Ferrum Takes Its Lumps Against Cougars

Last week, I identified two areas that Ferrum needed to be successful in to contend with Averett. First, the Panthers needed to disrupt the Averett quarterback, hopefully affecting the passing game negatively, and second, they needed to produce through the air offensively...…….neither of those goals came to fruition as well as I had hoped. On the surface, Zach Clifford had reasonably good numbers 17 of 34 for 162 yards. 50% completion percentage, but unfortunately no touchdowns. There were two interceptions. As for the running game, Brian Mann was held in check to say the least. 15 carries for 74 yards, no touchdowns. Not your typical day for number 5, but as a team, Ferrum had more rushing yards than the Cougars.

Stopping the passing game seemed to be the Achilles heel for the Panthers. Averett's quarterback Jacob Wright was 16 of 23 for 234 yards and two touchdowns. He utilized five receivers. Ferrum had no interceptions.

The Averett defense played a strong game, and the Cougars did what was necessary on both sides of the ball to win. Ferrum has a lot to do to get better, but I believe they will. Its not going to get any easier in the next two weeks. Conference play begins Saturday. Ferrum is at home again to host the Yellow Jackets of Randolph Macon for Fan Appreciation Day. RMC was the pre season favorite to win the conference. After that, Ferrum will travel to Lexington on October 5th to face the Generals of Washington and Lee.

Go Panthers!