DURHAM, N.C. – The William & Mary football team closed out its non-conference schedule with a 17-14 victory at NC Central on Saturday afternoon.
Max Lipinski's 41-yard field goal with 12:13 remaining in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference, as the Tribe defense made several key plays down the stretch to secure the win.
The victory moved W&M Head Coach Mike London into sole possession of second place on the program's all-time wins list with 46 career victories. It also marked the Tribe's 47th win in its last 50 regular-season contests against FCS non-conference opponents.
Lipinski's game-winning kick was set up by the defense, which forced its second consecutive three-and-out to give W&M possession at the NCCU 28-yard line.
The Eagles (2-5) had a chance to tie the game on their next possession, but Riley Daniels' 32-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left with 6:56 remaining.
NCCU's final drive also came up empty, as W&M (3-4) stopped the Eagles on fourth down at their own 37-yard line with 56 seconds remaining.
The Tribe struck first less than two minutes into the game when Jack Reuter returned a punt blocked by Ryan Vail 10 yards for a touchdown to give W&M an early 7-0 lead.
W&M extended its advantage to 14-7 midway through the third quarter on a 16-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Winston Watkins to wide receiver Alfred Honesty. In addition to the touchdown, Honesty finished the game with three receptions for 68 yards.
NCCU answered on its ensuing possession with a 69-yard touchdown run by quarterback Cobey Thompkins, but the Eagles would not score again.
Running back Jah'Kei Chavis led the Tribe's ground game with 70 yards on 13 carries, all of which came in the second half.
Linebackers Elijah Rainer and Christopher Higgins paced the defense with eight tackles apiece. Rainer also recorded a tackle for loss and recovered his nation-leading third fumble of the season.
Defensive lineman Davin Dzidzienyo added six tackles and a sack, while linebacker Stephon Hicks recorded a sack. Defensive lineman Ty Gordon contributed six tackles and a TFL.
For NCCU, Gino Addison led the offense with 169 rushing yards on 22 carries. Jakarri Martin II recorded eight tackles, an interception and a TFL.
Following an open week, the Tribe will return to action on Oct. 24 when it hosts Georgetown for Homecoming at Zable Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., and tickets are available at TribeAthletics.com.
