WILSON, N.C. – The Barton College Football Team (2-2, 1-1) saw its 2022 home opener spoiled in a 24-18 setback to Mars Hill (2-1, 2-0) Saturday afternoon in front of more than 3,500 fans at Truist Stadium and Electric Supply Company Field.
The Lions' Jervon Newton (Clearwater, Fla.) finished with 150 yards on the ground on 36 carries and scored three rushing touchdowns – all in the first half – as Mars Hill held on to the win and remained unbeaten in South Atlantic Conference play. Newton's third touchdown of the game – a two-yard run with 5:25 remaining in the first half – gave the Lions a 21-7 advantage but the Bulldogs kept the visitors out of the end zone the rest of the way.
Eleven straight points by the Bulldogs got the home team back in the game and Barton drove to the Lions' 31-yard line on its next-to-last possession but turned the ball over on downs.
Sophomore quarterback
Jaquan Lynch (Rocky Mount, N.C.) passed for 231 yards and a touchdown, a 40-yarder to sophomore wideout
Kameron Johnson (Rocky Mount, N.C.) early in the fourth quarter on a beautiful, improvised play but it wasn't enough. Johnson finished with 111 yards receiving on six catches in the losing effort.
Barton sophomore running back
Jordan Terrell (Ramseur, N.C.) added 96 yards rushing and a score but the Bulldogs were victimized by 11 penalties while the Lions' defense totaled five sacks and recovered a fumble one yard outside the red zone early in the third quarter. Barton freshman linebacker
Matt Smith (Raleigh, N.C.) led the Bulldogs with 10 tackles.
Barton remains at home to take on Tusculum next Saturday, October 1, at 2:00 p.m., while Mars Hill hosts Limestone next Saturday at 6:00 p.m.
