FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. The Methodist football team returned home following a three-week absence on Saturday afternoon, welcoming Huntingdon College for its USA South opener. Despite some early momentum and a pair of weather delays, the Monarchs fell 31–6 to the Hawks at Monarch Stadium.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Huntingdon def. Methodist, 31–6
Records: Methodist 1–3 (0–1), Huntingdon 2–2 (1–0 USA South)
Location: Monarch Stadium; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Methodist's opening drive ended in a three-and-out, but a muffed punt by Huntingdon gave the Monarchs the ball at the Hawks' 20-yard line. A few plays later, sophomore quarterback Asa Windham sneaked into the end zone for the touchdown, putting Methodist in front 6–0 after the ensuing PAT attempt was unsuccessful.
- The teams then traded interceptions on the next two plays. Sophomore cornerback Collin Roddy recorded his second interception in as many weeks for the Monarchs before Windham was intercepted, giving the ball back to Huntingdon at its own 29-yard line.
- On the second play of the ensuing drive, quarterback Jake White swung a pass out to wide receiver Jamari Coleman, who raced 65 yards up the sideline for a Hawks touchdown. Following the successful PAT, Huntingdon took a 7–6 lead.
- After several punts, Methodist looked to regain the momentum early in the second quarter when Huntingdon quarterback Knox Roberts lost control of the ball while attempting to pass. Following a scramble for possession, senior cornerback Juw-El Huntley recovered the fumble, giving the Monarchs the ball at the Huntingdon 23-yard line.
- Methodist was unable to capitalize on the takeaway, however, as an overthrown pass from Windham was intercepted by the Hawks in the end zone.
- Huntingdon added 10 points before the end of the quarter, using a pair of big plays to extend its lead. A 55-yard connection between Roberts and wide receiver Zach Campbell set the Hawks up at the Monarchs' two-yard line, and running back Kenyon Watkins scored on the following play to put Huntingdon ahead 14–6.
- On Methodist's ensuing drive, quarterback Kolbe Little entered in relief of Windham but was intercepted by linebacker Cameron Copper, who returned the ball to the Monarchs' three-yard line. The Methodist defense held strong, forcing Huntingdon to settle for a 20-yard field goal from Jacob Barnes to make it 17–6 heading into the third quarter.
- The Hawks added to their advantage in the second half, scoring a touchdown in both the third and fourth quarters.
- Methodist's best opportunity to add to its total came late in the fourth quarter. A pass interference penalty against Huntingdon moved the Monarchs to around midfield, and Little then connected with freshman Chase Betts on a 46-yard completion to move the ball to the Hawks' two-yard line. Huntingdon's defense held strong, however, forcing a turnover on downs to preserve the 31–6 score.
MORE TO IT
- Each team committed three turnovers, with Huntingdon holding a narrow 10–6 advantage in points off turnovers.
- Little led the Monarch passing attack with 68 yards, with Betts accounting for most of those yards on his 46-yard reception, a new career high.
- Sophomore linebacker Fahron Fuller led the Methodist defense with nine tackles, including five solo stops.
- Senior running back Chris Clark led the Monarchs with 35 rushing yards.
UP NEXT
Methodist returns to the road next Saturday, October 10, traveling to LaGrange College for a 1 PM kickoff.
