JACKSON, TENN.— Allen University football delivered a dominant all-around performance Sunday afternoon, jumping out to a 30-0 halftime lead and cruising to a 43-7 victory over Lane College at Lane Field.
The Yellow Jackets controlled the game from the opening possession, scoring twice in the first quarter before adding a safety and two rushing touchdowns in the second quarter. Allen's defense kept Lane off the scoreboard through the first three quarters, while the offense continued to build its advantage throughout the afternoon.
Allen finished with 366 total yards, including 200 through the air and 166 on the ground. The Yellow Jackets recorded 23 first downs and converted three of four fourth-down opportunities, while holding Lane to just 14 first downs and one-of-eight on third down.
Quarterback Brent Upshaw Jr. completed 11 of 20 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns, while Alfredo Sotelo added 41 passing yards. Deveon Williams was a major factor in the passing game, hauling in seven receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns.
Javis Floyd powered the Yellow Jackets' rushing attack, carrying the ball 24 times for 109 yards and three touchdowns. Floyd scored twice in the second quarter before adding his third touchdown early in the third quarter, helping Allen maintain control throughout the contest.
Defensively, Allen held Lane scoreless for the first three quarters and forced three turnovers, including two interceptions. The Yellow Jackets also recorded a safety when Sekou Bangoura brought down Lane's Crishon Overton in the end zone early in the second quarter.
Allen's defense finished with 47 total tackles and nine tackles for loss. Jayshawn Smalls and Zanias Rosemond each recorded six tackles, while Joseph King added five tackles and a tackle for loss. Evan Javis registered 1.5 tackles for loss, while Allen's secondary came up with two interceptions.
Lane quarterback Cameron Shepherd finished with 113 passing yards and one touchdown, while John Christian III led the Dragons with 130 rushing yards on 14 carries. Antonio Welch accounted for Lane's lone touchdown, hauling in a 67-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter.
The Yellow Jackets improved to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play with the victory, while Lane fell to 0-3 overall and 0-1 in conference play.
Notes
• Allen improved to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play with Sunday's victory.
• The Yellow Jackets scored 30 unanswered points during the first half.
• Allen held Lane scoreless through the first three quarters.
• Allen recorded three rushing touchdowns, all scored by Javis Floyd.
• Floyd finished with 109 rushing yards on 24 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
• Deveon Williams recorded seven receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns.
• Williams also recorded an interception in the fourth quarter, returning it 0 yards for a touchdown.
• Allen's defense recorded two interceptions, a safety and nine tackles for loss.
• Allen recorded 23 first downs compared to 14 for Lane.
• The Yellow Jackets converted three of four fourth-down opportunities.
How It Happened
First Quarter
• Allen opened the scoring with a 63-yard drive that covered 11 plays and ended with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Brent Upshaw Jr. to Deveon Williams, giving the Yellow Jackets a 6-0 lead with 9:17 remaining in the opening quarter.
• After Lane turned the ball over on downs at the Allen 18-yard line, the Yellow Jackets quickly extended their advantage. Upshaw Jr. connected with Williams for an 18-yard touchdown, capping a six-play, 80-yard drive and giving Allen a 14-0 lead.
• Lane reached the Allen 18-yard line on its next possession, but the Yellow Jackets defense stopped the Dragons on fourth down to preserve the 14-0 advantage.
Second Quarter
• Allen's defense added two points when Sekou Bangoura recorded a safety after Lane was backed up against its own goal line, extending the Yellow Jackets' lead to 16-0.
• Allen's offense responded with a six-play, 50-yard touchdown drive, capped by a five-yard touchdown run from Javis Floyd. Ethan Piel converted the extra point, putting Allen ahead 23-0.
• Floyd added his second touchdown of the afternoon with 1:44 remaining in the half, breaking loose for a 16-yard touchdown run to cap a nine-play, 53-yard drive.
• Piel's extra point gave Allen a 30-0 lead heading into halftime.
Third Quarter
• Allen's defense continued to control the game, forcing a Lane interception by Deldric Toensend early in the quarter.
• The Yellow Jackets turned the turnover into points, driving 33 yards in five plays before Floyd scored his third touchdown of the afternoon on a one-yard run, extending the lead to 36-0.
• Allen's defense stopped Lane on fourth down at the Allen 40-yard line later in the quarter, keeping the Dragons off the scoreboard.
Fourth Quarter
• Lane finally got on the scoreboard with 12:02 remaining when Antonio Welch caught a 67-yard touchdown pass from Cameron Shepherd, cutting Allen's lead to 36-7.
• Allen responded with a methodical fourth-quarter drive that moved into Lane territory before the Yellow Jackets turned the ball over on downs at the Lane 18-yard line.
• With less than a minute remaining, Deveon Williams intercepted Shepherd and returned the pick for a touchdown, putting Allen ahead 43-7.
• The Yellow Jackets defense closed out the victory by forcing another Lane turnover on downs, securing the 43-7 road win.
Up Next
Allen University football will return home on Saturday, September 19, when the Yellow Jackets host Albany State University at 4 p.m. at Bolden Stadium in Columbia, S.C.
