November 1, 2014
 
Fayetteville, NC- The Livingstone Blue Bears had a disappointing win snatched from under them, losing 31-28 in overtime to the Fayetteville State Broncos, Saturday, (Nov. 1) at Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium. Both teams now have an overall record of (5-4). Livingstone drops to (2-4) in the conference and Fayetteville State improves to (5-1) in the conference.

The flag thrown by the official at the end of the play, which seemed to be a touchdown, sent the blue bears over edge to cost them the game. Quarterback Drew Powell completed a 32-yard pass to Arthur Bowden into the end-zone, and just seconds before a thought of celebration, the official flagged the play with an illegal procedure.

Although the blue bears took the downfall, the entire contest between the two teams was a sure game to see.

Neither team scored in the entire first half leaving the score at an even 0, before Ryhon Skyes broke the silence early in the 2^nd quarter with an interception on the broncos 0 yard line, and PAT from Leonardo Manzo, setting the score to (7-0).

Livingstone's Kicker Leonardo Manzo showed up just in time, when he gave the blue bears a bigger lead, completing a 21-yard punt return to send the score to (14-0).

The Blue Bears built a pretty good lead and were cruising, when the broncos Ricardo White caught a 10-yard pass from Jemeryn Jenkins and PAT, decreasing the deficit to (14-7) at halftime.

The third quarter was another dry spell as both teams failed to get on the scoreboard, dragging out the (14-7) lead by the blue bears into the fourth.

For the rest of the game, it was none other than hop scotch, as one team scored, the other answered back.

The Broncos tied the score (14-14) early in the fourth with a 2-yard run from Derek Bryant.

The blue bears Arthur Bowden caught his first touchdown of the game, landing a 7-yard pass from powerhouse Drew Powell (21-14).

Just when the game seemed to be over one of the most critical plays happened when broncos Chris Hubert caught an 11-yard pass with just 1:32 left in the fourth, forcing an overtime at (21-21).

The blue bears never trailed but never had a comfortable lead in the tense matchup before overtime prevailed.

Arthur Bowden would save the day again with his second touchdown of the game, catching a 20-yard pass from Drew Powell and PAT turning up the heat to lead in the start of overtime (28-21).

The blue bears defense who played remarkable all game, just couldn't stop the broncos offensive as Derek Bryant once again charged into the end-zone off a two-yard run and PAT, setting the score to another even score (28-28).

Just after four play attempts of frustration from the broncos they went after the last resort, to attempt a 45-yard field goal, and with just seconds passing the officials signaled that it was good.

With a score of (31-28) in place, the blue bears attempt to snatch away the win when Drew Powell completed a 32-yard pass to Austin Higgins, when the officials heartbreakingly called the touchdown no good sending the crowd into a frenzy, allowing the broncos to walk away with the tough win for the night.

Heads bowed, dissatisfied and discontented were all words that could describe the tough group of players for the blue bears.

Although, the tense upset prevailed, the blue bears still had a tremendous game.

Drew Powell threw for three touchdowns totaling 162 yards and ran for 122 yards.

Arthur Bowden finished with two touchdowns, racking in 55 receiving yards.

Rhyon Sykes had a crucial interception for the game and Leonardo Manzo punted for 161 yards for the game.

The blue bears hope to recover when they take on CIAA matchup, Johnson C. Smith University next Saturday (Nov.8) for the Commemorative Classic in Charlotte, NC. Kickoff is set for 1:00 P.M.
 
Written By: Tenai Staley