FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Methodist football was victorious, 37-14, in their first home game, of the season, against the visiting Southern Virginia University, in USA South Athletic Conference action, Saturday afternoon at Monarch Stadium. 

Strong offensive games by Keyshaun Pete and Xzavier McNeil, combined with a second half shutout by the defense, help secure the win.

JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. Southern Virginia, 37-14
Records: Methodist 2-1 (2-0 USA South), Southern Virginia 1-3 (0-2)
Location: Monarch Stadium; Fayetteville, North Carolina

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Just like last week, Methodist took their opening drive for a touchdown. A combination of four passes and three runs, capped off with a 2-yard rush by Pete, put the Monarchs up front early 6-0, the point after touchdown was no good.  
• On the second drive for Methodist, running back Tyquan Eaddy helped moved the chains, for the offense. Once on a 12-yard rush, to reset the downs, and two plays later had a 20-yard gain. The Monarchs completed the drive with a 26-yard touchdown pass to Kobe Praylow, to go up 13-0.
• Four minutes into the second quarter, Southern Virginia was able to get their first score. A 24-yard touchdown pass saw Methodist's two score lead cut in half, 13-7.
• The Knights would take over the lead midway through the quarter. After forcing the Monarchs to punt deep in their own territory, Southern Virginia had great field position by starting at Methodist's 41-yard line. A 15-yard pass found a receiver in the end zone to put them up 14-13.
• The Monarchs reclaimed the lead with their next possession. A 67-yard drive, on six plays, ended with Pete punching it in, his second of the game, for the score to make it 20-14. Praylow had a 33-yard catch and run lead up to the touchdown.
• Methodist got the ball back, less than 40 seconds later, when DaQuinton Grady picked off the pass in Knights territory. That led to an 8-yard connection between Brandon Bullins and McNeil for six, and the Monarchs increasing their lead to 27-14 at half.
• After forcing a punt on Southern Virginia's opening drive, in the second half, Methodist tacked on more points. This time by Trevor Hargett, with a 24-yard field goal, for a 30-14 score.
• Late in the third quarter, the Knights had the ball at midfield, while driving. The Monarch defense stood tall though when Bobby Freeman came from the outside to sack the quarterback and force a fumble, with Methodist recovering the ball.
• Even with the good field position after the turnover, the Monarch were not able to capitalize. Southern Virginia would pick Bullins off in end zone to stop the drive.
• Methodist would record one final score before the game was over, as Pete ran for his third touchdown.

MORE TO IT

• McNeil finished the game with 12 receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown. He continues to climb the ladder in Monarch history, as he is now second all-time in career receiving yards, and tied for third in career receiving touchdowns.
• Pete's three-touchdown performance matches his career-high in a game, and he has already matched his touchdown total, in a single season, with five.
• Methodist converted on their third down plays. The Monarchs was able to get a fresh set of downs on 7 of 12 attempts, as Southern Virginia only converted 5 of 13.
• Methodist outgained the Knights in rushing (152 to 109), passing (309 to 146), and total yards (461 to 255).
• Roderic Christian Jr., led the Monarchs defense with nine total tackles & half sack, for a 4-yard loss, and Freeman with seven total tackles, a sack, a force fumble and fumble recovery.

UP NEXT
Methodist goes back on the road to face Huntingdon, who they faced in the 2021 spring championship game. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 2.