Blue Bears win on the road

Published 9:10 pm Saturday, September 12, 2015

Staff report

LYNCHBURG, Va. — Livingstone scored early and often, led 31-0 at halftime, and went on to a convincing 48-19 victory here Saturday over Virginia University-Lynchburg.

Coming off of last week’s season-opening win at Benedict, 49-6, the Blue Bears wasted no time in taking a 7-0 lead on the Dragons. Running back Jarius Richardson, who rushed for 82 yards against Benedict, had yesterday’s first score on a running play.

Senior kicker Leonardo Manzo booted a 27-yard field goal later in the first period for a 10-point lead.

In the second quarter, Livingstone’s dynamic duo — quarterback Drew Powell and wide receiver Jalen Hendricks — got into their rhythm.

Powell scored a 10-yard run and then the senior QB connected with Hendricks on two scoring passes, one for 26 yards and another for 20.

The Blue Bears took the 31-0 lead into the locker room at halftime, paving the way for some of the reserves an opportunity for playing time in the second half.

“We started a little slow, but we did what we were supposed to do — come up here and get a win,” said Livingstone head coach Daryl Williams. “We got some reps and kept improving. Any type of win, we’ll take it.”

In the third period, the teams traded touchdowns and Livingstone held a 38-7 lead.

The Blue Bears’ defense allowed two touchdowns to Va.-Lynchburg in the final period, but Livingstone also scored twice itself.

Manzo kicked his second field goal of the game, a 37-yarder, and backup quarterback Isaiah Laster (West Rowan) had a 35-yard TD pass.

While the Blue Bears committed less penalties than last week, Williams said that he was “displeased” with the effort of the offensive line.
“We’ll work a little harder this week at practice to correct the effort situation,” said Williams. “Talent can be hit or miss but effort can show up every day. We’ll have more effort, I can assure you of that.”
Livingstone’s home opener will be next Saturday at Alumni Stadium, hosting the West End Classic. Central International University will be the opponent for the 1 p.m. kickoff.
Central International, like Virginia-Lynchburg, does not meet NCAA criteria for a countable game. The statistics and win or loss from either game is not considered official.