Strong Defense Powers Lincoln to Season-Opening Win

MEMPHIS, Tennessee - The defense tallied three sacks, made a pair of interceptions and pitched a shutout in the second half as the Lincoln football team earned a 10-7 win over Lane in the season opener for both programs on Saturday (Sept. 1).

The Blue Tigers had five tackles for loss and broke up three passes as Lincoln limited Lane to just 123 yards of total offense and nine first downs. Edwin Durassaint had an interception for Lincoln in the third quarter while Joseph Madrigal made the Blue Tigers' second pick late in the fourth, all but sealing the win with an interception on the Lincoln one-yard line.

Photo Gallery: Lincoln 10, Lane 7

BOX SCORE
Lincoln scored on its first drive of the season, as Fernando Ramirez booted a 44-yard field goal after the Blue Tiger defense helped set the offense up in tremendous starting field position with a sack by Steve Henderson. Hosea Franklin had a 13-yard run to start the drive, then later scored early in the second quarter on the Blue Tigers' second drive on a six-yard reception.

Lane hit a quick 74-yard touchdown pass on its ensuing possession, but the defenses took over from there. Lincoln was led by Amani Nelson with nine tackles, including one for a loss. Durassaint, Victor Williams, Chavon Gross, Isaiah Gray and JaJuan Chambers each made three tackles, with Gray also posting a sack and a fumble recovery.

Quan Mason also had a sack while Gross added a tackle for loss, and both players matched Will Sewelland Austin Harris with two tackles apiece. Thomas Burton broke up two passes, and Mason had a quarterback hurry.

Offensively, Henry Ogala completed 12 passes for 142 yards and the score, while Blake Tibbs led the receiving corps with six grabs for 86 yards. Terry Hunter led the rushing attack with 41 yards, including a big 16-yard gain late in the fourth quarter to help the Blue Tigers run down the clock. Ramirez, meanwhile, averaged 60 yards on three kickoffs.

The Blue Tigers will be back in action in less than a week, as Lincoln travels to Springfield, Mo. on Thursday (Sept. 6) to play Missouri State in a 6:00 p.m. CDT contest.

Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS