LAGRANGE, Ga. The Methodist football team traveled to Georgia on Friday afternoon for another USA South matchup, facing LaGrange College at Callaway Stadium. Playing in rainy conditions, the Monarchs struggled to generate offensive momentum as the Panthers secured a 35–0 shutout victory.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: LaGrange def. Methodist, 35–0
Records: Methodist 1–4 (0–2 USA South), LaGrange 4–1 (2–0 USA South)
Location: Callaway Stadium; LaGrange, Georgia
HOW IT HAPPENED
- LaGrange opened the game with a drive to the Methodist 21-yard line before the Monarchs' defense forced the Panthers to settle for a 36-yard field goal attempt, which sailed wide left.
- Following a three-and-out by Methodist, LaGrange needed just one play to get on the scoreboard. Quarterback Henry Brodnax connected with Aaron McLaughlin on a 47-yard touchdown pass up the seam. The Panthers' ensuing two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 6–0.
- LaGrange doubled its lead on its next possession, capping a nine-play, 60-yard drive with a 32-yard screen pass to running back Michael Hays for another touchdown. The Panthers missed the extra point, maintaining a 12–0 advantage.
- Early in the second quarter, Methodist began a drive deep in its own territory, but a pair of LaGrange penalties helped the Monarchs advance toward midfield. Runs by Kyan McCollum moved Methodist across the 50-yard line before quarterback Kolbe Little connected with wide receivers Chase Betts and Tyrone Atkinson Jr. for gains of six and 14 yards, respectively, moving the Monarchs to the Panther 25-yard line.
- Methodist was unable to capitalize on the opportunity, however, as a pair of negative plays, compounded by the rainy conditions, pushed the Monarchs out of field goal range.
- LaGrange added to its lead just before halftime, capping a 13-play, 80-yard drive with a 30-yard field goal from Dylan Brooks to make it 15–0.
- The Panthers extended their advantage early in the third quarter when Brodnax connected with Ashton Bryant on a 44-yard touchdown pass, pushing the score to 22–0.
- On the ensuing Methodist possession, runs by Little and McCollum helped the Monarchs move toward midfield before LaGrange came away with an interception.
- The Panthers threatened to add to their lead on the next play, connecting on a 55-yard catch-and-run to Mychal Stillwell before he was tackled inside the Methodist 20-yard line. The Monarchs' defense responded, forcing a turnover on downs to end the threat.
- LaGrange added two more touchdowns on short runs in the fourth quarter to secure the 35–0 victory.
MORE TO IT
- McCollum led the Monarchs' rushing attack with 20 yards, while Atkinson Jr. paced the receiving corps with three catches for 30 yards.
- Sophomore safety Javian Johnson turned in a career-best performance, recording a game-high and career-high 11 tackles, including two tackles for loss, and adding a pass breakup.
- Sophomore cornerback Collin Roddy also recorded a career-high three pass breakups.
UP NEXT
Methodist returns home to celebrate Homecoming next Saturday, October 17, welcoming Southern Virginia University to Monarch Stadium for a 1 PM kickoff.
