Ferrum @ VMI

 While last weeks loss was tough for the Ferrum faithful, be glad you are not a Keydets fan. VMI lost their season opener to Navy, 52-7. There is not a lot that can be discerned except the fact that neither Ferrum nor VMI started the way they had hoped. First of all, Navy is a very strong program, and the homefield advantage certainly helped the Midshipmen. VMI will have that homefield advantage tomorrow, but from what I am seeing on Facebook, there will be a good amount of Black and Gold in the stands.   

What can we expect?

Well, this could be another difficult day for Ferrum. An established DI program against a fledgling D2 school. Its not an ideal situation, but  Ferrum has beaten this team once.....well that goes back a ways. It was Ferrum's first year of football and the Panthers defeated the VMI freshmen team 18-13. It was the first victory ever for Ferrum football. Since then, VMI has won twice, and the teams have tied twice. The last time they met, was Sept. 23, 1961 (I was a year and a week old).  There has been quite a gap since the teams have met, and while logic would tell you that VMI will emerge victorious, it could end up to be a better game than you might think, but this will likely not end with a W for the Panthers. I saw some video of the Navy game, and if there is anything that could be helpful, VMI seemed to struggle defending the sweeps and outside runs. But then again, Ferrum ain't Navy. We will have to wait and see, but I think Ferrum needs to go out there, try not to be overwhelmed, and just think....it happened in '55.....why not now?  In the end, Ferrum needs to come out standing tall, no matter what the outcome.

Go Panthers!

Ferrum Falls at Catawba 45-13

 This can't come as much of a surprise. Moving from D3, Ferrum and the fan base had to know that this will be a hard climb. Yesterday, the Panthers got a taste of what things will likely be like a lot of the time this season.

First let me say that the Indians of Catawba are likely in a stronger conference than Conference Carolinas. This was a good team that Ferrum faced, and the stats show that, but they also show where Ferrum did have bright spots. For Ferrum, I was happy to see the size and ability of the quarterback Eli Foutz. In his first game for the Panthers, Foutz passed for 108 yards, and ran for 50 yards. His size is a definite asset. The Emory and Henry transfer is 6'2" 225lbs, seems to have a strong arm, and is not afraid to take off and pick up yardage.  I was also glad to see the kicking position bringing points to the board. After being spoiled by the Deaton brothers over the last several years, Jon Davis stepped up in a big way to hit 2 nice field goals.

There are areas to improve upon however. First of all, I am left with concern about the pass defense. The Catawba quarterback was 11 of 11 for 202 yards 3 touchdowns, and was not sacked. Also, giving up 293 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground should be a point of emphasis for this weeks practices. I have to remember that Catawba is an established D2 program with returning scholarship athletes. This is not the case for Ferrum, and that makes all the difference. Yesterday was nothing to be ashamed of. It was baseline for where the program is. Things will get better......maybe not next week, but they will get better.

Ferrum @ CatawbaThe First DII Game

 And so it begins. The newest episode in the growth of Ferrum College and Ferrum football. Today, Ferrum opens it's inaugural DII season on the road at Catawba College. This game, like all the rest will have a lot of unknowns. All new competition this year, and from my perspective, there will be a lot to learn.

   Ferrum has a lot, and I mean a lot of new faces to learn too. If I counted correctly, Ferrum has 140 players on the roster. While we will see returners like running back Jahylen Lee, safety Ian Ashworth, and quarterback Zach Wyatt, there are a lot of new faces. I expect that this will be a building year. A year where Coach Sherman and his staff try to build on the successes of last year, and learn what it takes to be a successful D2 program.

My thoughts on the Conference Carolinas Poll- This would usually be an accurate way to glean information about the strength of conference teams, but as this is the first time this conference has had football since 1974-75, I am not sure that the poll will be particularly accurate. Time will tell, and it all starts for Ferrum tonight. (6 p.m. kickoff). So let's learn together. All in all I do not think Ferrum will finish last in the conference. I will say that Ferrum cam come away with at least 2 wins this season, and quite possibly three. Two or three wins, when predicted to finish last in the conference would be a very positive start to the DII journey.

Watching the game tonight I believe will require a subscription to streaming channel FLO Sports. I don't think this is the case for all games, but tonight this seems like the only way to watch.

Here is a link to get you started.

FloSports

Go Panthers!

Conference Carolinas Poll Released- Ferrum picked 7th

 In what should not be much of a surprise, Ferrum was picked to finish last in the conference standings for the upcoming season. With the Panthers being a D3 program transitioning to D2, they will be at a disadvantage, but I do not think as much of one as some will believe. After looking at their roster, Ferrum has some Clydesdales on the O-line, and some speed in the backfield. A few Freshmen that catch my eye are:

Mantle Jones- 5'9" 160 lbs.,  Greensville County High School 

Has quick feet, and the ability to make defenders miss. Should be a strong component of the offense as he matures. Has experience as a kick returner also.

Vladamir Joacin - 6'0 235 lbs., Caroline County High School

Breakaway speed, and hard to catch in the open field. Averaged 112 ypg his Senior year, with 7.4 yards per carry. Vlad had 24 touchdowns his last two seasons.

Myles Anderson- 5'9" 170 lbs. 

Redshirt Freshman transfer from Elizabeth City State University. Played High School football at Thomas Jefferson in Richmond. Could be a major contributor to the Panthers offense.

For Ferrum, this will not be an easy season, but to finish last, would mean that the growing pains of a move to D2 are real, and a conference win will not come easy....if at all. The schedule starts off away at Catawba. The Indians are picked to finish 6th in the South Atlantic Conference. This conference has some teams you may have heard of...Emory and Henry and UVA-Wise for starters. Catawba has a well established and storied athletics program, and will be a stout opponent for the Panthers.

The next opponent is a foe that gave Ferrum it's first ever win in football in 1955. The VMI Keydets. (Although, in 1955, it was the VMI Freshmen team) This program is now in the FCS. ((Division I) While they have not been particularly dominant in recent years, This team will likely be the toughest the Panthers will face all season.

In week 3, Ferrum will return to W.B. Adams for their home opener. They will host Shaw University. The Bears play in the CIAA, where they finished 6-4 overall and 4-3 in the conference.  This is a team that I know very little about, but the CIAA is a notably strong conference, and to have a winning record indicates to me that they are capable, and will be a determined opponent.  Look for Ferrum to find the going tough, but the Panthers may just make a game of it.

In week 4, Ferrum travels to UNC Pembroke to take on the Braves. This team was picked to tie for first place in the conference, and will be Ferrum's conference opener. I don't know much about the Braves, but the coaches must, and this prediction of them possibly taking the conference title may not bode well for Ferrum.    

The Panthers have a bye in week 5, and will rest up for the following week which is back on 40 West.  This time, the Shorter Hawks come into Ferrum predicted to finish 3rd in the conference. After finishing 3-7 last year, I am curious how they finished so high in the poll this year. This could be a game where Ferrum could come out on top.....I'm not predicting that they will, but playing at home will help.

Week 7 has Ferrum at home again as they host the Barton Bulldogs. The Bulldogs have already played their first game of 2025, losing to Virginia State, 35-7. Barton is picked to finish 4th in the conference, and finished last season 3-8.

Ferrum boards the bus again for week 8, and travels to Cleveland Mississippi to take on non conference foe, Delta State. The Statesmen have already recorded a win this season as they upset the No.22 Central Missouri.  Last season, Delta State was 6-4. 

In week 9, Erskine travels from Due West, South Carolina to 40 West to take on Ferrum. The Flying Fleet finished 1-8 last season and they are predicted to finish 6th in Conference Carolinas, just ahead of Ferrum. Look for this one to be a good game.

Week 10 has Ferrum in South Carolina, visiting North Greenville. The Trailblazers are the other team tied for first place in the coaches poll. They finished their season 6-5.

Week 11 has Ferrum on the road again as they play Chowan for the first time in many many years. (October 16th, 1999). Chowan finished 3-7 last year, but they have had strong football teams over the years, and there have been many exciting games between the Hawks (Formerly Braves) and the Panthers. Look for this to be another one.

Ferrum will finish their season at home against Concord University from West Virginia. This non conference game will give the Panthers a shot to end the season on a high note. The Mountain Lions finished 1-10 last year.

It is very hard to say how Ferrum will stack up in the conference. I think they could win some games, but there will be some really tough opponents. The Panthers will not quit. They will give 100% the entire game. To be picked to finish last is understandable, but for that to happen it could mean that Ferrum would go winless in the conference, and possibly for the season. Ferrum HAS NEVER GONE WINLESS, and I doubt it will start now.

Go Panthers!

 

        

Where to Now?Assessing the Panthers Future in D2

 The 70th year of football at Ferrum will be celebrated with the upcoming season, and over that time, Ferrum has really moved the program to a much higher degree of notoriety. At first, it was difficult to field a team. Read the following to grasp an understanding of the beginning. Kicking Off Ferrum Football.

After three different coaches (Sam Webb, Carson Barnes, and Lewis Lane) tried their hand at steering the program, the 1960 season was under the direction of Ferrum legend Hank Norton. The Norton years were highlighted by four National Championships, One National Runner Up, and multiple All Americans, many who went on to play pro football. In his 34 seasons as coach of Ferrum he achieved many great things, but one of the most notable was leaving the Junior College Ranks, and taking the program to D3.

The D3 status began in 1985, with two years as an independent that did not allow for post season eligibility. The next three years, Ferrum would have its best years at the D3 level. In 1987, Ferrum would make the playoffs for the first time losing to Emory and Henry 49-7. In 1988, Ferrum would advance to the D3 semi finals, losing to eventual national champion Ithica, 62-28. For the 1989 season, the Panthers would again make a playoff run by defeating Washington and Jefferson 41-7, and would advance in the quarterfinal round by beating Lycoming 49-24. The semi final round again proved too much for the Panthers as they fell to Union 37-21. In 1990, Ferrum would again make the playoffs, losing in the first round to Washington and Jefferson 10-7. 1993 marked the end of Hank Norton's storied career as Ferrum's head coach. He would be replaced by Dave Davis to carry on the tradition. It would be 15 years before the Panthers would again make the playoffs. The 2005 season under Davis saw the Panthers start strong with a 9 game winning streak. Going into the last game of the season, Ferrum had already wrapped up the conference title, and had qualified for the D3 playoffs. The only questions were who would they play and where. A win against a very good Christopher Newport University team would likely mean Ferrum would host the first round. Unfortunately Christopher Newport would stop the Panthers streak at 9, defeating Ferrum at W.B. Adams Stadium 44-7. That first round playoff game did not go much better as the Panthers fell to the Wesley Wolverines in Delaware 59-14. Davis retired in 2010.

Since Dave Davis, Ferrum has had four more coaches at the helm of the program. David Harper, (2011-2015), Rob Grande (2016-2019), Cleive Adams (2020-2023) and Kevin Sherman (2024-). While each had success on many levels, and made various contributions to Ferrum football, I am currently very encouraged by the success that coach Sherman had in his inaugural season. With very little time to recruit, coach Sherman found a way to to take a 3-7 team, to 5-5. While 5-5 may not seem worth writing home about, keep in mind, they were only one win away from a winning season. Let's also not forget that one of those five losses came at the hands of the eventual National Runner Up, Mount Union. Also remember, Ferrum only lost to Hampden-Sydney by 5 points. This was one they could have won. So with just one more score, and a more realistic opponent to start the season with, Ferrum could have ended with a 7-3 record. There is a lot of good that can be taken from last season. I look for Ferrum to be an improved version of the team they fielded last year, but so will the opponents they face this year.

What can we expect in the first season of D2 Football?

In all honesty, it is difficult to tell. I have done some research, and while I am not ready to make a preseason prediction, here are some informational nuggets.

• The Panthers will participate in Conference Carolinas
• There will be 7 football teams in the conference
• This will be the first time since the 1974-75 season that the conference has had football
• Of all the teams in Conf Carolinas, only two posted winning records last season
• Ferrum had the 3rd best record if you look at all 7 teams.

In looking ahead, I think Ferrum will have some success. To contend for the conference championship is a real possibility, but I tend to temper my enthusiasm with the knowledge that the other teams did play at the D2 level before this season, and Ferrum has not. They will have returning scholarship players, and Ferrum will not. It is a big step for the Panthers, and while I do think there is room for Ferrum to scratch out several wins, I think there is a need for patience. Below is the 2025 11 game schedule.

Aug.30   @ Catawba College

Sept. 6    @ VMI

Sept.13    vs. Shaw University

Sept. 20  @ UNC Pembroke

Sept. 27       OPEN

Oct. 4     vs. Shorter University

Oct. 11   vs. Barton College

Oct. 18  @  Delta State University

Oct. 25  vs. Erskine College

Nov. 1   @  North Greenville University

Nov. 8   @ Chowan University

Nov. 15  vs. Concord University (or Conference Carolinas Conference Championship)

Ferrum Ends D3 Run With A WinFinishes Season 5-5 and 5th in the ODAC

 In the final game as a Division 3 school, Ferrum found themselves on the winning end of a 35-6 score today, dispatching the Averett Cougars with relative ease. Last week, conference champion Randolph- Macon defeated Ferrum by almost the same score (35-7) so it must have been nice to come away with the 35 this week.

Like the last time they played, this was a team effort, with all phases of the team's attack contributing. The first half showcased the Ferrum defense, but the scoring was started by Jahylen Lee as he scored on a 9 yard run, giving Ferrum a 7-0 lead. After a couple of drives by both teams that ended in punts, Averett had the ball on their own 20 yard line. They moved it to their 33 yard line, where they had it 1st and 10. An incomplete pass by Trevor Testerman left it 2nd and 10. The next play was a loss of 6 yards leaving them 3rd and 16. Testerman then ran the ball, losing yardage, but fumbling before the play was blown dead. Davon Simpkins would scoop the loose ball up and rumble 21 yards for Ferrum's second touchdown of the game. This put Ferrum up 14-0, but Averett looked to be in better shape when the ensuing kickoff was returned 52 yards to the Ferrum 44. With time for one more play in the quarter, Averett's Jayden Williams ran for 13 yards to give the Cougars first and ten at the Panthers 31.  The first quarter would end like this and it seemed that Averett was gaining momentum.......until the next play. On this play, quarterback Jayden Williams called his own number and kept the ball, picking up five yards before fumbling at the Ferrum 26. This time it would be defensive back Peja Brent picking up the loose pigskin and taking it to the house on a 74 yard scamper. Ferrum was up 21-0. Some good plays throughout the quarter by both teams gave hope, but in the end they were thwarted by the opponents defensive efforts. The half would end 21-0. 

Ferrum would kick off to start the second half, and Averett would take the kickoff and Shawn Watlington would return it 27 yards to the Averett 30. The Cougar offense started to look stronger as they moved the ball down to the Ferrum 39 where they were 3rd and 1. Quarterback Jayden Williams ran for 3 yards which would have been enough for the first down, but he lost the ball, and gave up Averett's third fumble of the day. Ferrum would take over and in four plays, Jahylen Lee would take the ball for a 50 yard run to put Ferrum up 28-0.

After the ensuing kickoff, Ferrum would again stymie any momentum that Averett seemed to build. This time, an Ian Ashworth interception gave Ferrum the ball back, and as in previous turnovers, Ferrum took advantage, as Aiden Vaught scored on a 18 yard run putting Ferrum up 35-0.

The Ferrum defense stopped Averett after the kickoff with a three and out. The Cougars punted and Ferrum began another drive this time on their own 39. Things looked good as Ferrum ended the third quarter with what was shaping up to be another solid drive. On the first play of the fourth quarter however, Zach Wyatt's pass was intercepted by Joziah Campbell at the Averett 1 yard line. He returned it 52 yards to the Ferrum 47. The Cougars would put together an 11 play drive and would score their only touchdown of the day on a 1 yard run by Louie Delulio.

This is how the season would end. To me Coach Kevin Sherman and staff should count this as a great start for their first year. The team has a lot of talent, and while graduation will take its toll, The staff will be out recruiting hard in preparation for the Journey to Division 2.

It was a good year. Projected to finish last, but finished 5th. There is a lot to be proud of. The D2 road awaits.

Go Panthers!

 

Averett @ Ferrum

 Ferrum will celebrate Senior Day Saturday while hosting the Averett Cougars. Yes, we have already played them, but that was considered a non conference game.

Ferrum will have to work quite hard to get this win, but if they can.....and I feel sure that they can, they will end with a .500 season, and will likely finish ahead of Hampden-Sydney, Guilford, and Averett. It should be a great game. I will not get to see it as I am in a training all weekend, but I will be checking on breaks if possible to see how they are doing. I think, overall, Ferrum will be too much for them and I predict a 27-14 win by the Panthers!

Go Panthers!

Panthers Swarmed by Yellow Jackets 35-7

 On a gorgeous  day for football, Ferrum travelled to Randolph-Macon to take on the conference leading Yellow Jackets. Randolph-Macon, who was ranked #24 in the AFCA poll at the time and was 7-1, played host to a Ferrum team that would have to win it's last two games to have a winning season. The task in front of Ferrum would not be an easy one to say the least, and it quickly became apparent why.

After Randolph Macon deferred the coin toss, Ferrum took the ball and on the first play got a first down from a 13 yard pass from Wyatt to Kai Bowers. The next three plays took the ball 9 yards, but with 4th and 1, Ferrum rolled the dice and went for it, but to no avail. The Yellow Jackets took over and in 6 plays they covered 62 yards for the touchdown, The highlight of the drive was a 35 yard run by Kwesi Clark.

With a 7-0 lead, the Yellow Jackets defense looked to put even more pressure on the Panthers, and they did just that. It took only 5 plays before the Panthers were punting again, and  this time Randolph Macon would score again after a 12 play drive resulting in a Mitchell Johnson 1 yard touchdown run. At this point, Ferrum trailed 14-0 with 19 seconds left in the 1st quarter, and that's how the quarter ended. 

Things got rougher early in the second quarter as Ferrum was held to a three and out where they would punt again, and 13 plays later Randolph-Macon would find paydirt again when Casciola scored on a one yard run.

Trailing 21- 0, Ferrum was again stopped after only three plays and Hutton came back to punt. There was sort of a pattern showing, and for Ferrum fans, it was not pretty. The inability to slow down their offense, and the frustration of trying to maneuver  past their defense.

On the next series by the Yellow Jackets, it took them only five plays, and they found themselves ahead 28-0. After the kickoff, Ferrum. did get a couple of more plays off but with limited success, and that is how the half would end.

The problem with the second half was that Ferrum had to kickoff.  The job of stopping the Jackets had proven mostly impossible, and the start of the second half  seemed just like I feared. In eight plays, they covered 75 yards, and scored another touchdown, making the score 35-0.

On the next drive, Ferrum put together the best drive of the game as they moved the ball 70 yards down the field, but Lee fumbled the ball and the Yellow Jackets recovered. With that, Ferrum was able to stop their offense on a three and out, and they punted. Amazingly, it was an 8 yard punt, and Ferrum took over at the Randolph Macon 32 yard line. The gaff by the punter must have inspired the Panthers offense, because on their first play, Zach Wyatt hit Josh Powell for a 32 yard touchdown pass, and Ferrum trailed 35-7.

This is how it would end, but I cant say I am surprised at the outcome. They wrapped up the conference with that win, and are in the field again for the D3 playoffs. Ferrum has to look ahead to the Averett Cougars. A win is a .500 season, and we know we can beat them, but Ferrum is missing some key players so it may not come as easy this time. I do think Ferrum has the pieces necessary to win. and if they do they will likely finish in fifth place in the ODAC.....which is much better than where they were predicted to finish.

Go Panthers!

Ferrum @ Randolph-Macon

 Ferrum takes to the road for the final time this season as they head to Ashland. The Panthers (4-4) will take on a Randolph-Macon team that has had a very successful season to date. Boasting a 7-1 record, The #24 Yellow Jackets (AFCA Poll) are looking to finish their home schedule strong on their Senior Day in preparation for "The Game" next week against Hampden-Sydney. That is their biggest rivalry of the year, something that the fans of both team look forward to.

That being said, Ferrum is in town this weekend, and I do not foresee the Panthers rolling over and giving up by any means. This may be just the chance to catch the Yellow Jackets sleeping.....looking ahead to "The Game" and assuming an easy win over Ferrum. This will not be an easy game for Ferrum. You don't get ranked #24 by being mediocre. Randolph-Macon is a good team. Here are their big 4 stats that will give you an idea of how they got to a record of 7-1:

Rushing yards per game        199.6

Passing yards per game         152

Points per game                    36

Points given up per game     13.75

Here are the same stats for Ferrum:

Rushing yards per game        168.3

Passing yards per game          126.13

Points per game                      20.75

Points given up per game        31.13 

Don't get me wrong, this will be an uphill battle for Ferrum, but it could happen. It will take focus, tenacity, some surprise plays, and maybe even some luck. It will take a positive attitude, and likely some Jackets miscues for Ferrum to have a chance. Don't overlook one thing, there is a lot of talent on this roster. Ferrum has solid talent throughout their roster, and if they can play as a solid unit, and NOT FUMBLE! (Ferrum cannot afford one mistake.) They may be in a position for the upset. They must also control time of possession. 

The Panthers defensive line will have its hands full. If they can limit the damage caused by the run, the secondary will get plenty of chances to fill the passing lanes. The Panther pass defense has struggled this year, and are currently ranked 192 for passing yards allowed. While I cannot find an earlier ranking that I referenced, I am pretty sure that this is an improvement.  

Seth Deaton will likely be called on to contribute. Let's see if you can break your own record this week Seth.       

It will be a nice day with temps in the mid to lower 60's, under partly cloudy skies with no rain at all in the forecast....so bring an umbrella...lol.

Come out and support the team. I have not been to a game this year, and next weekend is not available to me as I have a training to attend all weekend. I will however be there tomorrow.

Go Panthers!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Ferrum Shuts Down Quakers 20-7Pick Up 4th Win of the Season

 The Ferrum Panthers came ready to play ball Saturday, and they did not disappoint. From the outset, Ferrum looked to be in control of the game on both sides of the ball. Ferrum received the opening kickoff, and methodically moved the ball down field. Eventually, Ferrum's drive stalled giving Seth Deaton his first chance to put points on the board. Deaton launched a Ferrum College record 48 yard field goal to give the Panthers the lead 3-0.

Guilford would take over at their own 25 after a touchback. After a 5 play drive, that only netted 5 yards, the Quakers would have to punt. On their next possession, Zach Wyatt and Co. engineered a 13 play 78 yard drive that ended with Jahylen Lee finding the end zone from five yards out. With the Deaton extra point, Ferrum would lead 10-0.

Defenses Take Over

After the kick off the Ferrum defense went to work and held Guilford to a three and  out, forcing the Quakers to punt again. This time the Quaker defense woke up, and held Ferrum to a three and out and forcing William Hutton to punt. The quarter would end with Guilford getting a first down. as the drive went on in the second quarter, Ferrum again held forcing a punt. The punt was fumbled by Ferrum and recovered by Guildford, but Guilford also picked up an unsportsmanlike foul, nullifying the play, and forcing Guilford to punt again. Even though this punt was worse than the previous one, Ferrum, again could not get any traction for the offense. They were held to a three and out, and had to punt. At the 11:39 mark of the 2nd qtr. Guilford took over and again was stopped after three plays, and had to punt back to Ferrum. The Panthers started putting together a drive picking up two first downs. This was short lived however as Ferrum fumbled and Guilford recovered. This drive, starting at Ferrum's 25 yard line was not good news for Ferrum as the Quakers scored in three plays, cutting the Ferrum lead 10-7. Each team would have possession once more in the half, but this is how the teams would go in at halftime Ferrum 10 Guilford 7.

The second half had Ferrum kicking off to Guilford, but the Panther defense again looked strong and forced the Quakers to punt after 3 plays. Ferrum began a nice drive that started at their own 30, but after some nice runs by Jahylen Lee, and runs by Aiden Vaught, and Zach Wyatt, Ferrum found themselves at the Guilford 10. Seth Deaton would add another three points, giving Ferrum a 13-7 lead.

Ferrum would go on to score one more time on the day at the 8:07 mark of the 4th quarter. Aiden Vaught took the ball into the endzone from 5 yards out and with Deaton's extra point they extended the lead to 20-7.

That score would be the final, but there are a few things I want to point out. Ferrum's defense played an outstanding game. Jahylen Lee was ODAC offensive player of the week as he amassed 211 yards on the ground with one touchdown. The penalties were few, and Ferrum played a disciplined style of football that worked in their favor. If there was one stat that really concerned me, it was the fumbles. Ferrum put the ball on the ground 8 times. That is the most fumbles I can ever remember in one game ....and the field conditions were not a factor. Luckily, Ferrum recovered 6 of those miscues, and they were not hurt by them overall. This will not be the case against  a powerful Randolph-Macon team. 

Go Panthers!

Ferrum @ Guilford

 In the first of two consecutive road games, Ferrum travels South to take on the Guilford Quakers. This game will mean a lot to both teams, and there is a chance that these two teams match up closer than any team Ferrum has played. Statistically, Ferrum and Guilford are very similar in many categories. This will be a competitive game, and if Ferrum can win this game, there is a good chance that the team could end the season 5-5 with Randolph Macon, and Averett left on the schedule.

Today however, is a must win for that to happen. This will be one Ferrum can win, but they must stay focused, and must keep their foot on the gas.  The Quakers defense is suspect as they are giving up over 220 yards per game on the ground, and 160 through the air. If Ferrum's defense can produce a few stops, they should be able to edge out the Quakers in what may be a high scoring game. Look for Ferrum to be better prepared, and to want it more. It will not be easy, and it may come down to Seth Deaton's leg to win it. My prediction:

Ferrum 37

GC       34

Go Panthers!

Generals Overwhelm Panthers 34-0

 While I had obligations that kept me from watching the game on the internet, perusing the stats tells you about all you need to know. From what I have seen in the statistics, the Generals maintained a ground attack, and Ferrum was not able to slow it down at all. 477 yards gained on the ground between 10 different players. Two of the players for the Generals (Romero and Crawford) gained 260 of those yards. 

The passing games were not particularly remarkable for either team, but this was not all that important for W&L. It overall was one sided to say the least. From what I can deduce, the game was won in the trenches as both sides of the ball seemed to be dominated by Washington and Lee. The fact that we did record a sack, and got one interception was good, and Hutton's punting numbers were solid, but a shutout? That is just not good. Put it in the rear view mirror and focus on what is ahead of you.

Ferrum's visit to Greensboro will setup an important game for the Quakers and the Panthers. Both teams are 3-4. Guilford lost to Hampden Sydney, and lost to Washington and Lee 40-23. It will be a close game, and with both teams coming off of a loss, we will have to see who wants it more. It should be a good game, so let's forget about W&L, and keep it moving. We have three games left....take them one at a time.

Go Panthers!