FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. The Methodist football team celebrated Homecoming on Saturday alongside the University community, hosting Southern Virginia University at Monarch Stadium. The Monarchs struggled to find their offensive rhythm as the Knights handed Methodist a 36–0 shutout.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Southern Virginia def. Methodist, 36–0
Records: Methodist 1–5 (0–3 USA South), Southern Virginia 2–4 (1–2 USA South)
Location: Monarch Stadium; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Both teams opened the contest with three-and-outs. On fourth down, Southern Virginia quarterback Devin Watson attempted a pooch punt that pinned the Monarchs at their own 1-yard line. Two plays later, the Knights tackled the Methodist ball carrier in the end zone for a safety to take an early 2–0 lead.
- Southern Virginia extended its advantage on its next two possessions, scoring a touchdown on each drive. Following the free kick after the safety, Watson connected with wide receiver Jalen Lackey for a 48-yard reception to move the Knights to the Methodist 12-yard line. The duo connected again two plays later on an 11-yard touchdown pass. Southern Virginia's two-point attempt failed, leaving the score at 8–0.
- The Knights added another touchdown near the end of the first quarter when Kendrick Worthington scored on a 10-yard run. Southern Virginia again attempted a two-point conversion but came up short, making it 14–0.
- Midway through the second quarter, Worthington found the end zone for the second time, capping an eight-play, 49-yard drive with a seven-yard rushing touchdown to extend the Knights' lead to 20–0.
- Methodist moved into the red zone for the first time on its final possession of the half. A series of runs brought the Monarchs to the Southern Virginia 2-yard line, but a fumble ended the drive as the Knights recovered the ball.
- Southern Virginia struck again on its opening possession of the second half. Watson and Lackey connected for a nine-yard touchdown to cap a 14-play, 94-yard drive. The Knights converted the ensuing two-point attempt to push their lead to 28–0.
- Methodist's first drive of the third quarter stayed alive thanks to a pair of Southern Virginia penalties. Quarterback Asa Windham then connected with wide receiver Chase Betts for an 11-yard gain, moving the Monarchs to the Knights' 25-yard line. Methodist was unable to capitalize, however, turning the ball over on downs.
- Late in the third quarter, safety Jadon Stephens intercepted Watson at the Methodist 41-yard line to halt another Southern Virginia drive. The Monarchs could not turn the takeaway into points.
- Early in the fourth quarter, Southern Virginia recovered another Methodist fumble, setting up the Knights' final scoring drive. Four plays later, Watson found Lackey for a 27-yard touchdown, the third scoring connection between the pair. A successful two-point conversion brought the score to its final margin of 36–0.
- Methodist was unable to cross midfield again before the final whistle.
MORE TO IT
- Windham completed 10 passes for 113 yards to lead the Methodist passing attack.
- Betts recorded a career-high five receptions for 57 yards, leading all Monarch receivers. Tanner Zill followed with four catches for 50 yards.
- Linebacker Wesley Folsom paced the Methodist defense with nine tackles, including eight solo stops.
UP NEXT
Methodist goes on the road next Saturday, October 24, for a USA South matchup against North Carolina Wesleyan University. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 PM.
