Langston University beats Tuskegee, 33-19

TUSKEGEE, Ala. Langston Universitys Derrick Butler returned the second-half kickoff 95-yards for a Lions touchdown to spark LU to a 33-19 win over Tuskegee University Saturday at Abbott Stadium.

The Golden Tigers, an NCAA Division II school that has won the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Championship four out of the last five years, suffered their first season opening defeat since 2003 and the first under coach, Willie Slater.

Langston and Tuskegee traded scores in the first 30 minutes to give the Golden Tigers a 14-13 lead at halftime.

The Lions drew first blood on a defensive play deep inside Tuskegee territory, when miscommunication from the Golden Tigers led to a fumble that was picked up by Ronald Burgess. Anthony Fernandez PAT was blocked. Langston held a 6-0 lead after one quarter.

Tuskegee responded when Jeremy Williams hit Miles Robinson down the center of the field for a 45-yard touchdown pass on the opening play of the second quarter.

The Lions scored with just under seven minutes remaining in the half, when Darrion Lewis found Darrow Barnes for a 17-yard toss.

Tuskegee got the lead again just over 3 1/2 minutes later when Wayne Williams caught 3 out of 4 pass attempts from Jeremy Williams, including a 19-yard TD grab.

Butlers touchdown return started the second half.

Tuskegees Eduardo Murillo drilled a 45-yard field goal to cut the Langston lead to 20-17 with just under 13 minutes remaining in the game. ,

Langstons Kyron King caught a 37-yard pass from Lewis to give Langston the first two possession lead for either team at 27-17 with 10:43 remaining.

The LU defense would hold, and Jayce Boyd would add another touchdown for LU with just under a minute remaining with the ensuing PAT being blocked and returned for 2 points for Tuskegee.