ELLENSBURG, Washington – A last-second field completed a 10-point comeback in the final three minutes for Central Washington, as the Lincoln football team dropped a 17-14 decision to the Wildcats on Saturday (Nov. 1).
With the game tied at 14 and 1:29 left in regulation, Lincoln had an opportunity to either drive within range of a winning-field or run down the clock. On third down, however, quarterback Owen Jordan was sacked while scrambling and lost control of the football. The Wildcats recovered at the Lincoln 34 with 23 seconds left.
Central Washington's quarterback ran for 12 yards down to the LU 22 on the first play after the turnover, but was tackled back on the 25 while trying to run the ball towards the center of the field. The Wildcats then called a timeout to try the game-winning kick. CWU's kicker had missed from 33-yards and 21-yards earlier in the game, but his kick from 41-yards with one second remaining went through the goalposts, allowing the Wildcats to complete their rally.
The contest, which was played 1,948 miles away from Jefferson City, was the longest road trip in Lincoln history, yet the Blue Tigers turned in their best road performance of the season. After being held to just 61 passing yards the week before, Lincoln got its air game going early against Central Washington. Jordan completed four passes, all to Khiry Draine, for 101 yards in that period, culminating in a 31-yard reception by Draine in the end zone for the first score of the game. Lincoln's lead would remain at 6-0, however, after a bad snap on the point-after try.
The Blue Tiger defense had a dominant first half, keeping the Wildcats off the scoreboard while holding Central Washington to just 78 yards and two first downs. Lincoln also forced two turnovers, with Kareem Joyner recovering a fumble and Robert Daniels intercepting a hail mary attempt at the end of the second quarter. Through the first two quarters, Central Washington had completed just six passes for 26 yards was held to 2-for-10 on third down conversions.
An offensive miscue, however, allowed the Wildcats to get back in the game. On third-and-seven on Central Washington's side of the field, Jordan attempted to hit a receiver in the middle of the defense, but was intercepted. CWU's Kevin Haynes made several players miss then ran straight down the sideline, eventually galloping 73 yards for a touchdown. That play, combined with the bad snap on Lincoln's extra point allowed the Wildcats to take a 7-6 lead into half time.
Lincoln (2-7) had opportunities to extend its lead in the first half, but penalties and the turnover were costly. The interception came after the Blue Tigers had marched down to the CWU 37, and Lincoln had two first downs in the second quarter taken away by offensive penalties.
Central Washington (5-4) started to gets its offense going in the third quarter, picking up eight first downs in that period and twice getting inside the Lincoln 20. On their first red-zone drive, the Wildcats got down to the LU 6, but a sack by Davon Walls on third down pushed CWU back to the 16. Central Washington attempted a 33-yard field goal, but it was no good. On Central Washington's next drive, the Wildcats advanced the ball down to the Lincoln four, but the Blue Tigers once again stopped them on third down. Central Washington once again lined up for a field goal, this time from 21-yards out. Once again the kick was no good, keeping it a 7-6 game through three quarters.
The tide turned back in the Blue Tigers' favor in the fourth quarter, thanks to some big running by Morris Henderson. The senior gained 66 yards on the ground on Lincoln's first drive of the final period, including picking up two big third-and-longs, the second of which resulted in a 17-yard touchdown run. Now leading 12-7, Lincoln opted to go for two, and Jordan found an open Delvon Rouser for the two-point conversion and a seven-point lead.
The Wildcats threatened to tie the game on the next drive, as Central Washington once again found its way down inside the Lincoln 10. This time CWU advanced to the LU 8, where a tackle on third down gave the Wildcats a fourth-and-one. Facing a touchdown deficit the Wildcats went for it, but Joyner and Jeremy Rives stopped the CWU runner for no gain to force a turnover on downs.
The Blue Tigers were only able to gain five yards on their next drive, giving the Wildcats one more chance with just under three minutes left in the game. This time, Central Washington made its drive count, starting with a 25-yard pass completion on second down. A 15-yard completion gave the Wildcats first-and-goal from the Lincoln four, and two plays later Central Washington converted on a quarterback keeper. The extra point was good, tying the contest at 14. That led to the final events of the game, with Central Washington kicking the game-winner with one tick left on the clock.
Jordan finished with 141 passing yards while Draine caught five passes for 110 yards and the score. Henderson rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries while Jordan rushed for 53 yards and Byron Williams gained 21 on the ground. Treston Pulley led the Lincoln defense with 12 tackles, including three for loss, while Joyner had 11 and Paul Dodson finished with eight. Julius Jackson added two tackles for loss.
The Blue Tigers will finish out their home slate next week as Lincoln hosts McKendree on Saturday (Nov. 8). Kick-off for the contest, which will also be Senior Day, is set for 1:00 p.m. CT.
Box Score
Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
COURTESY LINCOLN UNIVERSITY BLUE TIGERS ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
