Wingate tops Delta State 36-13 in non-conference football game

CLEVELAND, Miss. — The Delta State University football team fell to Wingate 36-13 Saturday evening at Parker Field at McCool Stadium, dropping to 0-2 on the season.

Wingate opened the scoring with a 10-yard touchdown pass midway through the first quarter. Delta State responded early in the second quarter when quarterback Emile Picarella III connected with Lawrence Armstrong on a 41-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7 after a 10-play, 73-yard drive.

The Bulldogs regained the lead just before halftime with a 22-yard field goal, taking a 10-7 advantage into the break. Despite a strong defensive effort early in the second half, Delta State struggled to contain Wingate’s rushing attack.

In the fourth quarter, Wingate took control, scoring 26 points on four rushing touchdowns to extend its lead. The Bulldogs finished with 251 rushing yards and 413 total yards of offense.

Delta State scored once more when Picarella III threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jekerious Williams with just over a minute remaining. Picarella III completed 12 of 19 passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Armstrong led receivers with 47 yards on two catches, including his second-quarter score. Williams added 41 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Alonzo Jackson II led the Statesmen with 10 total tackles. Austin Collins recorded a sack and multiple tackles for loss. Delta State will look to rebound next week as it continues non-conference play.

Source: Original Article