Staff report

BOWIE, Md. — Livingstone’s football team was down 17-0 at halftime,  but not out.

The Blue Bears fought back to 17-all early in the fourth quarter, but Bowie State regained momentum and defeated the Blue Bears 31-17 on Saturday evening at Bulldog Stadium.

It was the CIAA opener for the Blue Bears (2-2, 0-1) and the Bulldogs (1-2, 1-0).

Former Salisbury High star JyMikaah Wells scored a touchdown during LC’s comeback.

Quarterback Kevin Taylor was the key offensive player for Bowie State, accounting for three touchdowns, including a tiebreaking touchdown pass  with 10 minutes left after Livingstone had battled back to tie the game.

After halftime adjustments and speeches, the Blue Bears controlled the third quarter.

Wells, who had nine carries for 22 yards, scored the first TD for Livingstone on a 2-yard run with 8:59 left in the third quarter. Mohamed Nyanamukenga, who had 89 rushing yards, pounded into the end zone from the 1-yard line to make it 17-14 three minutes later.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, Jason Zapata boomed a 48-yard field goal for the Blue Bears for a 17-all deadlock. Zapata also kicked two PATs.

But the Bulldogs responded with a clutch touchdown pass by Taylor.

Maximus Jones scored on a short run to seal the victory for the Bulldogs with less than two minutes remaining.

Davion Watkins turned in another huge defensive game for the Blue Bears with three tackles for loss and a sack. Kevin Larkins Jr. picked off a pass.

Livingstone QBs combined for 108 passing yards, but threw three picks.

Livingstone will play at Lincoln next Saturday.