Box Score Cheyney came out on the short end of a 29-22 decision against archrival Lincoln in the season opener and Annual Battle of the First. Cheyney found themselves down 17 points on two separate occasions and managed to get themselves back in the contest with a never give up attitude.
Lincoln was in control early on and posted the game's first 17 points before the Wolves found the end-zone in the waning seconds of the second quarter. Signal caller Dominick Trautz found Terel Gissendanner all alone in the back of the end-zone on a 28 yard strike. After a failed extra point the Wolves went into the locker room trailing 17-6 at the half. Trautz would end the game with 146 passing yards on 10-26 attempts.
Lincoln would answer on their second possession of the half when Ed McKenzie found Brandon Rowe for a 64 yard completion which Rowe took to the end-zone. It was the longest pass play for either team on the afternoon. On the Wolves ensuing possession, Trautz orchestrated an 8 play 80 yard drive which was capped by another pass to Nigel Wiley of 11 yards. After a failed two-point conversion the Wolves trailed 23-11. Two plays into the Lions ensuing possession, Daryll Ellison was able to intercept a McKenzie pass and scamper 32 yards to the end-zone to cut the lead to 23-20 after the Wolves made good on a two point conversion.
The Lions would then go on a 57 yard 13 play drive that ate up just over seven minutes . The drive was capped with a Stephen Scott yard of eight yards with 13:40 remaining to play. The ensuing extra point was blocked by the Wolves and returned by Shaquille Benjamin the length of the field for a defensive PAT to make the score 29-22.
Scott ended the day with a career high 179 rushing yards on 31 carries and three touchdowns. The Cheyney rushing attack was led by Brandon French. The sophomore rushed 13 times for 84 yards.
Cheyney turned the ball over on their next possession but the Lions could not capitalize as they missed a 30 yard field goal. On Cheyney's next possession, the Wolves turned the ball over on downs at the Lions 43 yard line. Three plays later, Cheyney's Terrick Carson was able to force a fumble which he recovered at the Lions 48 yard line. The Wolves were able to march to the Lions 25 but an interception on fourth down was eventually too much to overcome.
Penalties also proved costly for the Wolves as they were whistled 10 times for 98 yards.
On the defensive side of the ball, Carson led Cheyney with 7 tackles and four tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
The Lions have won the last three meetings in the Battle of the First. Things do not get easier for Cheyney as they travel next weekend to Gannon, the pre-season favorite in the PSAC West.
