Ferrum Rolls Over Quakers In ODAC Contest 45-23

Homecoming could not have been sweeter for the alumni, family, friends and fans of Ferrum football last Saturday as the Panthers seemed to find their stride. After losing three straight games, Ferrum was hosting a Guilford team that also had a record of 1-4. Knowing that they had identical records, and remembering that last years game was only a one point difference, I felt like the potential was there for another close game.

In the preceding weeks, Ferrum had not shown a lot of promise in the offensive points column as they were averaging just over 21.75 points per game. If you take out the blowout against Greensboro, Ferrum was averaging just over 10 points per game. While over those same last three games the Ferrum defense was giving up 32 points per game...…..something had to change.

With Brian Mann on the sideline, Ferrum would look for Joe Burris III to fill in. But it was more than Burris that shined on Saturday. Ferrum had many strong performers. Zach Clifford was 16 of 25 for 238 yards and 3 touchdowns. In addition to Burris having a strong day (9 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown) the running game was greatly enhanced by Frank Ross (Freshman, Amherst H.S.)
Ross, who had completely been off of my radar, ran for 115 yards and one touchdown. In looking back, Ross has played in all 5 games, but until Saturday, his playing time was fairly spotty.

The surprise of the day for me was Sophomore Wide Receiver Ryan Beidleman (Giles H.S.) who hauled in 3 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown. (Giles H.S. has become a sort of pipeline for Ferrum. Mann, Pennington, and now Beidleman…….keep 'em coming.)

This game represented a full football effort for the Panthers. Offensively, Defensively, and Special Teams. Ferrum's defense was exceptionally strong in the first half, only giving up 3 points, and allowing the Panthers to take a 35-3 lead to the locker room at intermission.While the Quakers were more successful in the second half, the final outcome was not in doubt after halftime.
Notably, Brad Green raised his season totals to 9 of 9 in field goals, and 15 of 15 in extra points.

This win was much needed, and showed a definite improvement. If there was momentum gained, the Panthers will need it this weekend as they travel to Harrisonburg to take on the undefeated Bridgewater Eagles.  A Panthers win may keep Ferrum in the conference chase. A loss will likely eliminate their hopes. This will be on paper, as tough an opponent as Ferrum has faced all season. The Eagles are averaging almost 41 points per game, and are only giving up a little over 12 points per game. The interesting caveat is that they do not seem to have faced all that tough of an opponent so far. That's about to change starting today.  The Eagles are the home team, and they will be a tough foe. The game is winnable for Ferrum, but it will take a great effort.

Bridgewater  32

Ferrum 27

Go Panthers!