Box Score RALEIGH, N.C. –
Michael Lima (Sr./Miami, FL) booted three field goals including a University record 49-yarder and
Claytin Lewis (Fr./Raleigh, NC) scored on a long kickoff return as Saint Augustine's University enjoyed a satisfying 16-9 CIAA football win over crosstown rival Shaw University at a packed
George Williams Athletic Complex on Senior Day Saturday, November 8, 2014.
The Falcons are 2-0 against Shaw at the
George Williams Athletic Complex. Two years ago, the contest between the archrivals was decided on the final play. On Saturday, the Falcons relied on the strong leg of Lima, the speedy legs of Lewis and a stout defense.
Lima was one of several seniors who stood out on Senior Day.
John'ta Cooper (Sr./Cairo, GA) became the University career interceptions leader when he came down with the ball on a fourth-down desperation floater to seal the win. He finished his collegiate career with 10 interceptions.
Carlton Butts (Sr./Thomasville, GA) was all over the field with a game-high 11 tackles including three for loss. Defensive lineman
Nigel Crawford (Sr./Washington, DC) manhandled the Bears' blockers at the scrimmage line on his way to seven tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks.
The trio of Butts, Crawford and Cooper led a defense which held Shaw to 241 total offensive yards, tallied four sacks and recorded three interceptions in their best performance of the season. The point total was the lowest for an opponent this season.
"This was really sweet for the seniors," SAU Interim Head Coach
Michael Morand said. "They've been working hard and doing exactly what I've been asking them to do. They received their biggest fruits of labor at the end of the season by beating their biggest rival. I am just happy and excited for the kids because it is all about them. I'm thankful for God, [Interim] President [Everett B.] Ward and [Athletic Director George] Williams for giving me the opportunity to lead these young men."
The seniors were inspired by the pre-game ceremony. Eleven seniors were honored including tight end
Kyle Mackie (Charlotte, NC), offensive lineman
Desmin Moore (Fairburn, GA), defensive lineman
Michael Oliver (Washington, DC) defensive back
Cyrano Parsons (Teaneck, NJ), offensive lineman
Martize Smith (High Point, NC), offensive lineman
Ruben Velazquez (Rock Hill, SC) and team manager Bre'a Davis (Franklin, LA) in addition to Butts, Crawford, Cooper and Lima.
The Falcons led 6-3 at halftime courtesy of Lima. His 25-yarder knotted the score at 3-3 in the first quarter and his record-breaking 49-yarder in the second quarter put the Falcons ahead 6-3.
After an exhilarating performance by the Falcons' Superior Sound Marching Band at halftime, Lewis provided even more fireworks when the speedy freshman returned the opening kickoff 92 yards for the game's first touchdown. Lima's extra point stretched the Falcons' lead to 13-3.
Lima added another field goal, this time from 28 yards, to make the score 16-3 in the fourth quarter. The Falcons were cruising to victory but the Bears didn't go away quietly. A 40-yard fumble return for a touchdown put Shaw back in the game at 16-9 with 4:23 left.
The home fans were nervous when the Bears forced a punt and gained possession in Falcons' territory near midfield. But the Falcons played their best defensive series of the season.
Butts stuffed a run play for a one-yard loss and linebacker
Elijah Evans (Redshirt Jr./College Park, GA) stopped a pass play for a seven-yard loss. On third down, freshmen defensive linemen
Teoz Mauney (Salisbury, NC) and
Darius Goodman (Richmond, VA) teamed up for a sack. Needing 27 yards for a first down, Trey Folston of the Bears threw a fourth-down bomb downfield which Cooper picked off.
Even with the interception, the game wasn't over yet. With four seconds left, N'Gal Tillman of Shaw returned Lima's punt 40 yards inside Falcons' territory. Tillman had running room but was tackled at the SAU 20 with no time remaining, much to the delight of the Falcons' fans.
In addition to the seniors, several other Falcons stepped up Saturday.
Roderick Davenport (Redshirt Jr./Orangeburg, SC) ended the season as the CIAA rushing champion after gaining 112 yards. He is the second player in University history to crack the 1,000-yard mark for a season. His season rushing total of 1,133 yards is the second highest in University history.
Lewis gained 156 all-purpose yards including 64 yards on five receptions.
Jamal Parker (Redshirt So./Hampton, VA) added five catches for 44 yards.
On defense, the trio of cornerback
Denzel Watkins (Jr./Troutman, NC) and defensive linemen
Chasz Cosby (Fr./Charlotte, NC) and Goodman had six tackles each. Goodman finished with two tackles for loss including 0.5 sacks. Defensive backs
Dezmon Hopkins (So./Manassas, VA) and
Anthony Tucker (Fr./Garner, NC) each recorded an interception.
For Shaw, Marquise Grizzle gained a game-high 165 yards on the ground. Roland Green led the Bears with eight tackles including three tackles for loss.
The Falcons finished the season 3-4 in the CIAA and 3-7 overall. The Bears dropped to 2-5 in the CIAA and 3-7 overall.