I had a good feeling about the Panthers chances with this game, but I knew there was no guarantee. Statistically speaking, the overall numbers favored the Bishops. Time of Possession, First Downs, Passing Yards, and Total Offensive Yards, all favored North Carolina Wesleyan. The numbers in those categories were decidedly in the Bishops favor, but Ferrum had strong statistical numbers and outshone the Bishops in Rushing Yards, Penalty Yards, Third Down Conversions, and Red Zone Scoring Chances.
Ferrum seemed to have difficulty defending the pass in the first half. Many times Christian Drumgoole was open for receptions and many times it seemed that he and the quarterback connected. Drumgoole had one touchdown in the first half. Anthony Byrd was the Bishops star of the running game as he also had a touchdown in the first half. Offensively, Ferrum kept pace as Zach Wyatt found the endzone on a quarterback keeper from one yard out, and Jahylen Lee scored on a 9 yard run which tied the score 14-14 at the half.
Ferrum kicked off to start the second half and in 7 plays, Drumgoole had his second touchdown pass of the night, and NCW led 21-14. Ferrum came out hot after Aguilar returned the kickoff to the 21yard line. Ferrum picked up 3 quick first downs, and had the ball moving well until the Bishops intercepted a pass and took over on their own 35. they put together a drive, which led to a 35 yard field goal putting the Bishops out in front 24-14 with 5:57 left in the 3rd quarter.
Down by 10, Ferrum seemed to turn things up a notch on both sides of the ball. NCW attempted an onside kick after their field goal, but the ball went out of bounds, giving Ferrum the ball at the NCW 43 yard line. This was excellent field position for Ferrum and they took full advantage. In 4 plays, Ferrum found the end zone as Jahylen Lee took the ball in for his second score of the night from 14 yards out. Ferrum now trailed 24-21 with 4:45 left in the third quarter.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Bishops return man was not able to find the handle and Ferrum recovered the loose ball on the Bishops 17 yard line. In three plays Jahylen Lee found the endzone for his third score of the night, and with Seth Deaton adding his fourth extra point of the night, Ferrum led the game 28-24. After the kickoff, the Ferrum defense held and forced the Bishops to punt. Ferrum took over, ran two plays and the quarter ended. Two plays later Ferrum punted and the Bishops looked to mount a drive.
Wesleyan came out for this series meaning business, and quickly moved the ball down the field, advancing to the Ferrum 6 yard line. It was there however that Chaz Hirschman, the Bishops quarterback went to the well one too many times and was intercepted by Ferrum's linebacker Fuller Howard. Ferrum took over on their own 7 yard line, and began another solid offensive drive, picking up three first downs before having to punt.
With 3:28 left in the game, Wesleyan took over at their own 10 yard line. They again started an impressive drive that took them all the way to the Ferrum 10 yard line with eleven seconds left in the game. Hirschman attempted three passes, but they all fell incomplete, and time ran out. Ferrum came away with their first win of the season, and the first head coaching win for Coach Kevin Sherman. What a game!
Interestingly enough, Ferrum's Jahylen Lee was named the ODAC offensive player of the week, and Anthony Byrd was named the USA South offensive player of the week.
Ferrum grew during this game. There must have been some halftime adjustments made, but Ferrum was an improved team in the second half and the end results are a Panther win. Lastly I want to give a shout out to the Ferrum Offensive Line, They were on point all night, and played a huge role in this win.
Now let's get ready for Averett!
Go Panthers!
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