Lincoln tops Lane to open season

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Lincoln Blue Tigers opened the football season Saturday with a 10-7 win against Lane College in the Bluff City Kickoff Classic at Halle Stadium.

The Blue Tigers sealed the win when Edwin Durassaint intercepted a pass at the Lincoln 35-yard line on the final play of the game.

Lincoln never trailed, scoring on its first possession. Fernando Ramirez made a 44-yard field goal to give the Blue Tigers a 3-0 lead with 9:57 left in the first quarter.

On the first play of the second quarter, Lincoln quarterback Henry Ogala threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Hosea Franklin. Ramirez added the extra to increase the lead to 10-0 with 14:55 left on the clock.

Lane answered on its next play from scrimmage. Marcus Reynolds threw a 74-yard touchdown pass to Ahmad Isaac 18 seconds later, and Vicente Pena added the extra point to cut the lead to 10-7.

Lincoln fumbled the ball on its own 33-yard line on the opening possession of the second half, but five plays later, Isaiah Gray recovered a fumble by Reynolds at the Blue Tigers' 16.

Lane had another scoring opportunity in Lincoln territory, but Joseph Madrigal intercepted a pass from Reynolds at the Lincoln 1 with 6:51 remaining in the game.

The Blue Tigers killed the clock, running seven plays until they punted from their 45-yard line with :25 left.

Ogala completed 12-of-23 passes for 142 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Blake Tibbs was his top target, grabbing six catches for 86 yards.

Terry Hunter led the Lincoln rushing attack with 12 carries for 41 yards.

Lincoln gained 188 yards offensively, while the defense held Lane to just 123 total yards.

Amani Nelson led the Blue Tigers with nine total tackles, including eight solo stops.

With the win, Lincoln extended its series lead to 10-6 against Lane (0-1).

Lincoln (1-0) plays Thursday at Missouri State. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. in Springfield.