I had to take a trip out of town and was not able to go to homecoming this year, but for the crowd that did attend, you certainly must have had quite a good time. The Panthers put on what I think was their best performance of the year, and for the first real time since the North Carolina Wesleyan game, I think they found the key to execution football.
For the most part, Ferrum played a nearly flawless game. The game started under a cloud of concern as the Quakers took the opening drive down the field where the Ferrum defense finally stopped them and forced a field goal attempt. The drive started on the Guilford 18 and lasted for 13 plays. The 13th play, the field goal attempt was from 48 yards, and fell short. Ferrum would take over at their own 31-yard line. The big news for the Ferrum offense, was that Nathan Carr was the starting quarterback, as Braxton Hughes was injured. This would be the first time that the Thomasville North Carolina freshman would not share the spotlight with another quarterback. He did not disappoint. Carr sizzled on the ground and through the air, as he passed for 51 yards, going 9 for 13. While watching Carr, it was nice to see just how fast he can run. He is quite speedy and has no fear to run when needed to advance the ball.
The primary means of moving the ball for Ferrum was on the ground. Led by Jaylen Lee, the Panthers Freshman running back carried the ball 30 times for 122 yards, and 2 touchdowns. The combination of Lee and Carr would combine for 44 carries for 216 yards and four rushing touchdowns. The success on the ground was in no small measure realized by the job done by the offensive line. Never this year has the O line looked as well oiled and operated in such a strong cohesive fashion. This was their best performance by far. To score 28 points, is a great feat, but it maybe pales slightly to the performance put up by the Ferrum defense. Jamison "Hacksaw" Hackett was really all over the field Saturday. He and Julian Morgan each had 5 solo tackles. Morgan had two assists, while Hackett had one. Ferrum also picked up their 6th interception in 7 games....which is awesome! Lastly, the Panthers were perfect on extra points, with Deaton going 4 for 4.
One last thing to point out....
Guilford, while not really lighting up the win column, had been successful scoring. They scored 14 on Randolph Macon, 25 against Washington & Lee, and 20 against Shenandoah. This gave me concern, as I had to worry that their offense was better than I was expecting. If they were, it was not particularly evident Saturday. Ferrum's defense came ready to play. From top to bottom, this was a team effort, and for me it revived the confidence I had in this team. We may not win the conference, but I feel good in the direction the program is going. Great win Ferrum, on to Bridgewater!
Go Panthers!
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