BUENA VISTA, Va. The Methodist football team, anchored by a resilient defensive effort, battled on the road at Southern Virginia University on Saturday afternoon but ultimately fell, 30–13, in USA South Athletic Conference action at Knight Stadium.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Southern Virginia def. Methodist, 30-13
Records: Methodist 1-5 (0-3 USA South), Southern Virginia 5-1 (2-1 USA South)
Location: Knight Stadium; Buena Vista, Virginia
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After punting on its opening drive, Methodist's defense made an immediate impact as sophomore Jaelan McKee intercepted Southern Virginia's Devin Watson on the Knights' first play from scrimmage. The takeaway set up the Monarchs with strong field position, but the drive ended with a missed 31-yard field goal.
- Following another punt, the Knights broke through first. Methodist quarterback Ty Little completed a 21-yard pass to Tyrone Atkinson Jr., but the ball was jarred loose on the tackle and recovered by Southern Virginia's Britton Tidwell, who returned it 75 yards for a touchdown. A missed PAT kept the score 6–0.
- Southern Virginia extended its lead to 13–0 on the next possession when Watson connected with MJ Laws on a 19-yard touchdown pass.
- The Monarchs responded early in the second quarter with their first scoring drive of the afternoon. Big catches from seniors Marquez Jones (14 yards) and Ty Benton (21 yards) moved Methodist into the red zone before Bryson Ausby capped a 10-play, 72-yard drive with an 11-yard touchdown catch and run. Ethan Emery's PAT cut the deficit to 13–7.
- As time expired in the half, the Knights added a 20-yard field goal from CJ Williams to take a 16–6 lead into the break.
- Methodist's defense continued to make plays in the second half. After Southern Virginia drove deep into Monarch territory, junior Jacob Hubbard forced a fumble that was scooped up by De'Kan Williams, who sprinted 82 yards for a touchdown — the second-longest fumble return in program history — to bring the score to 16–13.
- Despite the momentum swing, Southern Virginia's offense regained control late, finding the end zone twice more to seal the 30–13 final.
MORE TO IT
- Quarterback Ty Little completed 12-of-21 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown.
- Benton led all Monarch receivers with four catches and 54 receiving yards, while Atkinson Jr. and Toby Cates Jr. each added 19 yards.
- Defensively, senior Omar Goodwin led all tacklers with seven stops (two solo). Freshman Tremel Carter had a breakout performance on the defensive line, finishing with 3.5 tackles for loss, including 2.5 sacks.
UP NEXT
The Monarchs continue their road swing next Saturday, October 25, when they travel to Mississippi to face Belhaven University. Kickoff is set for 12 PM Central Time.
