PINE BLUFF, Ark. | The Lane College football team kicked off their 2021 campaign with a road contest against Division I member, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

After falling behind 14-0 in the first quarter, the Dragons capped off a scoring drive early in the second when Noah Shalz connected on 23 yard field goal. The drive was set up by a stellar return from Anthony Evelyn who took the Golden Lions punt 48 yards to the hosts 43 yard line.

UAPB answered with their own scoring drives on the following two possessions to push the lead to 24-3.

With 3:01 remaining in the first half, the Dragons offense caught a spark when quarterback Tarik McKinzie found O'Joshua Bunton for a 59-yard score capping a four play, 75 yard drive.

The Dragons defense then forced a quick three and out, giving the offense one more opportunity for points before the half. This time, McKinzie found Evelyn for a 9-yard touchdown with one second remaining making the score 24-16 at the half.

It would be as close as the visitors got as Lane managed just 125 yards of offense in the second half while the Golden Lions added two more scores to make the final 34-16.

McKinzie finished the night 17-of--30 for 247 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. 

Virgil Young led all receivers with five catches for 74 yards. Evelyn ended with seven catches for 39 yards and one touchdown.

Nijul Canada set the pace for the defense, recording 12 tackles including 1.0 for loss. Asmar Hasan Jr. added 11 tackles and a forced fumble while Mackenzie Howard had 10 tackles.