Game Notes
SALISBURY, NC – The Blue Bears will be looking to rebound from their season-opening loss on Saturday when they meet the Elizabeth City State Vikings in the 14th Annual Down East Classic hosted in Rocky Mount, NC.
OFFENSE
The Livingstone offense struggled against Chowan last Thursday, amassing only 12 yards of total offense. To make matters worse, the Blue Bears will be without starting quarterback Levon Stanley due to an injury. The Blue Bears will start freshman Craig Murdock who came into camp as a wide receiver. He will be backed up by junior Miles Harris who is also the team's starting tight end and backup kicker.
It remains to be seen how the Livingstone coaches will utilize Murdock, but if he does not throw the ball on a consistent basis, then the running game will become vitally important. Senior Jamel Moore had 13 rushing yards last week to lead the team and will start at running back. Junior Ahmad Garrison will start at fullback for the Blue Bears after playing on the offensive line last week.
Livingstone's receivers had no receptions against Chowan. Moore made the only three receptions for a total of seven yards. Anthony Holland and the rest of the young receiving core may play more of a blocking role this week against the Vikings. Holland is currently questionable for this week.
DEFENSE
Livingstone's defense will remain basically the same when the Blue Bears meet the Vikings. Defensively against Chowan, the Blue Bears allowed 452 total yards to the Hawks with 215 coming via the rush and 237 coming through the air.
The bright spot for the Blue Bears' defense came from sophomore Justin Avery who had a 97-yard interception return for a touchdown, marking the only points for Livingstone.
The Blue Bears also had four players record double-digit tackles, led by senior linebacker Justin Johnson with 12 tackles. Sophomore linebacker Tyheim Pitt and senior defensive back Devonta Harmon both had 11 tackles while junior linebacker Travis Holliday finished with 10 tackles.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Livingstone's freshman kicker Hillman Tabi had a lot of work against the Hawks, punting 10 times with an average of 31.2 yards per punt including one landing inside the 20 yard line.
Freshmen John Papilion and Kirkland Davidson will be the primary return men for the Blue Bears Saturday. Against Chowan, Anthony Holland was the leading return man with four kick returns with an average of 16.8 yards per return.
ELIZABETH CITY STATE
Elizabeth City enters Saturday's contest with an 0-2 overall record and a 0-1 record in the CIAA. The Vikings fell in overtime in the first week to Division I FCS opponent Delta State 28-21. Elizabeth City lost last week to Winston-Salem State 22-17.
The Vikings have run a very balanced offense through the first two weeks, averaging 122.5 yards on the ground and 129 yards through the air. Creven Powell has been the sole quarterback for the Vikings and has thrown for three touchdowns, but also three interceptions. Daronte McNeil has been the primary running back so far with an average of 86.5 rushing yards per game and a total of two rushing touchdowns.
Defensively, DeWitt Dixon leads Elizabeth City with 28 total tackles, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. Nigel Rios has the Vikings' two interceptions this season.
THE SERIES
Elizabeth City has dominated the series against the Blue Bears with an overall record of 31-9-0. The last time the Blue Bears were victorious over the Vikings was in 2003 by the score of 19-0.
THE LAST MEETING
The Blue Bears and Vikings last met on October 20, 2007 at Elizabeth City inside Roebuck Stadium. Elizabeth City dominated Livingstone from the beginning. The Vikings went up 14-0 in the first quarter and increased their lead to 35-0 before halftime. After a scoreless fourth quarter, the Vikings added three more touchdowns to go up 55-0. The Blue Bears added their only score with 10 seconds remaining in the contest and converted a two-point conversion to reach the final of 55-8. Travis Holliday is the only current Blue Bears who played in 2007, and recorded five total tackles.
GAME UPDATES
Fans can follow live updates at www.twitter.com/lcbluebears.
WEATHER FORECAST
The Blue Bears and Vikings should find temperatures in the mid- to upper-80s when they kickoff on Saturday. Forecasts show no rain and a low humidity.
NEXT WEEK FOR THE BLUE BEARS
Livingstone will continue on the road next week with a contest at Bowie State University in Bowie, MD at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 17.
GAME RECAPS
A full game recap with statistics will be available online at www.bluebearathletics.com following the contest.
