WACO, TX – Following a 45-3 win over then No. 14 Virginia Union in week 0, head coach Doug Socha and the Lenoir-Rhyne football team are ranked 21st in this week’s AFCA DII Coaches Poll.

Friday’s win was the biggest victory over a ranked team in program history, and knocked Virginia Union to the “receiving votes” category of the poll. Lenoir-Rhyne dominated every facet of the game, leading in total offense (505-183), rushing (242-26), passing (263-157), first downs (25-10), time of possession (36:55-23:05), and 3rd down conversions (8 of 14 – 0 of 9).

Quarterback Wells Bettenhausen was 18-for-26 for 261 yards and a touchdown, while receivers Mikel McClellan and Jarrod Mewborn combined for 12 receptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns. The running back trio of Shermon Davis, LJ Turner, and Eddie Clark dominated the ground game, combining for 220 yards and three scores. Angus Weaver led the team with five total tackles, including a 1.5 TFL, while Carnell Ferguson was a menace, causing two sacks and a fumble.

Lenoir-Rhyne is no stranger to being ranked, as this is the 92nd week since the official AFCA Division II Poll was released in 2000 that the Bears see themselves in the top-25. LR Football has now appeared in the top-25 every season since 2018.

The Bears turn their sights to Saturday when they take on West Alabama in a re-match of the NCAA First Round game that took place two years ago. West Alabama is 1-0 and coming off a 27-17 win over Tuskegee on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. from Helen & Leonard Moretz Stadium.

{Information provided by Lenoir-Rhyne Athletics}