Lehigh rallies to defeat Towson 40-38 in playoffs

TOWSON, Md. (AP) Tom Bianchi sacked Grant Enders for a safety, then Lehigh ran the final 5 minutes off the clock to preserve a 40-38 win Saturday over Towson in the second round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

The Mountain Hawks (11-1), who trailed 31-24 in the fourth quarter, reached the quarterfinals for the first time since 2001 and will play North Dakota State.

Matt Fitz tied the game on a 1-yard run, then Enders threw a 52-yard TD to Gerard Sheppard for a 38-31 lead.

After Chris Lum's 1-yard sneak knotted it, the Tigers (9-3) started a drive on their 8. Terrance West gained 1 yard, then Bianchi came off of Enders' blind side with 5:14 left.

Lum was 36 of 48 for 351 yards with one touchdown and Ryan Spadola had 13 catches for 152 yards and a TD.

West's 11 carries for 52 yards and two touchdowns led Towson.

Updated December 3, 2011