- DIVISION II -

First-time starting QB leads Lenoir-Rhyne past Carson-Newman

Jalen Ferguson throws two TD passes in 24-7 victory

Published

September 23, 2023

Lenoir-Rhyne gave up an early touchdown but little else in a 24-7 win at Carson-Newman on Saturday. (Photo courtesy LRBears.com).

JEFFERSON CITY, TENN. – Lenoir-Rhyne gave up a big-play touchdown early against Carson-Newman but surrendered little else in a 24-7 road victory on Saturday.

The Bears, ranked 15^th and 17^th in the major NCAA Division II polls, improved to 4-0 overall, 2-0 against South Atlantic Conference opponents with its latest triumph. Carson-Newman is now 1-3.

Jalen Ferguson, making his first start at quarterback, accounted for all three Lenoir-Rhyne offensive touchdowns. He finished 16-of-24 passing for 215 yards.

The Bears have now won six straight against Carson-Newman and 11 of the last 12. Lenoir-Rhyne has outscored the Eagles 117-20 in the past three meetings.

Ferguson and the Bears turned their first possession into points Saturday, marching 75 yards in 10 plays. Ferguson punched it in from the one.

A busted coverage play by the Bears defense allowed Carson-Newman to even the score on its first series. Jaylen Myers hit Julius Cobbs for a 65-yard touchdown. But the Eagles would be fruitless on their next nine possessions, gaining just 146 yards the rest of the way.

Malik Simmons caught the first of two Ferguson touchdown passes, breaking free for a 29-yard score in the second quarter. The Bears took a 21-7 lead into the break after Kelin Parsons turned a Ferguson pass into a 16-yard touchdown play. Connor Lachesky set up that score by forcing a fumble and pouncing on the loose ball.

Jake Brown tacked on a 39-yard field goal in the second half for the final margin.

Dwayne McGee paced a solid rushing attack, finishing with a season’s best 123 yards on 15 totes. McGee has had success on Carson-Newman’s home turf, enjoying a 200-yard, five-touchdown game the last time he played there.

Songa Yates had five catches for 40 yards in the first half, and Parsons added three grabs for 38 yards. DeAree Rogers led all receivers with 53 yards.

James Ussery paced the defense with seven total tackles, while Andre Jefferson added five tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack.

Lenoir-Rhyne outgained Carson-Newman 412-211 for the game. The Bears will put their unbeaten record on the line next week at home against UVA Wise.