Football | 9/10/2011 6:23:00 PM

Box Score FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Methodist football team used both defense and offense to dominate Guilford College (1-1) in a 40-22 win on Saturday at Monarch Stadium.

Head coach Dave Eavenson picked up his first career win at the helm of the Monarchs in his first home game. The Methodist defense set the tone midway through the first quarter when Navahri Holden earned his first interception of the year and added a 10-yard touchdown return to put the Monarchs on the scoreboard. Tyler Mosko's extra point was good and after a Guilford fumble on the ensuing drive, Methodist capitalized with a 35-yard field goal from Mosko to lead 10-0.

On the third Methodist possession of the game, quarterback Travis Murphy found Adam Thomas open in the center of the field for a 47-yard touchdown pass and the Monarchs led 17-0 at the end of the quarter. The Methodist offense stalled in the second quarter and Guilford got on the board after putting together a 16-play drive finishing with a 2-yard push by Josh Williams. The Quakers went for two and trailed 17-8 at halftime.

The Monarchs came out firing on all cylinders in the second half. Marlon Thomas took the kickoff to the Methodist 42-yard line and set up a four-play drive that took just 1:26 for the Monarchs to score their third touchdown of the game. Murphy went 3-for-3 on the drive capped off by a 12-yard pass to Thomas for the touchdown. Mosko put the Monarchs up 24-8.

The Methodist defense made a huge stop late in the third quarter with Guilford getting a first down at the Methodist five-yard line. The Monarchs made four goal-line stands to force the Quakers to turn the ball over on downs. Guilford had another possession, but Methodist corner Roderick Sawyer made the pick and had a 29-yard return to give the ball back to the Monarchs. Mosko opened the fourth quarter with a 45-yard field goal, but Guilford came back down with a 82-yard touchdown drive.

Guilford attempted an onside kick that set the Monarchs up on the Quakers' 41-yard line. John Flanagan scrambled for three yards and Murphy found Vaughn Cross who broke two tackles to finish with a 38-yard touchdown and the 33-16 advantage. Murphy finished with three touchdown passes on 10-for-22 capping off 200 yards. The junior also added a game-high 109 yards rushing thanks in part to a 71-yard touchdown run to put the game out of reach for Guilford. The Quakers did tack on another touchdown after a 56-yard punt return by Quan Parker, but Methodist finished with the 40-22 win.

Methodist's defense forced five Guilford turnovers, which led to 20 Monarchs points. The Monarchs rallied early and often to set the tone and never looked back.

Navahri Holden led the Methodist defense with nine tackles on top of his interception. Sawyer finished up with seven tackles and a pick while Jacob Hunt added another interception.

Methodist have a bye next weekend before hosting their final non-conference opponent Emory & Henry on Saturday, September 24 at 1 p.m.

Box Score