- DIVISION II -

That’s more like it: Wingate defense dominates Emory & Henry

Bulldogs pick off three passes, snap two-game losing skid

Published

September 23, 2023

Corey Siemer rushed for a touchdown, helping Wingate beat Emory & Henry 31-10. (Photo by Garrett Elder / courtesy Wingate University athletics).

Wingate picked off three passes, recovered a fumble and recorded six quarterback sacks en route to a decisive 31-10 South Atlantic Conference victory at Emory & Henry on Saturday.

The win ends the Bulldogs (2-2, 1-1 SAC) two-game losing skid. Emory & Henry drops to 2-2, 0-2 in the league.

Dequan Mosley returned an interception 57 yards for one of Wingate’s touchdowns. That play put the Bulldogs up 24-3 in the third quarter.

Jaheim Mullen picked off another pass, recovered a fumble, broke up a throw and recorded four tackles. Adonis Henderson had Wingate’s third interception.

Marquise Fleming and Jonathen Cross spent a lot of time in Emory & Henry’s backfield. Fleming had three tackles for loss with a sack, while Cross recorded 2.5 sacks. Darius Randolph had two TFLs and a half-sack. Dontorian Best made six tackles, while Tre Morrison forced a fumble and got in on five stops.

Emory & Henry managed just 174 yards of total offense and 12 first downs.

It was a very Wingate-like win for a team that dominated NCAA Division II in total defense a year ago. But the Bulldogs also enjoyed some big-play offense as well on Saturday.

Brooks Bentley completed touchdown passes of 38 and 42 yards to Tremel Jones. Corey Siemer ripped off a 40-yard carry in the second quarter that set up his five-yard TD run. Siemer finished with 64 yards on the ground.

Bentley completed 12-of-19 throws for 182 yards. O’Brian Barnett added 59 rushing yards and 38 receiving yards. Kyron Thomas provided 65 kick-return yards.

Kicker Caleb Bonesteel hit a 34-yard field goal and made all four PAT attempts. Mason Suber punted eight times for a 38.8-yard average.