FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. The Methodist University football team welcomed Belhaven University to Monarch Stadium on Saturday afternoon for a USA South Conference matchup. The Monarchs battled throughout the contest, using a pair of second-half scoring drives to take a brief lead in the fourth quarter. However, a late Blazers touchdown proved to be the difference as Methodist fell, 20–15.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Belhaven def. Methodist, 20–15
Records: Methodist 1–7 (0–5 USA South), Belhaven 4–4 (3–2 USA South)
Location: Monarch Stadium; Fayetteville, North Carolina
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The opening quarter featured a defensive battle, with neither team able to find the end zone. Methodist's defense kept Belhaven off the scoreboard through its first several possessions, while the Monarchs worked to establish their ground game. Both teams traded punts, and Methodist came up with a defensive stop late in the quarter to keep the contest scoreless.
- Midway through the second quarter, the Monarchs had an opportunity to break the deadlock. Junior kicker Ethan Emery attempted a 31-yard field goal, but the kick was blocked with 8:43 remaining until halftime.
- The Methodist defense then gave the Monarchs another opportunity, as sophomore linebacker Evan Batts intercepted a Belhaven pass to return possession to the offense.
- Methodist capitalized, putting together a six-play, 58-yard scoring drive. Sophomore quarterback Asa Windham connected with junior wide receiver Tyrone Atkinson for a 25-yard touchdown with 2:32 remaining in the half. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the Monarchs with a 6-0 advantage.
- Belhaven responded on its ensuing possession, marching 70 yards over eight plays. The Blazers capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown run by Clayton Mains with just 28 seconds remaining in the first half. Lyndell Boatman's extra point gave Belhaven a narrow 7-6 lead heading into the break.
- Following a pair of punts to open the second half, the visitors extended their advantage midway through the third quarter. Taking over at their own 29-yard line, the Blazers put together an 11-play, 95-yard drive. Matthew Dial connected with Draten Norwood for a 20-yard touchdown with 6:50 remaining in the period, pushing the Belhaven lead to 14-6.
- The Monarchs answered with a strong offensive response of their own. Junior running back Kyan McCollum provided a spark with consecutive runs of 14 and 44 yards, moving Methodist deep into Belhaven territory. Freshman running back Everett Holm added a 12-yard carry to bring the Monarchs inside the five-yard line. Windham capped the drive by connecting with junior wide receiver Colin Fay for a one-yard touchdown reception with 1:54 remaining in the third quarter. Methodist attempted to even the score with a two-point conversion but came up short, leaving the Monarchs trailing 14-12.
- The Methodist defense continued to create opportunities for the offense, and the Monarchs capitalized early in the fourth quarter. On a Belhaven punt return, the Blazers muffed the catch, and junior Tanner Zill recovered the loose ball at the Belhaven 13-yard line. Methodist moved closer to the end zone before Emery converted a 21-yard field goal at the 10:23 mark. The kick gave the Monarchs their first lead of the afternoon, 15-14.
- Belhaven responded with the decisive scoring drive late in the contest. The Blazers covered 90 yards in six plays, with Dial connecting with Cannon Carruth for a 14-yard touchdown with 1:14 remaining. The extra point gave Belhaven a five-point advantage, 20-15.
- With time running down, Methodist had one final opportunity to answer. The Monarchs moved the ball on their final possession, but Belhaven's defense came up with a fourth-down stop with 29 seconds remaining to secure the conference victory.
MORE TO IT
- McCollum led the Methodist ground attack with a career-high 167 yards on 19 carries, averaging 8.8 yards per attempt. His longest run of the afternoon covered 44 yards, helping the Monarchs finish with 231 rushing yards as a team. Senior Chris Clark added 53 yards on nine carries.
- Windham completed eight of 24 passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Atkinson hauled in the 25-yard scoring reception in the second quarter, while Fay added the one-yard touchdown catch in the third. Zill led the Monarchs with five receptions for 61 yards.
- Methodist totaled 328 yards of offense, including 231 on the ground, and recorded 20 first downs. Saturday marked the first time since November 5, 2022, that the Monarchs rushed for more than 200 yards in a game.
- Defensively, the Monarchs forced three turnovers, recording an interception and recovering two fumbles. Methodist also totaled two sacks and four pass breakups while limiting Belhaven to 32 rushing yards.
- Sophomore linebacker Fahron Fuller led the team with seven tackles, including five solo stops. Senior defensive end Cam'Ron Webster made an impact across the defensive stat sheet, recording four tackles (three solo), two tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, and a quarterback hurry.
- Freshman punter Luke Slagel averaged 41.7 yards on six punts, including a long of 51 yards.
UP NEXT
Methodist plays its final road game of the season next Saturday, November 7, as the Monarchs visit Brevard College for another USA South matchup. Kickoff is set for noon.
