HICKORY, N.C. (Sept. 7) – Saint Augustine's University (SAU) opened the 2019 football season with a 68-7 loss to nationally-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne University at Moretz Stadium on Saturday.

Quarterback Jalen Jones (Sr./Baltimore, MD) and wide receiver Kyle Levere (Jr./Anne Arundel Co., MD) provided the biggest highlight for the Falcons in the first quarter. Levere made a spectacular diving catch of a Jones' pass in the corner of the end zone for a 23-yard score. Andre Labat (Fr./Miami, FL) kicked the extra point.

The Falcons scored four plays after Jaelen Parker (Fr./Norristown, PA) recovered a fumble on a punt return at the Lenoir-Rhyne 43-yard line. The touchdown pulled SAU within 14-7 but the Bears, ranked eighth in the AFCA Coaches Top 25 Poll, pulled away from the Falcons.

SAU visits Mars Hill University in another non-conference contest on Saturday, Sept. 14. Game time is 1 p.m. in Mars Hill, N.C.