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!
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