LINCOLN, PA. – The Shaw University football team picked up its first win of the 2025 season — and the first career victory for head coach Lamar Manigo — by defeating Lincoln (PA) 36–21 on Saturday afternoon at LU Football Stadium.
Great start. Clutch Finish.
Shaw set the tone early as freshman quarterback Alexander Marsh connected with Cobie Bates on a 40-yard touchdown strike late in the first quarter. Marsh added another scoring toss in the second period, finding Keyshaun Powell for a 32-yard touchdown to give the Bears a 13–0 halftime advantage.
The defense extended the margin to 15–0 early in the third quarter when Shaw forced a safety. Marsh capped the next drive with a 7-yard rushing touchdown, pushing the lead to 22–0.
Lincoln fought back with three second-half touchdowns, trimming the margin to 22–14 and later 29–21. But Shaw's ground game proved too much down the stretch, as junior running back Trey Thorpe powered into the end zone twice in the fourth quarter, including the clincher from five yards out with just 44 seconds remaining.
Thorpe finished with 113 rushing yards and two scores, while Marsh totaled 165 passing yards and three total touchdowns. Bates was the top target with eight catches for 108 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, the Bears forced three interceptions, highlighted by a pair from Jaden Perkins, and recorded a safety to keep Lincoln at bay.
The victory gives Shaw a 1–2 overall record and a 1–0 mark in CIAA play.
Up Next
Shaw returns to action on Saturday, September 27, when they host defending CIAA champion Virginia Union University at Durham County Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
