Panthers End Season On Sour Note

It was a tall order, no matter what, but Ferrum went out to Emory and Henry for the last game of the season playing for nothing more than to salvage a .500 season, and to hopefully send the Seniors off with one final win. It took very little time for the Wasps to take control, and before the first quarter was over, Ferrum's tall order had turned into an almost impossible task. Emory and Henry scored early and often and led 21-0 at the end of the 1st quarter. The lead would stretch to 28-0 before Ferrum would find the end zone on a Zack Clifford to Ryan Beidleman 75 yard touchdown strike. A two point conversion made it 28-8. Each team would score once more in the half, making the score 35-15 at the break.

The third quarter did not go well for Ferrum as the Wasps added another 17 points, making the lead 52-15 going into the last quarter. One of those scores resulting from a return of a blocked punt. Things did get a little better in the fourth quarter, but the damage was already done. Zack Clifford scored on a run of three yards, and hit Quentin Wallace on an 18 yard touchdown strike. Brian Mann also scored in the fourth quarter for his final touchdown of his career. The final score was:

Emory and Henry 59

Ferrum 36


Overall, this was a bit of a disappointing year. From the start of the year, I really thought Ferrum would have a better chance to contend in the conference. It was not meant to be. The needs are many as we close the season. Replacing Brian Mann and Zack Clifford, chief among them. Ferrum loses 18 Seniors. They are:

Chris Baker TE

Keyshawn Barnes DL

Aaron Branch LB

Taylor Brown LB

A.J. Camp LB

Zack Clifford QB

Dakota Crouse TE

Zamir Echeagaray DL

Tyler English WR

Ben Foster DL

Gahlia Gwangwa'a LB

Adam Keiser DB

Brian Mann RB

Sam Messer OL

Jordan Patti OL

Austin Pennington RB

Jeremy Quarles K/P

Dustin Swaine DB

Jaquice Sydnor DB

8 Offensive, 10 Defensive, 1 Special Team


My guess is that the recruiting efforts are already underway. There are definite holes to fill, but there is huge talent on the bench, and Ferrum will be in the hunt next year. Keep supporting the Panthers, and congratulations Seniors!