Game Notes
SALISBURY, NC – Livingstone and St. Paul's meet Saturday at Park View High School in South Hill, Virginia with both teams looking for their first victory of the season.
OFFENSE
Livingstone is still looking to solidify its starting quarterback position. Against Bowie State the Blue Bears rotated three quarterbacks: Curtis Edens, Raymond Mallos and Levon Stanley. Through four games this season, Edens has averaged the most passing yards, 60 per game, while Mallos has statistically been the most efficient passer for the Blue Bears.
In the backfield Miles Harris and Jamel Moore have shared the majority of the carries this season. Moore has averaged 18.2 yards per game while Harris has averaged 11.1 yards on the ground this season.
Freshman Anthony Holland has been a bright spot in the receiving core for the Blue Bears. Holland leads the team with 15 catches for 185 yards. Holland has averaged 46 yards receiving per game. Freshman Miguel Harrison and senior Kevin Shelf have caught the two passing touchdowns this season.
Offensively, the Blue Bears have statistically been better with the pass than the run. The Blue Bears have averaged only 16 yards rushing, but just over 100 yards passing. However, Livingstone quarterbacks have thrown nine interceptions this season which have cost the Blue Bears dearly.
DEFENSE
On the defensive side of the ball, junior linebacker Bryan Aycoth has continued his solid play. Aycoth leads the team and is 10th in the CIAA in total tackles and also leads the conference and is eighth in the nation in tackles for loss. Junior Shawntez Jones has also been solid averaging 6.2 tackles per game through four games. Jones also ranks second in the conference in tackles for loss behind Aycoth.
Opposing teams have found more success on the ground than in the air against the Blue Bear defense. Opponents have rushed for an average of 175 yards per game while throwing for only 130 yards per game.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The special teams for the Blue Bears this season, particularly the kickoff return team, has had a lot of work through four games this season. Freshman Dewayne Smith, will return against the Tigers. Smith has returned 16 kicks in three games for an average of 18 yards per return. Jamel Moore has also returned eight kicks, averaging 27.4 yards per return.
In the kicking game, junior punter Bryan Aycoth continues to have a solid season. Aycoth has punted 24 times, averaging 35 yards per punt and has kicked two balls more than 50 yards. The Blue Bears have attempted only one field goal this season, but new freshman kicker Logan Haynes is slated to start at the kicker position for Livingstone Saturday.
ST. PAUL'S
St. Paul's has been a pass-heavy team through the first three contests. The Tigers have averaged 180 yards per game through the air and 69 yards per game on the ground. Sophomore quarterback Steffin Miller-Colon has been the sole quarterback through three games, throwing for four touchdowns and three interceptions. Albert TInsley has been the top rusher for the Tigers, running for an average of 59 yards per game wtih one touchdown this season.
The defense for St. Paul's has allowed an average of 36 points and 393 yards per game through three games this season. The Tigers have allowed 193 yards per game on the ground and 200 yards per game through the air. Dominic Tolson leads the Tigers defensively this season with 27 tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery.
THE SERIES
The Blue Bears and Tigers are meeting for the 30th time in the schools' histories. Livingstone holds a 23-6 overall record against St. Paul's. The two teams have not met since 1987 when the Blue Bears defeated the Tigers 23-6.
THE LAST MEETING
The last time St. Paul's defeated Livingstone was in 1982 and the Tigers won 11-7.
GAME UPDATES
Fans can follow live live updates at www.twitter.com/lcbluebears. The game can also be heard on WSAT Radio AM 1280 starting at 12:30 p.m.
WEATHER FORECAST
The Blue Bears and Tigers will meet under sunny skies and very warm temperatures Saturday. The temperature is forecasted to be in the low to mid-90s at game time in South Hill, VA.
GAME RECAPS
A full game recap with statistics will be available online at www.bluebearathletics.com following the contest.
