Staff report

LYNCHBURG, Va. — Livingstone scored early and often, led 31-0 at halftime, and went on to a convincing 48-19 victory here Saturday over Virginia University-Lynchburg.

Coming off of last week’s season-opening win at Benedict, 49-6, the Blue Bears wasted no time in taking a 7-0 lead on the Dragons. Running back Jarius Richardson, who rushed for 82 yards against Benedict, had yesterday’s first score on a running play.

Senior kicker Leonardo Manzo booted a 27-yard field goal later in the first period for a 10-point lead.

In the second quarter, Livingstone’s dynamic duo — quarterback Drew Powell and wide receiver Jalen Hendricks — got into their rhythm.

Powell scored a 10-yard run and then the senior QB connected with Hendricks on two scoring passes, one for 26 yards and another for 20.

The Blue Bears took the 31-0 lead into the locker room at halftime, paving the way for some of the reserves an opportunity for playing time in the second half.

“We started a little slow, but we did what we were supposed to do — come up here and get a win,” said Livingstone head coach Daryl Williams. “We got some reps and kept improving. Any type of win, we’ll take it.”

In the third period, the teams traded touchdowns and Livingstone held a 38-7 lead.

The Blue Bears’ defense allowed two touchdowns to Va.-Lynchburg in the final period, but Livingstone also scored twice itself.

Manzo kicked his second field goal of the game, a 37-yarder, and backup quarterback Isaiah Laster (West Rowan) had a 35-yard TD pass.