On what was a perfect evening for football, and with a really nice size crowd in attendance, Ferrum opened the 2021 season with a hard fought win over Averett University. The scene was almost magical as Ferrum, before the game walked to the field in uniform right through the huge crowd of tailgaters! It was epic. I was absolutely speechless watching that moment.
The game was epic also. Under the lights and against Coach Adams's former team, this one had a special feel to it. Looking back on the Saturday effort, all aspects of the Panthers game blended together to produce a win. The crowd of over 2000, was treated to quite a show. As expected, both team utilized a strong aerial attack as their main course on offense. Titus Jones put up strong numbers as he was 21 of 30 for 239 yards and 3 touchdowns. His favorite target, Tmahdae Penn had 9 receptions for 131 yards and 2 touchdowns. On the ground, Jones led all rushers with 12 carries for 57 yards. Overall, Ferrum offensively spread it around as Jones utilized 9 different receivers and 6 different Panthers carried the ball.
While Ferrum jumped out to an early lead, I knew that Averett could not be counted out. Their quarterback, Bryce Jackson was 31 of 54 for 322 yards and 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception.....(more on that INT later). Averett cut the lead in half when Shawn Watlington carried the ball in from 8 yards out. After a 38 yard field goal, the Cougars were within 4 points, and I was mentally preparing for one of those games where anything could happen. Ferrum would take the 14-10 lead into halftime, and would receive the kickoff in the second half.
In the second stanza, Ferrum took the kickoff and put together a 10 play 75 yard drive resulting in an 18yard pass to Penn for his second score of the game. On the ensuing kickoff, Averett was able to return the ball to almost midfield before being stopped. Later in the drive, a pass interference penalty against Ferrum gave the Cougars the ball first and goal at the 7 yard line.......then it happened.
On a short flare type pass to the left, Averett quarterback had his receiver in his sights when his pass was deflected by Joshua Austin and picked from the air by Devin Hansen. Hansen showed great speed and agility as he returned the ball 90 yards for the Ferrum touchdown. With the extra point, Ferrum led 28-10 and it appeared Ferrum was going to salt this one away.
Ferrum would find three more points in the fourth quarter as Seth Deaton would add a 26 yard field goal to make the score 31-10. Averett however was not going to just fold. With 11:47 left in the game Bryce Jackson would end a 10 play drive with a 17 yard pass to Isaiah Grice to put the Cougars within 14 at 31-17. With time dwindling down, Averett was able to score once more on a 6 yard pass from Jackson to Nick Andrews to make the score 31-24, and that is how it would end.
This was a big win for Ferrum, and they will get next Saturday off as this is their open date. Saturday the 18th of September, Ferrum will board the bus and head east to Newport News, to take on the Captains of Christopher Newport. CNU pulled off a last minute win over Washington and Lee.
Ferrum @ CNU 9/18/21.......This should be a good one!
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