ELON, N.C. -- Khalil Lewis rushed for three second-half scores as Gardner-Webb pulled away from Elon for a 31-6 victory in the season opener for both teams on Saturday.

Tied at 3 at the half, Lewis capped a six-play, 65-yard opening drive with a 1-yard TD plunge to give the Runnin' Bulldogs a 10-3 lead.

Tyrell Maxwell threw an interception on Gardner-Webb's next offensive play but led touchdown drives on each of the next three possessions to put the game out of reach.

Lewis rushed 23 times for 109 yards, and Maxwell added 21 carries for 154 yards and the game's final score, a 19-yard scamper. He completed 12 of 19 attempts for 102 yards and the lone pick.

Elon went three-and-out on three of its first four possessions before managing a field goal heading into halftime. Connor Christiansen and Daniel Thompson combined for 212 yards and an interception on 25-of-40 passing.