This is a tough post to write as there are so many things that should be highlighted. First and foremost, Ferrum moved to 3-0 with a hard fought win. In the end that is what matters. It was a game that I felt would be a tough contest, but it really played out different than I pictured it. I imagined that Ferrum and the Apprentice school would have a tough first half and that the score at halftime would be close. I further felt like Ferrum would pull away in the second half leaving the builders in their rear view mirror, and move out to a substantial lead and win...... Just about the exact opposite happened.
Ferrum was able to take the opening kick off and on their first possession move the ball down the field to set up Seth Deaton for his first field goal of the day (45 yards) and Ferrum had a 3-0 lead. Apprentice and Ferrum would trade punts the rest of the first quarter and the period would end with the Panthers holding onto that 3-0 lead.
Ferrum had the ball to start the second quarter, and in just two plays, Titus Jones hit Tmahdae Penn for a 45 yard completion for a touchdown. Deaton added the extra point and Ferrum lead 10-0. On their next possession, the Builders would again be stopped by a tenacious Ferrum defense and were forced to punt. Ferrum's offense would take advantage of the opportunity as a 6 play 75 yard drive culminated in a 35 yard completion to Daniel Lamb for a touchdown. With another extra point by Deaton, the Panthers led 17-0. Deaton would add a 41 yard field goal as time expired to give Ferrum a 20-0 lead in the second half. As the kick sailed through the uprights, and the team was about to leave the field, a flag was thrown and a penalty of unsportsmanlike conduct was called on Ferrum. I still do not know what happened that merited a penalty. The penalty was assessed on the second half kickoff.
As Ferrum came out to kick for the second half, they would have to kick from the 20 yard line as the first half ending penalty was enforced. On that kickoff another unsportsmanlike conduct penalty was called against Ferrum. This for me was a first. Two unsportsmanlike penalties to end and begin a half.
As the yellow flags flew, the Builders began to turn up the volume on their offense. Their first drive ended in a touchdown and the Builders were on the board, trailing 20-7. After a three and out for Ferrum, the Panthers punted and gave the ball to Apprentice on their own 45. This began a 13 play 55 yard drive ending with a Tejada 5 yard run for a touchdown. The Builders were back in it, as Ferrum's lead had been cut to 20-14.
Ferrum would engineer a 10 play 48 yard drive on their next possession resulting in a Seth Deaton Field Goal, thus extending the Panthers lead tp 23-14. Now into the 4th quarter Ferrum found themselves in a game that seemed to be well in hand at the end of the half, but had turned into a tough game that was anything but a sure thing.
On their next possession, the Builders, whose offensive line were totally dominating the line of scrimmage, would move the ball 65yards on 9 plays ending with a touchdown, and bringing the score to 23-21, Ferrum.
In the end, Ferrum's defense stepped up, and got their 2nd pick six of the season as Kevin Williams intercepted a Mason Tatum pass and jetted 70 yards down the sidelines, flashing deuces to Tatum as he missed the final tackle. (I'm glad that was not a taunting penalty)
The Apprentice School would get another chance to draw close and with 3:06 left in the game, they would score on a 25 yard touchdown pass and draw within 2 points again at 30-28. This would be the final score, and it was a Ferrum win, but there are a few things to take away from this:
1. NNAS has a much stronger team than I anticipated.
2. Ferrum played a good game, but they have to cut down on the penalties.
3. The defensive line seemed less effective in the second half. This has to be evaluated and adjusted as needed.
The conference schedule schedule starts Saturday as Ferrum hosts Randolph- Macon. This is a huge game as the yellow Jackets are coming off of a hard fought loss to Washington and Lee. Everyone needs to show up. The Panthers will need a huge fan turnout to set the stage. Come out and show your support.
Go Panthers!
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