Fayetteville St. thumps Livingstone, 45-7

Published 7:38 pm Saturday, October 27, 2018

Staff report

FAYETTEVILLE — Fayetteville State scored early and often here Saturday, on its way to a 45-7 CIAA victory over Livingstone.

The win was the Broncos’ fifth straight and moves their record to 6-1 overall and 5-0 in the conference. Livingstone, losers of five in a row, falls to 2-6 and 0-5.

With its top three quarterbacks injured, Livingstone started sophomore Ryan Williams under center. Williams has seen limited action but did start one game last season.

But Williams and the offense had little success moving the football against the stout FSU defense, gaining just 129 total yards. Williams completed 14 of 26 passes for just 94 yards. He passed for a 22-yard touchdown to Anthony Faraimo in the fourth quarter but also tossed two interceptions.

Meanwhile, the Blue Bears’ rushing attack could never get going on Saturday. In 33 attempts, Livingstone netted just 35 yards. Andrew Faraimo led the way with 28 yards on six carries.

FSU quarterback Collyn Anderson enjoyed a big day, competing 13 of 23 passes for 280 yards and three TDs. He also ran seven times for 42 yards.

Running back Stevie Green rushed for 45 yards, including a 4-yard run for the first touchdown, just two minutes into the game. By the end of the first quarter, FSU had scored two more TDs and led, 21-0.

Anderson fired a 43-yard scoring pass to Brandon Smith in the second period and the Broncos led at halftime, 28-0.

Tyeous Sharpe returned a Livingstone punt for a 62-yard touchdown early in the third quarter as FSU built a commanding 35-0 lead. After a field goal by Broncos’ kicker David Lamb, Livingstone opened the fourth period with Williams’ scoring pass to Anthony Faraimo.

Anderson connected with Johnnie Glaspie on a 51-yard TD pass to close out the scoring with 6:48 left in the game.

Keshawn Ward led the Livingstone defense with eight tackles, followed by Walter Watkins and Armond Cox with seven stops each.

Next Saturday, Livingstone travels to Johnson C. Smith for the annual Commemorative Classic, scheduled for a 1 p.m. kickoff in Charlotte.