Monday, January 8, 2024

Press Conference Tomorrow to Announce New Football Coach

 The Sports Information Director's office announced today that a press conference will be held tomorrow to introduce Ferrum's new football coach. Please see link below:

Ferrum Football Coach Announcement


The press conference will be live streamed at 11:30 a.m., and can be watched at the link below:


Watch Press Conference Here

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Ferrum Falls in Danville
Ends Season at 3-7

 In the final football installment of the season, Ferrum came up way short against what I thought to be was a similar strength team. It turned out that while Ferrum was able to get 10 points on the board, they were not particularly successful at stopping the Cougars. Down 21-0 at halftime, Ferrum could not come back in the second half, and fell 38-10. There is no need to dissect the entire game. We are losing 20+ players to graduation, and that will pose a big enough problem for Ferrum. Other things that will cause issues for the Panthers include:

1. Selecting a new coach- I am hopeful that they will conduct a national search and can attract some high-quality applicants. If they can hire a successful coach, they will have to be able to pay enough money to keep him on the sidelines. The days of Ferrum being a "Feeder College" for coaches, has to stop. The Head Coach position, which was at one time listed on the Human Resources page as an open position, is not listed any more, but I have heard no news of a hire.

2. Developing a recruiting strategy. This is possibly one of the hardest colleges to recruit for in the country. While we all know the majesty and beauty of the campus, the location, in the minds of impressionable youth, this campus is quite isolated and remote. "Nothing to Do" "Suitcase College" It will take some really skilled recruiters to gain the talent Ferrum needs.

3. Emphasizing the Lines of Scrimmage- In order for Ferrum to be successful, they must not only be skilled at recruiting offensive and defensive line talent, they must have line coaches that can grow them, and teach them fundamentals, and tactics that will make them successful. Yes those on the lines need to be big men, but they can't just be heavy, they must have strength. With knowledge and strength, much can be gained.

4. Looking for Speed- Ferrum has some speed, but it needs to be more of an emphasis on speed on both sides of the ball. Football is a game of speed, and it is necessary at every position.

5. There needs to be a serious Strength and Conditioning program that is strongly emphasized year round. The weight room in the Norton Center is as nice as any in the ODAC I would imagine, and it needs to be where the dedicated player spends a designated amount of time every week with the strength and conditioning staff in a regimented program.

6. The college has to be attractive academically. I think tremendous strides have been made in this area, but more national exposure is needed. Expanding academic offerings may be another way to attract more students. How about a School of Business? A School of Education? Are there area business leaders, who would get behind this?

7. Lastly but possibly most importantly, the grounds have to be impeccably groomed. The attention to detail of the grounds will leave parents in awe saying  "If they take the time to care for the grounds like this, just think of the care they will take of my child." 

I say these things, not to be critical of the present, but to express what I hope to be the standard in the future. I was there as a student from 1978-1982. I loved that place, and still do. It has come a long way since I was there, but there is so much potential. 

Two years ago, Ferrum's football team travelled to Newport News, and for only the second time, Ferrum beat Christopher Newport University 26-19. It was quite a game, and it is fair to say that CNU was having a down year. They ended the season 5-5. CNU began their first year of football in 2001. They have consistently been a winning program, and like many years in the past, again this year, they made the playoffs. Although they fell in the first round to Randolph Macon, they made the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

Ferrum has quite the home opener next year as the Mount Union Purple Raiders come to Adams field. If you dont know who this team is, then you don't know D3 football. To say they have a dominant program is an understatement to say the least. They have won the D3 national championship in:

It will be a tough opponent, but I do believe this could help the Panthers program. It is also likely that Ferrum will travel to Alliance Ohio in 2025.

I will be keeping my ears and eyes open for the coaching announcement.

Go Panthers!

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Ferrum @ Averett
Chasing One Final Win

 Tomorrow marks the end of the season for these two teams. A season, for Ferrum anyway, that has shown some real improvement and promise for the future. The Panthers will take shortest trip of the season and head to Danville to take on Averett (4-5, 1-5). The last week of the season is considered rivalry week and will pit such foes as Hampden-Sydney @ Randolph Macon, and the Panthers and the Cougars. Historically, Emory and Henry was the last game of the season for Ferrum, but since they have moved to DII, Averett has taken their place in the ODAC, and the new "Route 220 Rivalry" was born.  (I know Rt. 220 does not connect Ferrum to Danville precisely, but from either end, you can get close enough to ask directions.)

So what can we expect tomorrow? Actually, I would rate these teams as pretty close to even. Offensively, Averett is leading in points per game with a 25.9 ppg average. Ferrum has a 17.33 ppg average. Defensively, Ferrum has allowed 265 points which equates to giving up 29.44 ppg. Averett has ironically also allowed 265 points with the same 29.44 ppg. average.

The Cougars have accumulated 1381 yards on the ground, while Ferrum has tallied 1044 yards. Through the air, Averett has gained 1870 yards and scored 21 passing touchdowns. They have thrown 14 interceptions. Ferrum has gained 1296 and scored 7 touchdowns through the air. They have thrown 6 interceptions.

As for the defenses, Ferrum has had its up and downs. Through 9 games, Ferrum has allowed 1688 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns by the opposition. The Panthers have intercepted their opposition 9 times this season. That is a three way tie for the second most interceptions this season behind Randolph Macon with 15. Ferrum has allowed 12 touchdowns through the air.

As for Averett, they have allowed 1315 yards to opponents on the ground, and 24 rushing touchdowns. They have intercepted their opposition 7 times. and have given up 9 touchdown passes.

So how will this one turn out? I am guessing it could go either way. Weather should not be a factor, but the most important factor, may be the Last One.

This will be Coach Adam's last game as head coach, against the team he left to come to Ferrum. This is a big game as he will take over Athletic Director duties soon after today's game is over.

This is the last game for the Seniors a time to reflect, on the little league football games, middle school games, and high school games. On these last four years of college, all ending today. realizing that for many they will never play competitive football again. They will strap on that Black Hat one last time, and give it 110%.

I think one could look at this game and see from the stats that either team is capable of winning, but I will let my prejudice show again, and say that this can and should be a Ferrum win. Let's see how it goes. Remember we are Chasing on Final Win, and it could be the win could come via a field goal, supplied by Chase Deaton, but Chase has already ended his playing days as a Panther. This one may have to be left to his younger brother Seth. Seth has had a very productive season, setting the record for the most career field goals in Ferrum history.


Go Panthers!

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Yellow Jackets Too Much For Panthers
Remain Unbeaten

 In the final home game of the year, Ferrum ran into a buzz saw in the Yellow Jackets of Randolph-Macon. Unable to stop the passing game of the visitors, Drew Campanale threw for 243 yards and two touchdowns. also ran for 50 yards.
Ferrum had very few highlights, and were stymied about everywhere they turned. 2 main stat categories tell the story:


Total Offense-  RMC  544 yards
                             FC  174 yards

First Downs-    RMC    28
                             FC      9


Being fair, Ferrum was not expected to win this one. This was the number 10 team in the D3.com poll, and they will be a strong representative for the ODAC in the playoffs. Since this game they have moved to #9 in the nation. 

Look at it this way, Randolph Macon was picked to win the ODAC unanimously. Ferrum was picked to be tied for last with Guilford, and finish just behind Averett. From that perspective, Ferrum will finish ahead of Guilford, and with a win Saturday at Averett....which is a realistic possibility, would put Ferrum ahead of both teams. Forget this past Saturday, look toward this coming Saturday. This will be a good game and a very meaningful game. How nice a win would be to end the season. it would give Ferrum their fourth win of the year, and their first win on the road. It would mean Ferrum would improve significantly from their 1-9 record of a year ago. There is a lot to look forward to in Danville. I fully intended on making the trip, but as luck would have it, I have caught the dreaded covid, so I will be staying home, watching on the internet.

Go Panthers!







Saturday, November 4, 2023

Randolph Macon @ Ferrum

 The Panthers finish off their home season today, and they are not ending their W.B. Adams appearances against an easy foe. The Randolph Macon Yellow Jackets come down 40 West ranked #10 in the d3football.com poll and are #9 in the AFCA poll. They are undefeated. (8-0) and are averaging 51.3 points per game.  Their highest offensive output this season came against Guilford with 70 points, and their least number of points scored, coming against Washington and Lee with 35.

Ferrum is 3-5 overall, with one conference win against Guilford 28-0. Ferrum has 2 shutouts this season and has intercepted their opponents 9 times. It will take everyone on the team giving all of their effort if this is even going to be close. This will be the hardest task of the season, but Ferrum, I still say, has some real talent on their roster. The Panthers are a young team overall, and while this game will likely not end pretty, a lot has been accomplished this year......a marked improvement over last year...and while the odds are long for the Panthers, I don't count them out. Anything could happen.


Go Panthers!


Monday, October 30, 2023

Eagles Dash Panthers Hopes of an Upset

 It was a big ask.... actually, far bigger than I even anticipated. The trip to Bridgewater did not end with a happy bus ride back home, rather more of a question of what happened? In breaking the game down, I usually turn to statistics. And while I know everything cannot be truly reflected in the stats, It does contain a lot of information that should help explain the finish. In this game, I think one of the big factors was the Eagles success running the ball. First of all they averaged 9.0 yards per rush. Kennedy Fauntleroy ran the ball 21 times, gained 208 yards, and scored three touchdowns. he himself averaged 9.9 yards per carry and accounted for around 2/3rds of the total team yardage. 

Through the air, Ferrum gave up 155 yards, but did not surrender a touchdown pass, and had 3 interceptions. Ferrum as a team gained 114 yards on the ground, averaging 2.9 yards per carry.

I don't know what else to look at. These were the most revealing stats. It was a rough day, with no way to slow down the grinding Eagles machine Ferrum tried hard, but could not keep up. Keep your heads up guys.


Go Panthers!

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Ferrum @ Bridgewater

 Ferrum travels to Bridgewater today as they try to keep the momentum going from last week. The Eagles are 5-2, coming off of a huge road win over Averett 53-24. They are averaging just over 30 points per game but have given up a significant number of points during the season. Opponents are averaging 26 points per game. While Bridgewater is likely looked at as the favorite, if Ferrum can play as solid as they did last week, anything is possible.

Ferrum is averaging over 17 points per game and is giving up 24 per game and while yes it will be a big ask, with just the right breaks, Ferrum could pull this off. I will not make any predictions, and I know Bridgewater is not Guilford, but at the same time, Ferrum is a better team than the numbers indicate....in my opinion. Stand by, this could be a donnybrook! 

Look for Ferrum to start Nathan Carr again at quarterback, and if the offensive and defensive lines of the Panthers, can hold their own, this could be a fun ride back to Ferrum.


Go Panthers!

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Ferrum Makes Homecoming A Day To Remember
Shutout Guilford 28-0

 I had to take a trip out of town and was not able to go to homecoming this year, but for the crowd that did attend, you certainly must have had quite a good time. The Panthers put on what I think was their best performance of the year, and for the first real time since the North Carolina Wesleyan game, I think they found the key to execution football. 

For the most part, Ferrum played a nearly flawless game. The game started under a cloud of concern as the Quakers took the opening drive down the field where the Ferrum defense finally stopped them and forced a field goal attempt.  The drive started on the Guilford 18 and lasted for 13 plays. The 13th play, the field goal attempt was from 48 yards, and fell short. Ferrum would take over at their own 31-yard line. The big news for the Ferrum offense, was that Nathan Carr was the starting quarterback, as Braxton Hughes was injured. This would be the first time that the Thomasville North Carolina freshman would not share the spotlight with another quarterback. He did not disappoint. Carr sizzled on the ground and through the air, as he passed for 51 yards, going 9 for 13. While watching Carr, it was nice to see just how fast he can run. He is quite speedy and has no fear to run when needed to advance the ball.

The primary means of moving the ball for Ferrum was on the ground. Led by Jaylen Lee, the Panthers Freshman running back carried the ball 30 times for 122 yards, and 2 touchdowns. The combination of Lee and Carr would combine for 44 carries for 216 yards and four rushing touchdowns. The success on the ground was in no small measure realized by the job done by the offensive line. Never this year has the O line looked as well oiled and operated in such a strong cohesive fashion. This was their best performance by far. To score 28 points, is a great feat, but it maybe pales slightly to the performance put up by the Ferrum defense. Jamison "Hacksaw" Hackett was really all over the field Saturday. He and Julian Morgan each had 5 solo tackles. Morgan had two assists, while Hackett had one. Ferrum also picked up their 6th interception in 7 games....which is awesome! Lastly, the Panthers were perfect on extra points, with Deaton going 4 for 4.

One last thing to point out.... 

Guilford, while not really lighting up the win column, had been successful scoring. They scored 14 on Randolph Macon, 25 against Washington & Lee, and 20 against Shenandoah. This gave me concern, as I had to worry that their offense was better than I was expecting. If they were, it was not particularly evident Saturday. Ferrum's defense came ready to play. From top to bottom, this was a team effort, and for me it revived the confidence I had in this team. We may not win the conference, but I feel good in the direction the program is going. Great win Ferrum, on to Bridgewater!


Go Panthers!

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Generals Roll over Ferrum 41-16
Homecoming Saturday Preview

 Ferrum was on the road for the second straight week, and for the second straight week, the Panthers could not muster enough on either side of the ball to keep the game in reach. Statistically, Ferrum was not on par either offensively or defensively with their opponent. Interestingly enough, Ferrum won the time of possession battle, albeit by only :56 seconds. That is good usually, but Ferrum had a difficult time converting their possessions into points.   The first half ended with Ferrum trailing 28-0. The second half was where Ferrum picked up the tempo, outscoring the Generals 16-13, but that was not near enough to give the Panthers a chance at victory nor was it likely against many if any starters.

Things that stand out-


Washington and Lee had one more offensive play than Ferrum. (73-72)

W&L averaged 5.0 yards per play- Ferrum averaged 3.8 yards per play.

Special Teams was a plus for Ferrum, but they just barely edged out the Generals.

Ferrum had 76 yards rushing- W&L had 315.

Ferrum was 2 for 4 in Red Zone chances. While 50% is not awful, Washington and Lee went 6 for 6.

Ferrum did not record a sack, while W&L had seven sacks on the day. 

Neither team had a field goal.

I was impressed with what seemed like good speed from Nathan Carr.


Homecoming Preview

The Panthers will return home Saturday for Homecoming to take on the Guildford Quakers. Guilford and Ferrum are both tied for last place in the conference. (0-3) Overall, both teams are 2-4 and statistically are fairly even. Ferrum's offense ranks last in points scored, and the Quakers offense is third from last in points scored. Defensively, opponents have scored 231 points against Guilford, ranking them last in the conference, and Ferrum has given up 168 points, ranking them next to last.

It should be a good game, and with a loud homecoming crowd, they just may get a much-needed win.


Go Panthers!

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Catching Up For The Week

 Sometimes things just don't go as you had hoped they would. This past week has been way more hectic for me than I expected, and that has really infringed on my "blogging time" I'm sorry for the delay, but here we go.


Recap of last Saturday:  

I guess I can start by saying that things didn't go as I had hoped they would...

It is a tough pill to swallow, but Ferrum lost to a better team. It appears that in virtually all phases of the game, Ferrum could not match up well with the Tigers. The defense had what had to be their worst day so far. They gave up 342 yards through the air, and 160 on the ground for a grand total of 502 yards. 48 points is the most scored against the Panthers this season, and they were not able to generate success all that well on the other side of the ball either.

Offensively, Ferrum just could not keep pace with the numbers H-SC put up. Ferrum had 154 passing yards, and only 65 yards on the ground. I am not sure what could have been done differently, and there is no doubt the Tigers are a team that can contend at the top of the ODAC, but in the long run, Ferrum has to look at making some serious adjustments to both their offense and defense in order to contend.

Mid-Week News

Upon the exit of John Sutyak as athletic director, Ferrum has looked to try to fill this important position. This week, it was announced that Cleive Adams will take over the position as athletic director after the end of the season.  Coach Adams will definitely bring a passion to the job, just like he has done with all of the other positions he has held. Adams has a deep evident love for Ferrum, and this shines through in everything he does. This will be a new role for Cleive, but I feel he can be most impactful in this position, and will steer a new and steady course for Ferrum athletics.


Ferrum @ Washington and Lee


The Panthers are on the road again this time, travelling to Lexington Va. to take on the Generals of Washington and Lee. After losing their season opener the Generals have rolled off 4 straight wins. They are averaging 406 yards on offense and are averaging 27.4 ppg. They are giving up just over 19 ppg.

This week's opponent will be quite like last weeks. Look for the Generals to show a good balance of run and pass, and it will be up to Ferrum to get pressure on the quarterback, and stick close to the receivers if they want to slow down the passing game. I am hoping for a better outcome this week, and it could happen, but I will make no predictions. Ferrum will have to execute flawlessly to stay in this one.


Go Panthers!


Saturday, October 7, 2023

Ferrum @ Hampden-Sydney

 The Panthers are on the road to take on the Tigers of Hampden-Sydney College. After a disappointing loss last week to Shenandoah, Ferrum hopes to rebound, and show better this week. The opponent is different and will attack in a different manner. Look for a lot of passing by the Tigers. Currently, the Tigers have attempted 134 passes, completing 89 for 1075 yards. With their passing game, they have scored 11 touchdowns, and so far, have not thrown an interception. While their passing game is strong, they are very capable of moving the ball on the ground. To date they have run 137 rushing plays gaining 589 yards and scoring 9 touchdowns. While they are capable of moving the ball, the Tigers defense is a bit more suspect, especially against the run. To date, opponents have gained 946 yards against H-SC, scoring 8 touchdowns. Their pass defense has given up 798 yards, but they have 4 interceptions. 

Ferrum will need to take advantage of a suspect run defense and must control time of possession. The key for Ferrum is to stay the course and execute the game plan. Braxton Hughes will need to lead the team in execution through the air, and they must rely on the running game to keep the defense off balance.

This will not be an easy game, but it is not an impossible task. 


Go Panthers!


Sunday, October 1, 2023

Ferrum Outmatched By Hornets
Lose 38-3

 There is not a lot I can say about this game. The Panthers were beaten in most every aspect of the game. As I had said in the last post, the Hornets are known for the size of their offensive and defensive lines. That, to me was one of the largest deciding factors of the game. Ferrum's quarterback Braxton Hughes was sacked 5 times for a loss of 30 yards. The Shenandoah quarterback was sacked once. The passing game for Ferrum was not particularly effective as there were only 98 yards gained through the air. (Did I mention he was sacked 5 times?) The quarterback needs more time to make his reads, and throw. As for the ground game Ferrum had 65 yards on the ground.

The defense did not fair a lot better as they allowed 224 yards on the ground, and 183 yards through the air. All in all, it was not a close game, and that is what the score showed. Ferrum has a lot of work to do to get ready for this week's opponent, and in my opinion the trenches is where the emphasis needs to be. What worries me is that Ferrum was not even playing what I would have considered one of the top three teams in the conference...and neither did the coaches poll reflect that. There are better teams out there than Shenandoah, and this week brings another tough challenge.

The Panthers go on the road, (after three straight games at home)  to take on the Tigers of Hampden-Sydney. HS-C is 2-2 like Ferrum but uses a pass heavy offense (89 of 134 with no interceptions), and have amassed 1075 yards and 11 touchdowns through the air.

The Panthers need to put this game behind them and focus on this week's game. The secondary will be tested, and if they can pass that test, they may be able to pull out a win.


Go Panthers!