FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. The Methodist football team dropped another USA South Athletic Conference contest on Saturday evening, falling 48–17 to North Carolina Wesleyan University at Monarch Stadium.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: N.C. Wesleyan def. Methodist, 28-7
Records: Methodist 1-7 (0-5 USA South), N.C. Wesleyan 4-4 (2-3 USA South)
Location: Monarch Stadium; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Methodist opened the game with a promising drive into N.C. Wesleyan territory but came away empty after missing a 40-yard field goal. The Battling Bishops capitalized soon after, marching 77 yards on 13 plays and scoring on a 17-yard touchdown pass to take an early 7–0 lead.
- In the second quarter, N.C. Wesleyan added two more scores — including a 66-yard touchdown pass and a punt return for a touchdown — to take a 21–0 advantage. The Monarchs quickly answered, however, when sophomore C.J. Ferguson broke free for a 40-yard touchdown run to put Methodist on the board. Later, sophomore Ethan Emery converted a 22-yard field goal to trim the deficit to 21–10 at the break.
- Coming out of halftime, the Bishops extended their lead to 27–10, but the Monarchs responded again with a balanced drive powered by Ferguson on the ground. The running back capped a 12-play, 65-yard possession with his second rushing touchdown of the day, a 14-yard score that brought Methodist back within 27–17 midway through the third quarter.
- N.C. Wesleyan countered with another long touchdown connection to make it 34–17 entering the final frame. The Bishops continued to pull away in the fourth, capitalizing on a pair of Methodist miscues to close out the game.
MORE TO IT
- Ferguson had a career day running the ball, 112 rushing yards (career-high) on 18 carries while scoring a career-high two touchdowns.
- Freshman quarterback Kolbe Little, making his first collegiate start, went 14-for-27 for 147 passing yards and added 40 rushing yards.
- On defense, sophomore Emerson Warthling led the way with four tackles, while junior Bryan Graham notched three tackles and a sack.
UP NEXT
Methodist returns to Monarch Stadium next Saturday for Homecoming and Senior Day, hosting Brevard College in another USA South matchup. Kickoff is set for 1 PM.
