By Ricky Rogers
sports@salisburypost.com
The Livingstone defense forced six turnovers, but the offense continued to struggle Saturday as the Blue Bears fell 41-14 to the Bowie State Bulldogs in a CIAA contest.
Senior Justin Johnson took an interception back 51 yards for a touchdown midway through the third quarter and also had nine tackles to lead the defense. Senior Jerrell Gaynor recorded two interceptions and Kirkland Davidson added his second in two games.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Blue Bears put the first points on the board with 14:04 left in the second quarter as Jamel Moore scored on the ground from two yards out to put Livingstone up 7-0.
The score was set up by the defense as freshman Bobby Williams forced a fumble at the 50-yard line. Freshman Anthony Scott recovered the fumble and ran the ball back to the 13-yard line to set up the scoring drive.
The Blue Bears had their most productive day offensively of the season Saturday, totaling 132 yards. Sophomore quarterback Jaren Troutman started his first game and completed 10 passes for 73 yards. Moore led the team on the ground with 35 yards rushing.
But Bowie pushed through three touchdowns in the final 8:05 of the first half and Bowie took a 19-7 lead into the break.
Johnson’s interception for a touchdown came on Bowie’s first drive of the second half and cut the Bulldog lead to 19-14. Bowie State put home three more touchdowns in the third quarter to squash the Livingstone rally.
Freshman John Papilion was the leading receiver with 38 yards on four catches. Junior Wesley Jackson led the Blue Bears in tackles with 11 while sophomore Tyheim Pitt recorded 10.
Livingstone has its home opener against the Virginia-Lynchburg next week at 6 p.m.