Salisbury, NC – The Blue Bears earned a dramatic victory on Saturday, defeating Bowie State 17–16 in a CIAA opener that came down to the wire.
After trailing early, the Blue Bears exploded in the second quarter with 17 unanswered points, including two touchdown passes from
Elijah Alexander and a clutch 43-yard field goal by
Jason Zapata as time expired in the half.
Game Highlights:
- Bowie State struck first with a 17-yard field goal midway through the first quarter to take a 3–0 lead.
- Livingstone responded early in the second quarter when Elijah Alexander connected with Ronald Lindsey for an 18-yard touchdown pass, giving the Blue Bears a 7–3 advantage.
- Bowie answered with a 30-yard touchdown pass to reclaim the lead at 10–7, but Livingstone wasn't done.
- Alexander found Tavion Jackson for a 26-yard score to put the Blue Bears back on top, 14–10.
- Just before halftime, Jason Zapata drilled a 43-yard field goal to extend the lead to 17–10.
- Bowie State made one final push in the fourth quarter with a 31-yard touchdown pass, but their two-point conversion attempt failed—securing the 17–16 win for Livingstone.
Livingstone's defense held strong in the final quarter, stopping Bowie State's two-point conversion attempt and preserving the narrow lead. The Blue Bears recorded five sacks, including four from
Kenyon Garner, and controlled possession for over 32 minutes.
Livingstone is back at home this Saturday, September 27, where they'll host Lincoln University (PA) at 4 PM at Alumni Memorial Stadium.
