 9:23 mark; Langston countered with a 14-play, 56-yard drive which ended with Abraham Lueveano nailing a 19-yard field goal attempt to make it 30-7.

Lincoln collected the final score after Henry Ogala hit Miles Drummond for a six-yard touchdown to make it 30-14.

This is the second-straight season opening win for the Lions, with both victories coming again the Blue Tigers. Head coach Quinton Morgan improves to 13-2 overall as head coach.

In his first start under center at Langston, Harper finished nine-of-20 for 151 yards and two touchdown passes; Taj Johnson led the way on the ground with eight carries for 36 yards.

Michael Andrade (SO/New Orleans, La.) led the aerial attack with three catches for 30 yards.

Defensively, Jamarie Finnie led the Lions with six total tackles, five solo with a 1/2 sack, 3 1/2 tackles for loss and one forced fumble.

Langston (1-0) heads to Batesville, Ark. next weekend to face Lyon College. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.

Box Score

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY LIONS SPORTS INFORMATION