JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. —Lenoir-Rhyne team gained 551 yards of total offense, including 466 on the ground, on its way to defeating the Carson-Newman football team, 52-14, on Saturday afternoon in South Atlantic Conference action at Burke-Tarr Stadium.

The loss marks the first time in 31 years that the Eagles have lost to the Bears. C-N falls to 6-4 on the season and 4-1 in the conference, while Lenoir-Rhyne improves to 6-4 overall and 3-3 in SAC play.

Lenoir-Rhyne never trailed in the contest and held a 24-14 lead at the half. The Bears then scored 28 unanswered points in the final two quarters to put the game out of reach.

The Eagles finished the game with 198 yards of offense, including a season-low 117 yards rushing.

Freshman running back Tyron Douglas (Clover, S.C.) rushed for 45 yards and one touchdown to lead the Eagles, while quarterback Doug Belk (Valdosta, Ga.) added 32 yards on the ground and 81 yards passing.

Senior running back James Pone (Wilson, N.C.) gained 144 yards and three touchdowns on just 10 carries to lead the Bears, whose 466 yards rushing were the most ever given up by C-N. Quarterback Major Herron (Kingsland, Ga.) produced 136 yards rushing and two touchdowns and threw for 85 yards on the day. Andrew Courman (Beaufort, N.C.) rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown in the win.

Defensively, senior Mario Russell (Columbus, Ohio) and junior Ryan Helton (Tazewell, Tenn.) tallied 14 tackles apiece to lead C-N. Helton also returned a fumble 15 yards for a score. Anthony McAlister (Knoxville, Tenn.) recorded 11 tackles, including 4.5 for a loss.

Demetrius Green (Cedartown, Ga.) had nine stops for Lenoir-Rhyne, and Carl Brooks (Raleigh, N.C.) had eight tackles and an interception.

The Eagles close out their season next Saturday in a SAC matchup at Tusculum. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. in Greeneville, Tenn.