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!

Washington and Lee @ Ferrum

For the second week in a row, Ferrum is at home. This week, they are coming off of an impressive win over Hampden-Sydney, and have evened their record at 3-3. Saturday they will face the Generals of Washington and Lee, who won last week over Guilford 40-23. Washington and Lee (4-2) boasts one of the best running games in D3 football, and will be a tall order for the Panthers defense. An order that I think Ferrum will greet with the necessary spirit to be successful. I like Ferrum's run defense, but if the Generals running game is as strong as they seem to be, it has to start with the offensive line. Ferrum will have to be strong in the trenches to slow their run game down.

Jacob Romero is the workhorse for the Generals, and if he can be contained, the Panthers may be able to click off another win. As for the Ferrum rushing game, Jahylen Lee has been the one carrying the ball most of the time. but is ably supported by Caleb Holland. On the year, Lee has 517 yards and 8 touchdowns, and Romero for W&L has 621 yards and 6 touchdowns. While most of their offense is on the ground, their quarterback Ty Collins has thrown for 472 yards, and  6 touchdowns. Conversely, Ferrum's quarterback Zach Wyatt has thrown for 886 yards and five touchdowns. 

As for Special teams, W&L also has strong numbers on punt returns.  Wilson Axley averages 31.5 yards per punt return. This is also an area Ferrum will have to focus on. Ferrum's punt return numbers are far less impressive, but the Panthers do have a return for a score........so do the Generals....in fact they have two.

Field Goals are one of Ferrum's strong suits as Seth Deaton has hit 80% of his attempts. (8 of 10) The Generals have only attempted one field goal on the season, which was made between 30-39 yards.

What will it take for Ferrum to make it two in a row at home? Some would say a miracle, but I think there are a couple of areas that have to really shine for Ferrum to stay in and possibly win this game. I think Ferrum's Zach Wyatt has to get out of the pocket and run the ball a bit more. Yes, he will have to pass, and yes, he will have to rely heavily on his receivers and on Lee, but he needs to be willing to take off and run with the ball. The defense has to be kept on their toes, not knowing what is coming next.

Lastly, the pass defense of Ferrum has to make some big plays. It is time that they step up, and make life difficult for the Generals. With skill, crowd support, and a little luck, Ferrum could have the upset of the week. Frankly, I think Ferrum will be able to hang with this team. Ferrum is under rated, and will show a lot of talent Saturday. 

I liken Ferrum's season to assembling a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. In the beginning its sort of a mess, just trying to get the pieces separated into like groups and organized. As time goes on however, your effort causes the senseless pile of pieces to take shape and the goal you set out to accomplish is realized. I believe Ferrum is taking shape. The Generals may be in for a surprise.

Go Panthers! 

It's a Happy Homecoming for the PanthersFerrum Wins 41-36

This past Saturday, the crowd at W.B. Adams stadium was treated to really good homecoming football game. Ferrum was hosting the Tigers of Hampden-Sydney College in what I thought could be a difficult match up. In the beginning, it looked as if I was right. The Tigers jumped out to a 7-0 lead when Sutton Lasso caught an 8 yard pass for the opening drive touchdown.

Ferrum received the kickoff on their own 25, and moved the ball well, but their drive stalled on the H-SC 42 yard line. After a William Hutton punt, the Tigers took over on their own 8 yard line. they drove the ball down field to the Ferrum 13 where the first quarter ended. When the second quarter started, it only took one play for the Tigers to find paydirt, and the Tigers led 14-0.

Seth Deaton got Ferrum on the board on their next series with a 28 yard field goal. This came after another good offensive drive, this one 14 plays, stalled. At this point, it was evident that Ferrum could move the ball on Hampden-Sydney, they just needed to slow down their offense.

Hampden-Sydney would take the ensuing kickoff, and move the ball deep into Panther territory, but the Ferrum defense stiffened, and held them to a field goal making the score 17-3.

The Panthers offense wasted no time on their next possession moving the ball downfield, and Zach Wyatt hit Josh Powell for a touchdown with 3:18 left in the half. A Deaton extra point brought Ferrum within 7, at 17-10. After Ferrum kicked off, the defense held the Tigers, and for the first time on the afternoon, and forced the Tigers to punt. Ferrum would take over on their own 30 yard line with 1:43 left in the half. Again the offense took it to the Tigers moving the ball well. A fine defensive play at the goal line kept Ferrum out of the end zone, but again Seth Deaton came through and added a field goal to make the score 17-13 as time expired in the first half.

Ferrum would receive the kick in the second half, and after a nice return by Caleb Holland, Ferrum took over on their own 27 yard line. Ferrum had to be feeling good about how far they had come after being down 14-0. The excitement was short lived however as on their first play of the half, Wyatt fumbled, and the Tigers recovered on the Ferrum 27. It took just two plays for the Tigers to find the end zone and they led 23-13 (The extra point was no good)

Ferrum's next possession was began at the H-SC 45 yard line after Caleb Holland took the kickoff 51 yards. Ferrum's no huddle attack proved too much for the Tigers as the Panthers would find the end zone again on a 3 yard run by Jahylen Lee. Seth Deaton made the score 23-20 with 10:40 left in the third quarter.

After the kickoff, Hampden-Sydney moved right down the field, and with a mixed attack of runs and passes, found themselves at the Ferrum 3 yard line. On 4th down, the Tigers decided to go for the touchdown and not not the field goal. Ferrum held the Tigers and took over on downs. On their first play of this possession, Wyatt was intercepted, and the Tigers took over on the Ferrum 39 yard line. On the third play of the drive, Howard Fuller would recover a H-SC fumble, and the Panthers were back in business.

Ferrum took over at the 4:58 mark of the third quarter, and with a steady offensive attack, Jahylen Lee would find the end zone for the second time in the game with 0:05 left in the third quarter. The extra point made the score Ferrum 27 H-SC 23.

After the Kickoff, Ferrum again held the Tigers, this time a three and out forced the Tigers to punt, and Ferrum would again find themselves on the way to paydirt......this time by the defense as the Tigers punt was blocked, and fallen on in the end zone by Zach Daigler. The extra point made the score 34-23.

Ferrum once again would hold the Tigers, after the kickoff, to a three and out as the quarterback quick kicked to the Panthers, and they took over on the Tigers 38 yard line. This next drive was was a steady diet of Lee and Holland running the ball right through the Tigers. Lee would pick up his third touchdown of the game, and the score stood 41-23 with 7:18 left in the game. The Tigers would score twice more, and this made things a bit uncomfortable, but in the end Ferrum put together it's best game of the season and moved to 3-3 on the year!

Go Panthers!

Ferrum Falls at ShenandoahLooks to Hampden-Sydney for Homecoming

 As some days dictate, the best laid plans of mice and men, often go awry. That line from a Robert Burns poem, described my day last Saturday. Try as I might, I had too many things pulling me in different directions and I was not able to see the beginning of the Ferrum at Shenandoah game last week. Truthfully, I finally got the game pulled up on the internet at halftime. I was saddened but not really shocked as I saw the 35-6 score. Shenandoah has a solid team, and I feared Ferrum may have a tough time.

What I saw in the second half  however gave me great cause for optimism. No Ferrum did not win, but the determination they showed to stay relevant, and make a game of it was very impressive. Some nice adjustments were made at halftime. After the opening drive of the second half stalled, Ferrum punted to Shenandoah. The Hornets started at their own 13 yard line, and was finding the Ferrum defense to be quite a challenge. After 6 plays, they had not crossed midfield, but a 7th play offside call against the Panthers gave the Hornets a first down at the Ferrum 46. it was the next play however that Howard Fuller stepped in front of a Hugney pass for an interception, and Ferrum took over at their own 26.

On the ensuing drive, Ferrum used a heavy dose of running by Caleb Holland, and Jahylen Lee to move the ball downfield, culminating with a 4 yard run by Caleb Holland for the Panthers score making the score 35-13 after the Deaton xp.

After the Ferrum kickoff, the defense again answered the call, and held the Hornets to a three and out, forcing them to punt.. Ferrum took over on their own 47 yard line, and a three yard run, and a 13 yard run by Jahylen Lee ended the third quarter. Ferrum started the final quarter on the SU 37, and while a couple of plays looked promising, the drive stalled as Deaton missed a 48 yard field goal attempt.

With that, Shenandoah took over on their own 31 yard line. The defense, which had struggled to stop the Hornets in the first half, again forced a three and out punt, giving Ferrum the ball back on their own 23 yard line. Although they mustered a first down, Ferrum had to punt and called on the talent of William Hutton. His punt gave Shenandoah the ball at their own 28. For the 3rd drive in a row, Ferrum held the Hornets to a 3 and out giving the offense another shot. This drive would start in a better position at the Shenandoah 46, but would have the fewest plays of any drive all day. On the first play, Marquise Woodruff caught a Zach Wyatt pass and took it to the house for a 46 yard strike. Deaton's extra point was good, and the score became 35-20. While this gave me a glimmer of hope, Ferrum had to still make up 15 points, not allow ant more points by Shenandoah, and do all of this with less that nine minuets to go in the game. Unfortunately, Shenandoah would go on to score one more touchdown, and the time ran out on the Panthers falling 42-20.

The second half showed me a lot about this team, and I really believe that Coach Sherman and his staff have the program moving in the right direction. Stay Tuned. 

Homecoming is next up for Ferrum as the Tigers of Hampden Sydney come to Ferrum with a 3-2 record. Its hard to tell a lot about the Tigers based on their schedule. Their non conference schedule was against teams that I have no knowledge of. What I do see is that H-SC can put points on the board. Their fewest points they have scored was in their season opener where they lost 41-21. Again, this will, like last week be a challenge for Ferrum. The will have to limit mistakes, score when the opportunity is there, and dominate time of possession. This will be helped  if that defense can keep producing those 3 and out's.

Go Panthers! 

Ferrum @ Shenandoah

  Today Ferrum visits Shenandoah. While Randolph-Macon was the pick to win the ODAC, I had it in my mind that Shenandoah may be the team to beat. After the first three games, they were looking really impressive, but they fell to Randolph-Macon last week, losing by one point, 22-21.

The Hornets are scoring 37.75 points per game, and giving up only 21 points per game. Most of their offensive success comes through the air as they have thrown for 1075 yards scoring 11 touchdowns. On the ground, they have run the ball 106 times for a total of 629 yards averaging 137.8 yards per game.

Ferrum has scored 21.25 points per game but are giving up 32.5 points per game. Through the air, Ferrum has passed for 642 yards on 75 attempts averaging 160.5 yards per game. Ferrum has scored 3 touchdowns through the air. Their rushing numbers show the Panthers gaining  612 yards on 150 attempts, averaging 153 yards per game. For Ferrum to win, they must keep doing what they are doing on offense, but if Nathan Aguilar is not able to play, that might hurt offensive productivity. It will be the defense however that must produce in a big way today. They have to shut down the Hornets, and that will not be easy. If Ferrum can control the time of possession, and limit the big play, it could happen.

Go Panthers!

Disappointing Day at FerrumPanthers Fall 41-15 to Bridgewater

 I really expected better. It was a day that I thought these two teams would go to the wire for the win. Boy was I wrong on that. Well the first half was good, as Ferrum went into the locker room only down by 7. In the second half, it went from possible to unlikely to impossible fairly quickly as Ferrum gave up 21 points in the third quarter. Overall the game seemed to just be a display of Murphy's law for the Panthers.

This was mainly demonstrated through penalties. For the game, Ferrum gave up 100 yards on 12 penalties. Injuries, and missed extra points and a missed field goal were just some of the obstacles Ferrum had to try to overcome. It was not an easy day, but the most consistent result came from the defense stopping the run. This was a very solid effort, and that was consistent the entire day. 

The Eagles did their damage through the air, and Ferrum did not seem to have an answer for it. On the day, Bridgewater had 388 yards passing, and scored 3 touchdowns through the air.

It was a tough day all around for Ferrum, and it caused me to somewhat pause my optimism. There are some talented players on Ferrum's team. Hopefully things will get back on track, and we will see a better result. Next week I would say will be under even more difficult circumstances. Playing a better team, on the road.

Put this one behind you, and get back to basics. 

Go Panthers!