JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Lincoln football team had the lead on two occasions, but Northeastern State rallied to beat the Blue Tigers, 28-13, in LU's Homecoming game on Saturday (Oct. 7).

Adrian Hopper forced the RiverHawks to fumble and Cory Macon recovered to put the Blue Tigers in business at the NSU 40 early in the first quarter. On the next play, Xzavier Vaughn connected with Aderias Ealy on a 38-yard pass to set LU up at the two-yard line. Vaughn later ran the ball in to put the Blue Tigers ahead 7-0.

Lincoln (0-6) tried to keep the momentum going with an onside kick, but Northeastern State (1-5) recovered to start its next drive inside LU territory. That drive ended with a six-yard touchdown run to tie the game, and the score remained deadlocked heading into the second quarter.

LaMarco Yates gained 26 yards on three-straight runs midway through the second period to move the ball into Northeastern State's side of the field, and a 19-yard reception by Amari Fluelen gave the Blue Tigers a first down at the NSU 16. Vaughn then connected with Ealy again, this time for a 16-yard touchdown to swing the lead back to the Blue Tigers. After a penalty, the RiverHawks blocked the point after attempt, keeping the LU lead at 13-7.

An eight-yard pass late in the half gave Northeastern State a 14-7 advantage entering the break, and the RiverHawks scored a touchdown in each of the final two quarters to seal the win. Vaughn completed 15 passes for 134 yards and led Lincoln with 35 rushing yards. Omar Allen gained 22 yards on the ground while Ealy caught seven passes for 89 yards. Nathan Valencia had three receptions while Charles Johnson caught two passes.

Bryant Coley intercepted a pass late in the first half and returned it 32 yards, made seven tackles, and had 0.5 tackles for loss. Coley additionally broke up two passes. Jordan Batts recorded two tackles for loss to go with eight tackles, and Ian Hackney made 12 takedowns, including one for a loss. Hopper ended the day with 11 tackles, a break-up and a hurry.

CJ Dogulas, who finished with three tackles, also had 0.5 tackles for loss to go with a pair of hurries, and TJ Jasper broke up two passes to go with seven tackles. Wes Hollie also made seven takedowns, Michael Harrison had four to go with a broken-up pass, and Vez Carter finished with three tackles.

Clayton Winkler had a 71-yard punt and pinned NSU inside its 20 on three occasions, including once at the one-yard line. For the game, Winkler averaged 37.1 yards punting while Mo Alwaely averaged averaged 52.0 yards on kickoffs. 

The Blue Tigers will be on the road next Saturday (Oct. 14) to play Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Okla. at 2:00 p.m. CDT.