Football | 10/23/2010 4:08:18 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - After three quarters of scoreless football, Averett finished with the 7-3 win over Methodist football.

Methodist advanced to the red-zone on their second possession driving to the Averett nine-yard line before the Cougars forced the Monarch fumble. Averett took over, but neither team could score during the first quarter.

The Monarchs regained possession midway through the second quarter and drove back down to the Averett 10-yard line on an 11-yard rush by John Flanagan, but the next three plays were unsuccessful bringing Tyler Mosko on for a 28-yard field goal. The kick missed wide right turning the ball back over to Averett.

Both teams were forced to punt on their next possessions before Averett had a final chance with 33 seconds to play taking over on the Methodist 40-yard line. The Cougars capitalized on a Methodist penalty advancing to the 22-yard line. Two incomplete passes set up an Averett 39-yard field goal attempt, but Methodist's Quincy Dudley came up with his second block of the season to leave the game tied at zero at halftime.

Averett tried to open the second half with an 83-yard kick-off return for a touchdown, but the ball was brought back to the 22-yard line after an Averett penalty. Quarterback Cody Ladutko's pass was intercepted by Methodist's Jacob Hunt to give the ball back to the Monarchs.

Averett had three field goal attempts miss late in the third quarter leaving the game still scoreless after three quarters.

Methodist opened the fourth quarter on their own 21-yard line and unable to get the first down, Shawn Dodd punted 30-yards to Averett's Jeremy Dixon. Dixon used a 30-yard return to set up the Cougars' offense on the Methodist 18-yard line. Running back James Wilson earned all 18-yards on three plays to score the Averett touchdown. Marc Klusacek's extra point was good for the 7-0 lead.

The Monarchs responded with a 16-play 73-yard drive of their own, but after quarterback Travis Murphy picked up a first down at the Averett six-yard line, the offense was denied on three attempts setting up Mosko's 23-yard field goal. The kick was good, but the Monarchs trailed 7-3.

Averett successfully ran out the clock during the final 6:38 capitalizing on a Methodist penalty to get a crucial first down. The Cougars held on for the 7-3 win.

Murphy finished 14-for-25 for 106 passing yards and added 37 rushing yards. Corey McGuire led the running game with 42 yards. Jason Talbert was the team's leading receiver with three catches for 42 yards. Seth Sandlin paced the defense with 13 tackles.

Methodist will take the road next week to play at N.C. Wesleyan Saturday at 1 p.m.

Box Score