NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Apprentice School Builders (6-2, 3-0) delivered a dominant defensive performance and controlled the clock Saturday afternoon, defeating Clayton State 22-8 on Homecoming to clinch the New South Conference (NSAC) North Division title.
The Builders' defense set the tone, holding the Lakers to 80 total yards and negative-36 yards rushing. The Builders sacked the Lakers eight times for 74 yards and stopped Clayton State on 13 of its 14 third-down attempts.
On Clayton State's second possession, a bad snap on 4th and 13 resulted in a safety that gave Apprentice an early 2-0 lead, and the Builders never looked back.
Linebacker Leslie Hines led the defense with 11 tackles, four tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Emmanuel Patterson added a sack and two tackles for loss, while Carter Sullivan recorded a sack, two tackles for loss, and four quarterback hurries. Breiden Lowery, Cameron Bassani, and Tanner Cook also recorded sacks.
The secondary made its mark as well. Jerrell Burse intercepted a pass just before halftime to end a Clayton State drive, and Jabari Anderson sealed the victory with a late fourth-quarter interception.
With the Builders leading 22-0 in the third quarter, Clayton State drove to the Builders' 1-yard line. The Builders' defense held firm, and the Lakers turned the ball over on downs at the 2-yard line.
Offensively, the Builders ran 63 plays, outgained the Lakers 285 yards to 80, and held possession for 35:46. They converted six of 17 third downs and went two-for-two in the red zone.
Quarterback Patrick Chewning completed 10 of 15 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 50 yards, including a 46-yard run in the second quarter that set up his scoring pass to Ryan McLister. McLister's 28-yard touchdown reception came with 43 seconds left in the first half and capped an eight-play, 91-yard drive that put the Builders ahead 15-0 at the break.
Tali Burgess led the ground game with 57 yards on 10 carries, an average of 5.7 yards per carry, including a 24-yard run to open the second half. Two plays later, on a flea flicker, Baker Green connected with Isaiah Townsend on a 29-yard touchdown pass. Townsend finished with four receptions for 31 yards. As a team, the Builders rushed for 171 yards.
Kicker Logan Eastman connected on field goals of 22 and 40 yards and made both of his extra-point attempts. He also recorded three touchbacks on five kickoffs, averaging 59.4 yards per kick.
Clayton State's only points came on a blocked punt returned for a touchdown late in the third quarter. The Builders' defense did not allow a score on any Clayton State offensive possession.
The Builders return to action Nov. 7 when they host Coppin State University in an NSAC game. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
