Michael Lima (Sr./Miami, FL) booted three field goals including a university record 49-yarder and Claytin Lewis (Fr./Raleigh, NC) scored on a long kickoff return as Saint Augustine’s University enjoyed a 16-9 CIAA football win over crosstown rival Shaw University at a packed George Williams Athletic Complex on Senior Day Saturday, November 8, 2014.

The Falcons are 2-0 against Shaw at the George Williams Athletic Complex. Two years ago, the contest between the archrivals was decided on the final play. On Saturday, the Falcons relied on the strong leg of Lima, the speedy legs of Lewis and a stout defense.

Lima was one of several seniors who stood out on Senior Day. John’ta Cooper (Sr./Cairo, GA) became the University career interceptions leader when he came down with the ball on a fourth-down desperation floater to seal the win. He finished his collegiate career with 10 interceptions.

Carlton Butts (Sr./Thomasville, GA) was all over the field with a game-high 11 tackles including three for loss. Defensive lineman Nigel Crawford (Sr./Washington, DC) manhandled the Bears’ blockers at the scrimmage line on his way to seven tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. The trio of Butts, Crawford and Cooper led a defense which held Shaw to 255 total offensive yards, tallied four sacks and recorded three interceptions in their best performance of the season. The point total was the lowest for an opponent this season.

“This was really sweet for the seniors,” SAU Interim Head Coach Michael Morand said. “They’ve been working hard and doing exactly what I’ve been asking them to do. They received their biggest fruits of labor at the end of the season by beating their biggest rival. I am just happy and excited for the kids because it is all about them. I’m thankful for God, [Interim] President [Everett B.] Ward and [Athletic Director George] Williams for giving me the opportunity to lead these young men.”

The seniors were inspired by the pre-game ceremony. Eleven seniors were honored including tight end Kyle Mackie (Charlotte, NC), offensive lineman Desmin Moore (Fairburn, GA), defensive lineman Michael Oliver (Washington, DC) defensive back Cyrano Parsons (Teaneck, NJ), offensive lineman Martize Smith (High Point, NC), offensive lineman Ruben Velazquez (Rock Hill, SC) and team manager Bre’a Davis (Franklin, LA) in addition to Butts, Crawford, Cooper and Lima.

The Falcons finished the season 3-4 in the CIAA and 3-7 overall. The Bears dropped to 2-5 in the CIAA and 3-7 overall.