Ferrum @ UNC Pembroke

 As Willie would say..."On The Road Again". Ferrum is again travelling for the third game in four weeks. After a nice home win last week against CIAA foe Shaw University, the Panthers this week take the bus to Pembroke, N.C. to take on the 2-1 UNC Pembroke Braves. This will mark the beginning of conference play. UNC-P was picked as co champion of Conference Carolinas along with North Greenville. Ferrum was picked to finish 7th in the poll.

It is hard to say how Ferrum will fare in this, but if the poll is any indication, this will not be an easy game for the Panthers. The question is, is the poll a valid indicator? In my opinion, while it may be right about UNC-P finishing at or near the top of the standings at seasons end, I am not convinced that Ferrum will finish last. If I had to pick, I would have Ferrum 4th or no worse that 5th. As it turns out, the speculation really has no tangible meaning. What matters is how will the Panthers do Saturday?

A look at UNC-P:

The Braves running game has many backs, but through 3 games, it appears that #14 Tre Robinson seems to be the man carrying the mail most of the time.  In three games Robinson has rushed for a total of 150 yards and three touchdowns. There is also #7 Joel Felder, and #10 JaQuan Albright who contribute to the rushing offense. The passing game seems to be the main route of success for the Braves.....and did I mention that Tre Robinson is also the quarterback? So far, Robinson is averaging 200 passing yards per game, and has thrown for 5 touchdowns. He is 41 of 71 with 2 interceptions.

On defense, the Braves are giving up 25 ppg. Opponents are averaging 133 yards on the ground against them, and 188 yards through the air. It is worth noting that the Braves did defeat the #16 ranked team in the country Delta State 25-21 in their most recent game.

How will Ferrum Stack Up?

Ferrum is averaging 115 ypg on the ground, and just over 90 yards per game through the air. While these numbers may seem slight compared UNC-P, keep in mind that the Braves have not gone up against a D1 opponent, and Ferrum has. This will skew the numbers as they stand today.

Look for Ferrum to employ a balanced mix of running and passing, with Eli Foutz, Jahylen Lee, and Omarza Gray working to keep the offense moving. Defensively, I think Ferrum found some defensive momentum last week against Shaw, and I am hoping the players will continue to fly to the ball, and that the D unit can be successful in limiting the time of possession for the Braves.

This will not be an easy game, but I am feeling like Ferrum can make a strong showing today. If it is close at halftime, it could literally go either way. A win today would be unexpected, but it's not impossible.

Go Panthers!

Panthers Defeat Bears 14-6Pick Up First D2 Win

 For the first home game of the year, things turned out pretty doggone good for Ferrum. The Panthers hosted the Shaw University Bears, and went on to win their first  Division II football game. Ferrum started out, taking the opening kickoff at their own 6 yard line where Omarza Gray carried it 16 yards to the Ferrum 22 where the Panthers would start first and ten. Ferrum put together a 10 play drive taking the ball down to the Shaw 39 before the drive stalled and the Panthers had to punt. The punt was downed at the Bears one yard line, and everything looked good for Ferrum. 

After two false start penalties, Shaw found themselves between the 1 and the goal line with very little room to work......but that did not stop the Bears. They put together a 12 play drive that ended in the Ferrum endzone, and gave the Bears a 6-0 lead. The extra point was blocked by Ryan Schmidt, and the lead would stand through the rest of the first half.

After that score, Ferrum's coaching staff obviously made some adjustments, as the Bears would be denied the endzone the rest of the game. Ferrum, on the other hand, found the endzone twice in the second half. Ferrum's first score came at the 13:58 mark in the third. Ferrum kicked off in the second half, and excellent kick coverage gave Shaw the ball 1st and 10 at their own 5 yard line. Two plays later, Ferrum forced a fumble, and it was recovered by Panther Defensive Back Peja Brent. This gave the ball to Ferrum at the Shaw 3 yard line. 2 plays later, Running Back Aiden Vaught gave Ferrum their first score. Jon Davis added the extra point to give the Panthers a 7-6 lead. The defense held throughout the rest of the third quarter, and the fourth quarter started with Ferrum in possession and in the middle of a 12 play drive. A drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to WR Omarza Gray. With the extra point, Ferrum would lead 14-6, and that is all they would need.

While this was not a huge offensive display, Ferrum did what was necessary to win. They got the W, kept the at least one win in the season alive, and played as a unit. Next week is already in the coaches sights, and  I am sure the players are going to be ready, but I think Ferrum needs to enjoy their first win of the season and their first D2 football win.

Go Panthers!

Shaw @ Ferrum

 For the first time, Shaw University visits Ferrum College. The Bears (0-1), come into today's game after their bye week. Their opening game found them on the short side of a 51-7 score at the hands of Albany State.  The workhorses for Shaw seem to be their quarterback Justin Wheeler, and running back Cobie Bates. This seems to be where most of their offensive production came from. Bates figures in both the running and passing games.

On defense, giving up 51 points does not give me a lot of concern about the defense. On the other hand, I know nothing about Albany State, except they did play last week, and won over Kentucky State, 49-21. So overall, there may be little defensive information to glean from the Bears first game. Defensive Back, Darry Felix led the Bears with 11 solo tackles, and three assists. Against the run, the Bears gave up 311 yards to Albany State (6.5 ypc). 

For Ferrum, I am hopeful that Jahylen Lee is back on the field today. He did not see action against VMI, and appeared to limp to the sideline late against Catawba. I have no update on his status. This is a game that Ferrum could win, but they have to execute, and having Lee in the line up would help them with that. There are other running backs, and I am sure they are ready to step up if needed. Look for Ferrum to rely heavily on Eli Foutz today both running and passing the ball. The story to winning will be controlling time of possession, creating turnovers, capitalizing on those turnovers, and special teams. This game could come down to a kickoff return, a punt return, a field goal, or kickoff and punt coverage. Ferrum has to hit on all cylinders today. This game should be competitive, and my feeling is that Ferrum can come away with a win, but mistakes have to be minimized, and opportunities have to be taken advantage of.

Go Panthers!

VMI Dominates Ferrum 42-7Ferrum to Host Shaw University This Saturday

 The path so far has been rough. Ferrum, moving from DIII to DII had taken it's share of lumps. This past Saturday only made things more difficult as Ferrum moved up to take on DI opponent VMI. While some would argue that this was not a smart move, I tend to think that as long as the Panthers did not incur any major injuries, they might just benefit from this. It may take time to realize that this experience may give them more metal, more knowledge, and a look at what a bigger time opponent looks like. No this was not Virginia Tech, or Notre Dame, but it was a different level of immersion. A test that while nearly impossible to pass, gave them something to remember and to learn from.

As I expected, Ferrum was totally frustrated the entire day. And while there are stats to look over, the  opponent was just bigger, faster and stronger. So, what is next? Certainly not another D1 opponent. Next is Shaw University. What do I know about Shaw? Not much at all. They have played one game this year, and lost to Albany State University 51-7 on their home field. This past Saturday had Shaw with a bye, so they have already had a rest break. Based on stats from their first game, this team may give Ferrum a more realistic shot at their first DII win. They appear to rely slightly more on the pass, but do use their running game as well. Interestingly enough, Shaw beat Albany State last year, 43-40. The Bears lost 18 Seniors from the 2024 squad, and their offense was hit particularly hard. I cant really say what to expect, but I do think this game will give Ferrum more of a realistic shot at a win. It may not happen, but after last week, they will have game that will be more manageable.....they have a chance, a very good chance to win. 

The Bears are quarterbacked by Justin Wheeler. Wheeler is 6'0" 195 lb. Redshirt Freshman. The running game features several backs that will handle the ball but from what I can tell, the bulk of the carries will be handled by Cobie Bates, and Chris Rutledge. I look at both teams O and D line as about equal in size, but the D line for Shaw may slightly outsize Ferrum but the difference is definitely slight. I think Ferrum will have an advantage with their kicking game, but there is very little to draw from.

This could be a competitive game, and could land Ferrum in the W column. Let's get out and support them.

Go Panthers!

  

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!