Staff report

IRMO, S.C. — Livingstone shut out Allen here Saturday afternoon at Irmo High School’s Hawkins Stadium, 19-0 — the Blue Bears’ first victory in nearly two years.

Livingstone (1-1) last won on Oct. 15, 2016, a 23-12 decision over Shaw at home. Saturday’s win snapped a 14-game losing streak, as the Blue Bears went 0-10 last season.

Allen is a first-year program and the loss was its first official game. The Yellow Jackets had warmed up last week with a 47-3 win over a club team from Columbus State.

In the waning moments of yesterday’s contest, the Blue Bears doused defensive coordinator Rodney Hughey with Powerade. Hughey was filling in for head coach Daryl Williams, who missed the game for personal reasons.

“It’s great to get a win and it’s a testament to the kids, just doing what we asked them to do and I’m very, very proud of them for staying the course,” said Williams, by phone on Saturday night. “We’ve got a lot of young, new players, so it’s definitely a work in progress — but we’re pleased with that progress.”

The Blue Bears led at halftime, 10-0, on an 18-yard field goal from junior transfer kicker Antoine Akundu in the first quarter and a 48-yard punt return for touchdown from senior defensive back Gregory Hines in the second period.

Livingstone added a safety early in the third quarter when Allen’s Casey Salter recovered a fumble in his own end zone.

The Blue Bears then pulled away with 6:43 left in the third period when Justin Ruffin, of Salisbury, scored on a 2-yard run. The score was set up by a play from Livingstone defensive lineman Teyan Williams, who forced and recovered a fumble at the Allen 2-yard line.

Williams, a sophomore from Alexandria, Va., led the Blue Bears’ defense with six tackles, including one for a 7-yard loss. Defensive back Dominic Alexander had two pass interceptions and four tackles.

Raheem Coxfield, Devonte Adams and Armond Cox also had four tackles each for Livingstone.

On offense, the Blue Bears totaled 303 yards to 211 for Allen.

True freshman Miles Hayes started his second straight game at quarterback for Livingstone, completing 11 passes for 114 yards and running for 16.

Running back Marcus Baisy Jr. paced the Blue Bears’ rushing attack with 73 yards on eight carries, while Andrew Faraimo added 54, also on eight attempts.

DeAndre Vickers led the Livingstone receiving corps with two catches for 52 yards. Everett Ransom made three grabs for 21 yards.

Livingstone travels again next week, going to Jackson, Tenn., for a Saturday afternoon game at Lane College. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m., Central Standard Time.

The Blue Bears will have their home opener on Sept. 22, hosting Lincoln University at Alumni Memorial Stadium.