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 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!

Bridgewater @ Ferrum

 The Eagles come to Ferrum in what should be a really good game. Bridgewater on paper is very strong, and both teams bring in a 2-1 record. Bridgewater has wins over Southern Virginia University, and Millsaps College. The Eagles lone loss came against #12 Susquehanna, losing 41-7.

Offensively, Bridgewater's rushing attack is led by Brendon Robinson who has 304 yards on the ground with 2 touchdowns. Through the air, Robinson has been targeted several times out of the backfield, accumulating 69 yards receiving. The Eagles quarterback is Jaicere Bateman who has completed 49 of 79 passes for 585 yards and four touchdowns. The Eagles have used three quarterbacks this season but Bateman seems to be the #1 QB.  Defensively, the Eagles are allowing 18.3 points per game, and are allowing 148 yards per game.    

 Comparatively speaking, Ferrum's rushing attack is led by Jahylen Lee, who has 234 yards, and 5 touchdowns. Out of the backfield, Lee has 4 receptions for 52 yards. Under center, the Panthers will go with Zach Wyatt. Zach is 34 of 53 with one INT. He has passed for 445 yards and 2 touchdowns. 

Defensively, Ferrum is allowing 29.67 points per game, and are giving up 467.3 yards per game. This number, you would think is definitely skewed by Ferrum's first game. In the last two games by themselves, Ferrum has given up 17 points per game, but is still averaging giving up 413 yards per game. The stats don't tell you everything. Keep in mind, Bridgewater defeated winless Southern Virginia University 80-0. Just like a large loss can alter the stats, so can a huge win over a struggling opponent.

Today the defense has to bring their A game to pull off this win. A win is possible here, but mistakes have to be few, and opportunities have to be converted. This should be a fun game to watch.

Go Panthers!

Conference Review of the First Three Weeks

 As we head into week 5, Ferrum finds themselves at a very respectable 2-1. The last two weeks, Ferrum came out and played strong football, and came away with two good wins. Week one was a lopsided affair, but those statistics count, so here are some of the statistical rankings so far through three games:

Overall Offensive Scoring Ranking: (Most to Least Points Scored)

1. Shenandoah

2. Bridgewater

3. Hampden-Sydney

4. Washington & Lee

5. Randolph-Macon

6. Averett

7. Guilford

8. Ferrum

Overall Defensive Scoring Rankings (Least to Most Points Given Up)

1. Guilford

2. Bridgewater

3. Randolph-Macon

4. Shenandoah

5. Averett

6. Ferrum

7. Washington & Lee

8. Hampden-Sydney

On the Ground, Ferrum has the 7th (Jahylen Lee) (128th in the nation), and  the 9th (Caleb Holland) ranked rushers in the conference. Through the air, Ferrum's quarterback Zach Wyatt ranks 5th, averaging 143.4 yards per game. (Tied for 161st nationally) In passing touchdowns, Wyatt only has two, and that is not strong, but I see great strides in the passing game since week one. Wyatt is completing 64.2 percent of his passes, has thrown for 445 yards and only one interception Look for his rankings to climb.

In overall individual scoring, Jahylen Lee is 2nd in the conference with five rushing touchdowns, and an average of 10 points per game. He is tied for 22nd nationally in this category with multiple other players

Receiving yards are dominated in the conference by Broden Dominico of Shenandoah with 20 receptions for 285 yards and 4 touchdowns. Nathan Aguilar of Ferrum ranks second in the conference with 11 receptions for 242 yards and 2 touchdowns. Nationally, Aguilar ranks tied for 132nd with multiple players.  Ferrum is ranked 6th in the nation in Red Zone Offense.

Defensively, Ferrum has looked better each week. To be the seventh ranked team in points given up speaks volumes as the Panthers gave up 55 in game one. They  could easily be last, and I look for them to climb in the rankings as the season moves along

Interestingly enough, Seth Deaton is one of the most consistent kickers in the conference, but he ranks 6th of 8 teams with extra points. Currently, Seth has made 7 of 8 extra points. That is not bad considering there were no Panther touchdowns scored in the first game. As for Field Goals, Seth is currently ranked fifth on the ODAC website stats page. He has made more field goals than any team in the conference, and is 5 for five. I am not really sure why he is not first. (If someone knows, please clue me in) Especially since NCAA D3 statistics have him ranked tied for no.1 in the Nation in Field Goal Percentage. Ferrum punter William Hutton has Ferrum ranked 2nd in the conference, and tied for 15th in the nation, and 14th in Net Punting. (Punting Yards minus Return Yards) Ferrum has punted more than any team in the conference....not hard to believe as they likely accrued most of them in game one.

Statistics will only tell you so much, but I thought you may find some of this interesting. It will be the effort and ability that will determine the winner, but Ferrum is better than a lot of these numbers show.

Go Panthers!

Final Tune Up Before Conference Play Has Panthers Hitting On All Cylinders

 I want to start by saying that tonight's win over Averett was a true example of a team win. I was watching the game on my phone while attending the William and Mary game at home against Furman. (Have you ever had to explain to someone after telling them you went to Ferrum, that no Ferrum is not in South Carolina, that is Furman? I know I have.) Tonight is the first time I have ever watched the two team playing at the same time......but let's get back to the Panthers win.

When I got logged into the game on my phone, Averett had just completed their opening 7 play, 62 yard drive resulting in the Cougars converting a 21 yard field goal. Averett led 3-0. The quarter continued, with both teams exchanging punts after drives that bogged down. With 7:14 remaining in the opening period, Ferrum took its second possession of the game down the field on a 4 play 64 yard drive ending with a 46 yard pass from Wyatt to Nathan Aguilar for the Panthers first score of the game. Seth Deaton added the extra point, and Ferrum would never look back, leading 7-3.

Averett's ensuing drive was a solid attempt to keep the game in reach. They moved the ball all the way to the Ferrum 4 yard line, but running back Nicholas Easley fumbled and the Panthers recovered at the 4. Ferrum moved the ball methodically down the field, but the drive stalled at the Averett 25 yard line. This set up Seth Deaton for his first field goal of the game, splitting the uprights from 42 yards out and giving Ferrum a 10-3 lead with 13:37 left in the first half.

The next drive for Averett was met with the strong play of the Panthers defense. Two penalty's against the Cougars slowed their slight momentum, and they again had to punt to Ferrum. The punt resulted in a touchback, and Ferrum took over at their own 20 yard line. 10 plays and 80 yards later resulted in a Jahylen Lee 1 yard touchdown run. The Deaton extra point gave Ferrum a 17-3 lead.

Averett's Nick Andrews returned the Ferrum kickoff to the Cougar 22 yard line where they started their next possession. Averett was able to move the ball into Panther territory, but again, a stingy Ferrum defense, and penalties against Averett stalled their progress and they again punted.

Ferrum took over at their own 13, and quickly moved the ball to the Averett 13 yard line. With time getting short in the half, and facing a 4th and 9, Ferrum again called on Seth Deaton to convert a 30 yard field goal. Deaton did not disappoint, and he gave Ferrum a 20-3 lead, which they would take into the locker room.

Ferrum would receive the kickoff to begin the second half, and within nine plays a nice offensive effort would fall short of a touchdown, but was plenty close enough to again call on Seth Deaton to connect on a 36 yard field goal attempt. This would be Deaton's third field goal of the game, extending the Panther lead to 23-3.

After the Deaton kickoff, Averett put together a nice 12 play drive but the Ferrum defense limited their progress to the Ferrum 22. They called on Mikhail Iakovlev to attempt a 40 yard field goal, but it was no good, and Ferrum took over at their own 22, with 6:46 remaining in the third quarter. In seven plays, the Panthers would find the endzone again, and add to their lead making it 29-3. The Deaton PAT was blocked.

After the ensuing kickoff, Averett would try to put together an offensive drive, only to be stymied by a fumble that was recovered by Ferrum's Marquan Martin on the Averett 47. The offense took over, but stalled on this drive, and Hutton was called in to punt. Averett took over on their own 3 yard line.

With only a gain of two yards, Averett punted on fourth down, and Ferrum took over on the Averett 38 yard line. This drive would continue into the fourth quarter. This drive culminated in a 36 yard touchdown pass from Zach Wyatt to Nathan Aguilar. The Deaton extra point was good, and Ferrum lead 36-3.

Averett's next possession saw them move the ball into Ferrum territory, and on a 2nd and 2, Gaby Soto ran 33 yards for an Averett touchdown. The extra point was good, and the Ferrum lead was cut to 36-10. The rest of the game was fairly anticlimactic, and the final score was Ferrum 36  Averett 10.

This was how I had hoped the non conference schedule would end. I was really concerned about this game, but I see Ferrum improving each week. Ferrum will have their open date this coming week, but will return home to face the Bridgewater Eagles (2-1) on the Saturday Oct. 5th. This will be a tough game for Ferrum, but I am really impressed with their overall progress so far. It's Fan Appreciation Day at Ferrum that Saturday, so let's pack the place and get win #3.

Go Panthers!

Ferrum @ Averett

 While it's not unheard of, Ferrum will play the first of two games against Averett this year. Saturday's game will be considered a non conference game, and the regular season finale will be at Ferrum on November 16th. Averett (2-0) would likely work out to be a favorite over Ferrum this week, if for nothing else that they are playing at home, and they have a record of 2-0 where Ferrum is 1-1. Well that is meaningless. First, we can throw out Ferrum's first game. While they had a few bright spots, Ferrum was never considered to be a contender to beat Mt. Union. The North Carolina Wesleyan game was a more suitable match and gave a more accurate perspective of Ferrum' s possibilities. Ferrum showed me the possibility of a strong, controlling running game, but there were areas that I hope will show growth and improvement. The pass defense in the end gave up too many yards against the Bishops. 354 passing yards is beyond what the defense can afford to yield.  Ferrum was able to sack the Bishop quarterback twice, and this is also a positive that needs to continue to be a force this week. As for the passing game, I also see this as having potential, but it needs to be more of an overall contributor to the offensive success.

Even though Averett is 2-0, let's look at their opponents. First they opened against the same North Carolina Wesleyan Bishops. They beat NCW 41-29. The Cougars threw 20 passes, completing 15 of them for 222 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Averett's defense gave up 29 points, and the Bishops were just as successful, for the most part, on the ground as through the air.

The next opponent for Averett was the Greensboro Pride. Having not really kept up with Greensboro, I would expect they the will finish at or near the bottom of the USA South, but they are actually predicted to finish 6th......ahead of Methodist, Southern Virginia, and LaGrange. Greensboro is 0-2, but wait till you hear this..... they lost to Guilford 14-0, and lost to Averett 27-20, having had the lead over the Cougars most of the game. Averett went ahead of Greensboro for the first time with 6:05 left in the game, which proved to be the final score.

Ferrum will have a tough task tomorrow, but it is far from impossible. With a strong defense pressuring the quarterback, Turnovers could play a big role. O-line, do the job that you are capable of, and protect your quarterback, open holes and turn Lee loose. 

We need to capitalize on every turnover or mistake. Get after 'em hard, and do not let up. This could turn into a he who has the ball last wins. Get ready Seth!

Go Panthers!