Tim Whitfield rushed for 175 yards and four touchdowns as the No. 21 Langston Lions defeated Wayland Baptist 35-20 on Saturday to clinch their third straight conference championship.
Following his record-setting performance, Whitfield is now the Langston University record holder for most career touchdowns (33) and most rushing touchdowns in a single season (20). He previously eclipsed the single season rushing record held by Carlos Ross last week during Langston’s 44-7 victory over Texas College.
Behind four first-half rushing touchdowns by Whitfield, Langston built a 28-0 lead with 8:26 remaining in the second quarter. The Pioneers trimmed the lead to 28-6 entering halftime after Nick Quintero hit Noah Lujan for a 53-yard touchdown pass.
Langston’s lone second half score came with 5:31 remaining in the third when Jordan Cooper hit Daylon Person for a 29-yard touchdown strike, increasing their advantage to 35-6.
Cooper finished the day 18-for-35 for 301 yards and one touchdown; Isaiah Shaputis led the aerial attack with five receptions for 138 yards and Person finished with five catches for 76 yards and one touchdown.
Defensively, James Cox led the way with 6.5 tackles and one tackle for loss; Dorian Williams finished with 4.5 tackles and snagged two interceptions on the day.
Langston (8-2, 7-1 SAC) improves to 38-8 under head coach Quinton Morgan and clinched their third straight conference championship. The Lions will now await to see if they’ve clinched an at-large berth into the NAIA FCS Playoffs tomorrow at 6 p.m. via the NAIA’s Facebook Page.
