SALISBURY — The Blue Bears played their first game on the newly renovated blue turf field in Alumni Memorial Stadium Saturday evening against cross-town rival Catawba College.

Quarterback Siles Cruse connected with wide receiver Larsirton Bryant for two touchdowns and Matt Henry for one touchdown, but it was not enough for the Livingstone Blue Bears on Saturday at the West End Classic - Mayor's Cup. Catawba defeated the Blue Bears, 44-19.

Catawba's quarterback Kameron Hill threw for two touchdowns as the Indians pulled away from the Blue Bears with a pair of third-quarter touchdowns.

The Blue Bears (0-1) scored their second touchdown, 44-13, followed by a missed field goal with 7:42 left in the fourth quarter.

Catawba (1-0) Leroy Bracey rushed for nine yards for their final touchdown with 13:46 left in the fourth quarter. 

Cruse, who started for the first time in his Blue Bear career, completed 22-of-41 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns. He was intercepted three times and sacked twice.

Livingstone College struggled to find momentum in its running game, finishing with 11 net yards on 22 carries.

Indians' quarterback Hill was 5-of-12 passing for 65 yards and two touchdowns. 

Up Next...

The Blue Bears return to action for the Down East Viking Classic Saturday, Sept. 10, vs Elizabeth City. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET.