FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. Methodist football dropped a 26–7 decision to LaGrange College on Saturday afternoon in USA South Athletic Conference play inside Monarch Stadium. The Monarchs trailed by only two at halftime but couldn't sustain offensive momentum in the second half, as the visiting Panthers capitalized on big plays and field position to seal the victory.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: LaGrange def. Methodist, 26-7
Records: Methodist 1-4 (0-2 USA South), LaGrange 4-1 (2-0 USA South)
Location: Monarch Stadium; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After a defensive start, LaGrange struck first midway through the opening quarter. The Panthers pieced together a 55-yard drive, capped off by a six-yard touchdown pass from Henry Brodnax to Dami'o Thompson to go up 6–0. A 37-yard field goal on their next possession extended the advantage to 9–0 heading into the second quarter.
- The Monarchs' defense kept the game within reach early in the second frame. Following a long 79-yard completion that set LaGrange up in the red zone, Christian Frazier intercepted a pass in the end zone to deny the Panthers. On the ensuing drive, Jaron Foreman picked off another LaGrange pass to give Methodist strong field position at the Panthers' 39-yard line.
- The offense capitalized on the turnover as Bryson Ausby broke off a 13-yard run and Ty Little connected with Ty Benton for an 11-yard gain. Little then scrambled up the middle for a 15-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 9–7 after Ethan Emery's extra point.
- The Monarchs nearly took the lead before halftime following a 34-yard completion to Benton that set up a 43-yard field goal attempt in the final minute, but the kick fell just short.
- After the break, LaGrange quickly regained control with a 51-yard touchdown strike from Brodnax to Thompson to make it 16–7. The Panthers added a 36-yard field goal late in the third to take a 19–7 lead into the final quarter.
- Methodist's defense continued to battle, forcing a red-zone turnover on a dropped pass, but the offense was unable to convert the takeaway into points. LaGrange then sealed the game with a 12-play, 55-yard drive capped by Michael Hays's six-yard touchdown run with under two minutes remaining.
MORE TO IT
- Ty Little completed 13-of-23 passes for 111 yards and added a 15-yard rushing touchdown.
- Ty Benton led the Monarchs in receiving with three catches for 54 yards, followed by Tanner Zill with 29 yards.
- Eli Jones paced the defense with six tackles, while five other Monarchs registered five apiece.
- Methodist's secondary produced three interceptions for the third time in four games — courtesy of Frazier, Foreman, and Juw-El Huntley.
UP NEXT
The Monarchs hit the road for the next two weeks, beginning Saturday, October 18, with a trip to Southern Virginia University. Kickoff is set for 1 PM.
