NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Apprentice School Builders 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.

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.

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.

The Builders will face Coppin State next Saturday before playing for the NSAC Football Championship on November 21 in Ellenwood, Georgia against either Gordon State or Lighthouse Christian.

Story courtesy Jacob Mullins/Apprentice Sports Information; photo courtesy Apprentice Sports Information