West Lincoln celebrated homecoming 2014 with a 20-0 victory over Union Christian Academy (1-6) from Farmerville, Louisiana.

West Lincoln’s football players, led by head coach Willie Brumfield, entered the stadium down the Bear walk to a standing-room-only crowd cheering for the mighty Bears.

The Bears (3-3) struggled during the first quarter to get their ground game going due to a plague of penalties. Defensively the Bears were explosive on the defensive line and backfield and held the Lions scoreless during the first quarter.

West Lincoln continued to work hard offensively in the second quarter and tried to put some points on the scoreboard. The Bears made it to the Lion’s 5-yard line after a 25-yard reception by Andrew Kimble. However, on first and goal Bryce Temple fumbled on the Lion’s 1-yard line.

The Bears were recharged by Coach Brumfield during halftime, and the third quarter ended the scoreless battle between the Bears and Lions.

With 9:25 left in third quarter, Ty Forman sprang in a 12-yard touchdown, putting West Lincoln on the scoreboard 6-0. The Bears went for the two-point conversion but failed.

West Lincoln’s offense started the fourth quarter pinned on a fourth-down conversion. They managed to convert with a pass from Ty Forman to Lofton Sills. The Bears tried to advance the ball on the ground with running backs Bryce Temple and Jade Use but came up short with a fourth and three on the Lions’ 24-yard line.

Ty Forman would again connect with tight end Lofton Sills for a 15-yard gain for another big fourth down conversion putting the ball on the 7-yard line. Jade Use put six more points on the scoreboard for the Bears on a first and goal. Jayden Rushing exploded into the endzone for the two-point conversion putting West Lincoln up 14-0.

The final score of the contest was made by West Lincoln with 4:48 remaining in the game. Jayden Rushing took the handoff from Ty Forman and rushed for 11 yards to get the final touchdown of the night. The PAT by Bryce Temple was wide left for a final score of 20-0. The Lion’s last offensive possession ended with an interception by Jayden Rushing.

Coach Brumfield responded to the night’s game, “Adversity is the word that comes to mind tonight. These kids never cease to amaze me with their never-quit attitude. I think they overcame every adverse situation possible during a football game. They never lost their poise and persevered. Finally, we got it going in the second half. We had several big plays called back in the first half due to penalties. Even with eight first half penalties, we were able to establish the ground game and have three different backs rush for over 100 yards.”

West Lincoln’s defense held strong the entire contest. Defensive leaders for the Bears include Aaron Byrd with 11 tackles including eight solo and two sacks and Lofton Sills with 11 tackles including seven solo tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery. Gabe Nations added to the defensive power with five solo tackles and 2 assist.

Offensively the Bears collected 579 total yards. Ty Forman completed four of seven passes for 70 yards. The ground game collected 509 yards on 52 carries. Ty Forman led the rushing attack with 13 carries for 184 yards. Bryce Temple had 14 carries for 139 yards, and Jade Use had 13 carries for 105 yards.

“This win was special for homecoming and probably the best offensive game we have had running the ball,” Brumfield said. “It was a perfect night for football and the crowd was amazing, cheering on the Bears. I would like to thank everyone who worked hard this week helping us make this a special homecoming for our seniors. With the support from our awesome community and fans cheering us on, the Bears were able to wrap this in one in ‘Green and White.'”

Coach Brumfield invites everyone to come out next Friday as they begin district play against Bassfield. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.