Boxscore

DURHAM, NC – Saint Augustine's College found its offensive rhythm in a 34-17 CIAA football victory over Lincoln (Pa.) Saturday at Durham County Stadium.

The Falcons hurt the Lions on the ground and through the air. Preseason All-CIAA player Tyron Laughinghouse (Sr./Greenville, N.C.) scored three touchdowns including two on pass catches, and Dennis Mathis (Sr./Hampton, Va.) gained 157 yards and scored one touchdown on 27 carries.

The Falcons gained 387 total offensive yards including 138 rushing yards, both season highs. It led to their first conference victory of the season and kept them in the race for the Southern Division title. The Falcons are 1-1 in the CIAA and 2-2 overall.

The Lions (1-2 CIAA, 1-3 overall) were sky-high after snapping a 13-game losing streak last weekend with a win over Virginia Union. The Falcons dashed any thoughts of another upset by scoring on their first three possessions in the opening minutes.

On the game's third play, Laughinghouse scored on a 37-yard pass from Teddy Bacote (Soph./Hampton, Va.). Alexander Tucker (Soph./Union, S.C.) kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead.

After the Falcons forced a punt, Laughinghouse scored again on a 58-yard punt return. Tucker's point-after-attempt was good, pushing the margin to 14-0. The Falcons added another touchdown when Bacote found Jermaine Jones (Redshirt Soph./Wilmington, N.C.) on a 70-yard scoring bomb. The two-play drive and Tucker's extra point gave the Falcons a 21-0 lead with 8:53 still left in the first quarter.

“We put points on the board early,” St. Aug Head Coach Michael Costa said. “That was important.”

The Falcons pushed the lead to 28-0 in the second quarter. Laughinghouse scored his third touchdown on a 32-yard pass from Bacote. Tucker punched in the extra point.

Laughinghouse finished the night with 197 all-purpose yards. He gained 98 yards on four receptions. Bacote threw for over 200 yards in his second consecutive game as starting quarterback. He was 10-for-20 for 249 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Falcons were on the verge of a blowout similar to last season's 52-21 victory over Lincoln. The Lions capitalized on St. Aug mistakes, however, to score 17 unanswered points late in second quarter. A punting miscue led to one touchdown and a fumble was returned for another Lions score. The Falcons' lead dwindled to 28-17 at halftime.

The Falcons turned to Mathis in the second half, and he responded with 93 yards on 14 carries in the last two quarters. His short run in the fourth quarter sealed the victory.

There were several notable highlights for the Falcons. Laughinghouse tied for the most touchdowns in a game by a Falcon since 2002. Mathis' rushing total is the fifth-highest by a Falcon since 2002.

Defensively, the Falcons held the Lions to 58 rushing yards. Linebacker Chaz Robinson (Soph./Hampton, Va.) led the way with 12 tackles and one interception. Defensive tackle Shonquez Nelson (So./Lake City, S.C.) added two sacks.

For the Lions, Doug Cook came off the bench early to complete 14 of 29 passes for 174 yards, one touchdown and one interception. LeAndre Davis grabbed three passes for 88 yards and Brucele Sterile had a game-high 12 tackles.

The Falcons hit the road next Saturday (Oct. 1) to face Fayetteville State in Fayetteville, N.C. Game time is 6 p.m.