JACKSON, Miss. Defense kept the Methodist football team in the game on Saturday as the Monarchs trailed Belhaven University 14–7 through three quarters. Despite the valiant effort on the defensive side of the ball, Methodist's offense was shut down during the second half.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Belhaven def. Methodist, 28-7
Records: Methodist 1-6 (0-4 USA South), Belhaven 5-2 (4-0 USA South)
Location: Belhaven Bowl Stadium; Jackson, Mississippi
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Methodist defense feasted in the first quarter. After the opening offensive drive stalled for the Monarchs, the Belhaven offense took the field for the first time. The Blazers were five plays into their sequence but facing 3rd and 15 when Cam'Ron Webster took down Belhaven's Brock Morris, not only forcing the quarterback to fumble but also scooping up the loose ball.
- Defense was quickly called upon again for the Monarchs, and the Blazers slowly started to move the ball down the field on their second drive. After guiding his team to the 34–yard line, Morris dropped back and threw a pass into the hands of Methodist's Zack Griffin, who gained eight yards on the interception.
- On the first possession of the second quarter, Belhaven took a 7–0 lead after a five play, 33–yard drive ended with a 17–yard touchdown reception. With the Monarchs still struggling to produce a successful drive on offense, Belhaven got the ball back in less than two minutes of game time. Six plays and 39 yards later, the Blazers set up for a 38–yard field goal try. Jaelen McKee and the Monarchs blocked the kick attempt, preventing the home team from scoring. On Methodist's next possession, a seven–play, 41–yard drive was derailed and ended in a blocked punt as the Blazers returned the favor on special teams.
- The Monarchs immediately got the ball back after a 12–yard strip sack by Symeon Cobham-Portorreal, setting Methodist up 20 yards away from the endzone with just over two minutes left in the first half. Rushing up the middle from the 2–yard line was CJ Ferguson, who earned Methodist's only touchdown of the game. Ethan Emery's extra point was good to tie the game at 7–7.
- With 1:41 remaining in the half, the Blazers only needed a minute and 10 seconds to find the endzone again, making the score 14–7 heading into halftime. The score remained the same all through the third quarter as defenses dominated for both teams. Belhaven finally pulled away in the fourth quarter while completely holding the Methodist offense at bay.
MORE TO IT
The Methodist defense continues to shine. This was the third game in a row that the Monarchs have recorded an interception, and fifth game this season that they've had a takeaway through the air. It's also the fourth game in which they've recorded a fumble recovery. Further, Saturday's loss marks the third game this season in which Methodist has recorded both an interception and a fumble recovery, and it's the fourth game this season that the Monarchs have recorded three or more total takeaways.
UP NEXT
Methodist returns home for a clash with the Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan University on Saturday, Nov. 1. Kickoff at Monarch Stadium is scheduled for 5 p.m.
