October 24, 2009

MARS HILL, N.C. - Jonas Randolph had another impressive day rushing as he ran for 177 yards and three scores to lead the Lions past Lenoir-Rhyne University, 24-7 in South Atlantic Conference football action at the Ammons Family Athletic Center and Meares Stadium. Mars Hill improved to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in the SAC with the win. The Bears fell to 4-5 on the season and 1-4 in the league. It was the Lions' annual Homecoming contest.

Currently in second place in the SAC standings, Head coach Tim Clifton and his veteran staff are enjoying their best season since the 2000 campaign when the Lions finished 7-4 overall and 4-3 in the conference that placed them third in the league. Currently ranked fourth in the Super Region II, the Lions have a serious chance of making a playoff appearance this season if they can win at Tusculum and then at home against Wingate to close out the 2009 regular season schedule.

Randolph (Daleville, Ala.), the nation's second leading rusher, averaged 5.7 yards per carry today. He currently has 1,358 yards rushing on the season and is averaging 169.8 yards per game. Travis Prince (Jacksonville, Fla.) caught four passes for 106 yards to lead the receiving corps. Jon Richt (Watkinsville, Ga.) and Luis Cruz (Anaheim, Calif.) combined for 181 yards passing completing 9-19 passes. Maurice Harris (Hendersonville, N.C.) led a solid defense that held the Bears to 220 yards of total offense. L-R managed only 74 yards rushing in the game. Harris totaled five tackles, two tackles-for-loss, one forced fumble and a sack. Antwon Murchinson (Fayetteville, N.C.) added seven tackles, a tackle-for-loss, a fumble recovery and a sack.

Major Herron (Kingsland, Ga.) threw for 140 yards completing 7-14 passes and one touchdown strike. Brandon Brown (Cedartown, Ga.) was on the receiving end of four of those passes for 106 yards. Marcus Shuford (Newton, N.C.) led all defenders with 12 tackles. Nelson Bullard (Shelby, N.C.) followed with nine stops, three tackles-for-loss a quarterback hurry and a sack.

After a scoreless first quarter, Randolph broke loose and scampered 17 yards with 2:37 left in the half to put MHC ahead 7-0 heading into the locker room at the intermission. Harris forced a L-R fumble with 13:26 left in the third frame to set up Randolph's second score of the day. On the ensuing play, Randolph broke free and ran in from eight yards out to put MHC ahead, 14-0. As the final seconds wound down in the third stanza, Michael Pinkerton (Bogart, Ga.) hit a 25-yard field goal to put the home team up 17-0 heading into the final period.

Herron found Artis Gilmore (Asheville, N.C.) with 13:49 left in regulation for the Bears only score in the game. Randolph added an insurance touchdown run at the 10:05 mark when he bolted in the endzone from 12 yards out to make the final tally, 24-7.

MHC will travel to Greeneville, Tenn., next Saturday to face the Pioneers of Tusculum College. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m.

Boxscore...

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