Cheyney University fell to Lincoln University in the "Battle of the Firsts"; the season opener for both teams, 30-18 before a sold out crowd at Lincoln Stadium.  It was the first time the Lions won a game in played in the stadium. 

Cheyney overcame a 10-0 halftime deficit with a rally in the second half but could not hold on to give Coach Anthony Johnson his first victory as a head coach.  "It was a tough fought game.  There were a lot of mistakes," commented Coach Johnson.  "We will get back to the film room and practice field and dissect tonight's effort. Next week we are facing a tougher opponent.  We need to eliminate the mental mistakes we had a lot of penalties."  

With 8:22 to go in the game, Justin Watkins scampered up the middle 11 yards for a touchdown.  The Wolves then called Watkins number on a two point conversion around left tackle to give Cheyney an 18-17 lead.  Watkins ended the game as the Wolves leading rusher with 89 yards on 11 carries.  It was CUs first lead of the night. 

However, the Lions tandem of Doug Cook to Akeem Jordan proved too much as the duo teamed up for the third time to put Lincoln on top 23-18.  The Wolves were able to march down the field in the waning minutes only to throw an interception which was converted to a pick six to ice the game.  Cook threw for 222 yards with 156 of those going to Jordan.  Three of Jordan's six receptions were for touchdowns. 

The game opened with the Lions drive stalling and the Wolves defense holding strong on a fourth a one.  Cheyney took over and had a long sustained drive that ate up over eight but was forced to punt, pinning the Lions on their own 14. 

Lincoln scored the game's first points on a 22 yard field goal their first possession of the second quarter.  Cheyney started their ensuing drive on their own 40 but was forced to punt and Brendyn Van Demark pinned the Lions on their own 4.  The freshman punter pinned the Lions inside the 20 on three different occasions.  "I was real nervous and settled myself after the opening kick-off I got in my zone and had in my opinion the best game of my kicking career," commented Van Demark.  However, Cook orchestrated a 96 yard drive capped by a strike to Jordan in the end zone to give the Lions a 10-0 as the teams headed into the locker room.

The Wolves started with the ball in the second half but after a stalled drive Van Demark once again pinned the Lions deep in their own territory.  On the Lions first play from scrimmage, CUs Isaiah Fleming blitz recorded the Wolves first points of the season with a safety.  After the Lions kicked off Cheyney was back in business with the ball on the Lions 32 after a return and a personal foul.  Cheyney was able to march the ball down to the three yard line but could not push the ball over the goal line and the Lions took over on downs.  The Wolves forced a three and out and took over on their own 40.  Cheyney than drove down the field and scored on a Khalil Rodgers eight yard rush up the middle and converted a two point conversion when Michael Campbell found Khalif Dandy in the corner of the end zone.  Rodgers ended the contest with 82 yards on 18 carries.  Signal caller Michael Campbell was 7-22 for 113 yards in his debut.  Dandy was his favorite receiver catching four balls for 56 yards.  "We woke up way to many times for us not to finish.  Coach drilled it into our heads finish, finish , finish on every play and I knew I had to finish in response to his 34 yard reception that set up Rodgers rushing touchdown,"  commented the wide receiver. 

Isaiah Fleming was once again his stellar self, recording 13 tackles, two tackles for loss, an interception as a safety. 

The CU defense held strong most of the fourth quarter but gave up the go ahead score with 1:42 to play.

A pick six on the Wolves next possession provided the margin of victory. 

Cheyney will host Gannon in a PSAC clash next Saturday in O'Shields-Stevenson Stadium.  Kick-off is 1:00 PM.