Staff report

SALISBURY — Years of football frustration ended for the Livingstone College Blue Bears on a sunny Saturday as they delighted a homecoming crowd with a 24-19 victory against Fayetteville State.

Livingstone hadn’t beaten the Broncos (3-3, 2-2) since 2015.

Four interceptions, 189 passing yards and 3, 579 fans were the key numbers for Livingstone. Kevin Larkins and Jayden Reeder had two picks each. Mohamed Nyanamukenga banged out 98 rushing yards.

The teams traded field goals in a quiet first quarter. Jason Zapata’s point-blank FG got the Blue Bears (5-2, 3-1) even after the visitors scored first.

Livingstone hit a 36-yard pass play in the second quarter — De’Angelo Austin to Davontay Deloatch in the end zone — for a 10-3 lead.

Fayetteville answered with an 80-yard march for 10-10.

Reeder’s 71-yard pick-six with 50 seconds left in the first half gave the Blue Bears a 17-10 edge and turned out to be the biggest play of the game.

A 2-yard scoring run by Austin in the third quarter gave the Blue Bears a 24-10 lead, and the defense held up.

FSU hit a 67-yard pass play with 4:31 left to get within 24-17, but Larkins had a key interception down the stretch.

Livingstone’s last offensive possession moved in reverse with a series of losses and penalties. Fayetteville State got a safety for 24-19 with one second left.

Livingstone still had to kick to the Broncos. After a fair catch, the Broncos got to run a play, but Reeder intercepted to the end game.

Livingstone takes on Winston-Salem State (5-2, 3-1) at home next Saturday.