On an overcast but comfortable day, Ferrum welcomed the Guilford Quakers to W.B. Adams stadium in what would be Senior Day as this was the last home game of the season. The day also commemorated the Hall of Fame classes of 2020, and 2021.
While I had earlier predicted that Ferrum would win 42-0, the Quakers quickly ruined any chance of that prediction being correct as they returned the opening kickoff 76 yards inside the Ferrum 20 yard line. Six plays later, the Quakers found pay dirt, and led 7-0. As Guilford kicked off, Ferrum had a 36 yard kickoff return, and looked to be in good field position, but the Guilford defense forced a three and out and the Panthers had to punt. Guilford would also go three and out, having to punt the ball back to Ferrum. On this series, Ferrum gave the Quakers a huge dose of Jerrick Ayers, and were able to push the ball down to the Guilford 11 yard line before Titus Jones found Kai Bowers in the flats and he was able to find the end zone, and the score was tied at 7.
Another three and out by the Panthers defense, and the Quakers punted again. When the Panthers took possession, it only took three plays to find pay dirt as Joshua Ellerbe took off on a 54 yard jaunt and the home team led 14-7. Guilford found the Ferrum defense almost impenetrable as again they went three and out and had to punt. Ferrum wasted little time putting together a 7 play drive that again ended in the end zone on Joe Burris III 4 yard run. Ferrum now led 21-7......and it was still the first quarter.
On their next drive, the Quakers found a little more success as they mixed their pass and run game, and were able to move the ball down the field on a 12 play drive resulting in a successful 27 yard field goal attempt. The score was then 21-10.
Ferrum quickly answered with a four play 90 yard drive, capped off by a 51 yard pass from Jones to Christian Caldwell for a touchdown, The score then was Ferrum 28 Guilford 10. The Quakers seemed to be finding their groove as they answered back with a 9 play 64 yard drive ending with a scoring strike from Bailey Baker to James Rice. The two point conversion attempt was not successful, making the score Ferrum 28 Guilford 16. At this point, It seemed that the main portion of the Quakers success was coming via the pass. It would be that passing game that would produce the most success for them the rest of the game....but it would not be enough.
Ferrum took the ball over with 3:04 left in the first half. They then put together another scoring drive, this time totaling 5 plays for 69 yards and resulting in a touchdown on a 39 yard pass from Jones to Joe Burris III. This made the score 35-16, but Guilford was not done as they took the ensuing kickoff and drove down field 61 yards on 7 plays leading to a touchdown and making the score 35-22 as again the two point conversion attempt failed. This would be the score going into halftime.
Ferrum took the second half kickoff and had some success moving the ball, but a holding penalty stifled progress, and the Panthers had to punt. Guilford welcomed the chance to regain possession, and did not waste time as they continued to employ the pass successfully, leading to a touchdown pass of 69 yards from Baker to Tre Alexander. With the extra point attempt good, the Quakers had quietly closed the gap to 6 points, 35-29.
Ferrum did not blink. They took the kickoff and marched 55 yards in 6 plays ending in a 13 yard touchdown pass from Jones to Daniel Lamb. This was Jones' 4th touchdown pass of the game, and he was not through. Ferrum 42 Guilford 29.
Guilford on their next possession would be frustrated by the Ferrum defense as their six play drive resulted in a punt. With Ferrum back in possession, it was time to put the game out of reach. This time Ferrum would use 8 plays on a 82 yard drive culminating in a 42 yard pass play to Tmahdae Penn to make the score 50 -29. The two point conversion was good on a run by Joe Burris III.
The Quakers would add another field goal, and the Panthers would add another touchdown and extra point. Jones's sixth and final touchdown pass would come with 11:19 left in the game as Jones would hit Nic Cook on a 19 yard scoring strike. Seth Deaton remained perfect on the afternoon adding the last point for Ferrum. Final score Ferrum 57 Guilford 35
Titus Jones ended the day 17 of 24 for 256 yards, 0 interceptions and six passing touchdowns. This set a school record for the most touchdowns passed for in a game. Jones was named the ODAC offensive player of the week for the second time this season.
Ferrum goes on the road for their last two games. This Saturday they will face the ODAC leader Washington and Lee who has only one loss on the season.......and that was the first game of the season to CNU. Seems like a while ago, but I remember we beat CNU in week three of the season. Should be a good game.
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