August 28th, 2026 9:05pm
HICKORY, N.C. - Head coach Doug Socha and the Lenoir-Rhyne football team made a statement on Friday, defeating No. 14 Virginia Union 45-3 to open the 2026 campaign. This is the largest ranked win in program history.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Wells Bettenhausen was lights out in his second career start, going 18-for-26 for 261 yards and a touchdown. Mikel McClellan caught seven passes for 112 yards while LJ Turner ran for 61 yards and two scores.
"I'm super happy for our guys," said coach Socha. "The focus and preparation paid off. We have to stay humble and hungry."