SALISBURY, N.C. — The Winston-Salem State University football team (0-4, 0-2) fell to Livingstone College (2-2, 2-0 CIAA), 21-13, Saturday evening at Alumni Memorial Stadium.
The Rams scored all 13 of their points in the first half, including 10 in the second quarter, before being held scoreless after halftime. WSSU finished with 129 rushing yards and recovered two Livingstone fumbles, but the Blue Bears scored 14 unanswered points in the third quarter to take control.
WSSU opened the game with a strong rushing attack, gaining 59 yards on the ground in the first quarter. Jayvion Danzy broke runs of 33, 13 and 13 yards on the Rams' opening drive, which ended with Gilberto Lorenzana connecting on a 39-yard field goal.
Livingstone responded with a 10-play, 52-yard scoring drive, capped by Maliq Staten's 1-yard touchdown run. The Blue Bears led 7-3 after the opening quarter.
The Rams controlled much of the second quarter, holding the ball for 11:39 while recording eight first downs and converting 3-of-5 third-down attempts. WSSU's defense limited Livingstone to no first downs, minus-2 rushing yards and 13 passing yards in the quarter.
Jamison Funderburk gave the Rams the lead with a 1-yard touchdown run, and Lorenzana added a 37-yard field goal to cap a 10-point second quarter. WSSU took a 13-7 advantage into halftime.
Livingstone responded coming out of the break, outscoring the Rams 14-0 in the third quarter. The Blue Bears totaled 83 rushing yards and 109 passing yards in the quarter, while WSSU managed one first down, 20 rushing yards and no passing yards.
The Rams' defense opened the second half with a red-zone stand that forced Livingstone into a missed 30-yard field goal, but the Blue Bears later found the end zone twice to take a 21-13 lead into the fourth quarter.
Neither team scored in the final quarter.
WSSU's defense continued to battle, holding Livingstone to 0-for-3 on third down and stopping the Blue Bears on fourth-and-1 at the WSSU 31 with 1:53 remaining. The Rams, however, were unable to mount a scoring drive, finishing the quarter with 23 passing yards and minus-18 rushing yards while committing two turnovers and allowing three sacks.
Danzy led the Rams on the ground with 76 yards on 14 carries. Funderburk added 51 rushing yards on nine carries, scored one touchdown and caught two passes for nine yards.
Chancellor Smith led WSSU defensively with 10 tackles.
Lorenzana finished 2-for-3 on field-goal attempts, including a long of 39 yards, and converted his lone extra-point attempt.
Up Next
The Rams return to action Saturday, Sept. 26, when they travel to Petersburg, Virginia, to face Virginia State University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
For more information on Winston-Salem State Athletics and its 12 varsity sports, visit wssurams.com.
