Bluefield, WV- Livingstone College picked up its first win of the season Saturday evening, defeating Bluefield State 44-30 in an action-packed contest that featured big plays on both sides of the ball.
The Blue Bears wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. In the first quarter, Maliq Staten broke free for a 26-yard touchdown run, giving Livingstone an early 7-0 advantage. Bluefield State answered later in the quarter with a 3-yard touchdown run from Michael Benn to tie the game at 7-7.
Livingstone regained the lead early in the second quarter when Jason Zapata connected on a 30-yard field goal, capping a 12-play, 66-yard drive. Moments later, the Blue Bears' defense delivered one of the game's biggest plays. Malachi Adkins scooped up a fumble and raced 92 yards for a touchdown, extending Livingstone's lead to 17-7.
Bluefield State responded with a 76-yard touchdown pass from Savan Briggs to Julian Crawley, but Livingstone quickly answered. Brandon Edinburgh Jr. connected with Davyn Reid on a 39-yard touchdown pass, putting the Blue Bears ahead 24-14 heading into halftime.
Livingstone continued to make explosive plays in the third quarter. Ca'Lique Cunningham electrified the Blue Bears with a 65-yard punt return for a touchdown, pushing the lead to 30-14. Bluefield State added a safety and later scored on a 34-yard touchdown pass from Briggs to Isaiah Byrd, cutting Livingstone's advantage to 30-23 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Panthers completed the comeback early in the fourth, tying the game at 30-30 following a 2-yard touchdown run by Tydrez Clements.
With the game tied, Livingstone answered with another huge play.
With just over five minutes remaining, Edinburgh Jr. found Reid for a 71-yard touchdown, giving the Blue Bears a 37-30 lead with 5:28 left to play.
Livingstone's defense then put the game away in dramatic fashion. With only 29 seconds remaining, Velson Seide intercepted Briggs and returned it 95 yards for a touchdown, sealing the 44-30 victory and sending the Blue Bears home with their first win of the season.
Livingstone's offense and defense combined for a number of game-changing plays, including two defensive touchdowns, a punt-return touchdown and multiple explosive scoring plays through the air and on the ground.
Livingstone is back at home as they host Winston-Salem State on Saturday, September 19th at 6 p.m.
