NEWPORT NEWS, Va. Methodist football traveled to Virginia for its final non-conference game of the season, visiting The Apprentice School on Saturday afternoon. Following a low-scoring defensive first half, a back-and-forth second half decided the contest as the Monarchs outscored the Builders 27-22 to earn their first victory of the season.
JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. Apprentice, 27–22
Records: Methodist 1–2, Apprentice 2–3
Location: Apprentice Athletic Center; Newport News, Virginia
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Methodist's opening drive ended in a three-and-out, and the ensuing punt turned into an early opportunity for Apprentice. The snap sailed over the head of the Monarch punter, who kicked the ball out of the back of the end zone rather than allowing the Builders to recover it, resulting in a safety and an early 2-0 lead for Apprentice.
- The Monarchs' special teams unit redeemed itself later in the first quarter, leading to Methodist's first points of the afternoon. Methodist was forced to punt again on its second drive, but a good snap allowed the Monarchs to pin the Builders inside their own 10-yard line.
- The Monarch defense forced a three-and-out, and on the ensuing Apprentice punt, sophomore Latrell Brown blocked the kick and recovered the football in the end zone for a Methodist touchdown, giving the Monarchs a 7-2 lead.
- Early in the second quarter, the Builders scored their first touchdown of the afternoon. A 44-yard connection between Trevon Griffin and Kyle Musselman at the end of the previous quarter moved Apprentice to the Methodist 23-yard line. A few plays later, Harrygan Kelly plunged into the end zone from one yard out to give the Builders a 9-7 advantage.
- Offense remained hard to come by for the remainder of the first half, with the next five combined drives producing -16 yards and all ending in punts. Just before halftime, Apprentice put together a drive that moved the Builders down to the Monarchs' 20-yard line. However, sophomore cornerback Collin Roddy intercepted Griffin and returned the pick 92 yards for a Methodist touchdown, sending the Monarchs into halftime with a 14-9 lead.
- Midway through the third quarter, Methodist took possession near midfield and quickly moved into the red zone. A pair of 14-yard runs by senior Chris Clark and Ty Little helped move the Monarchs down the field. Methodist continued to lean on the ground game before junior running back Kyan McCollum scampered into the end zone from two yards out, extending the Monarch lead to 21-9.
- Apprentice answered immediately, needing just one play as Griffin connected with Baker Green on a 79-yard touchdown pass. The ensuing PAT was no good, keeping the Builders within six points at 21-15.
- On the next Apprentice possession, the Builders regained the lead for the first time since the opening minutes of the contest. Starting near midfield, a pair of Methodist penalties helped move Apprentice into Monarch territory. A 27-yard connection between Griffin and Bradley Hebb placed the ball at the five-yard line before Tail Burgess ran it into the end zone to make it 22-21 heading into the fourth quarter.
- To begin the final period, Methodist quarterback Little connected with freshman Chase Betts and junior Tyrone Atkinson Jr. on passes of 36 and 16 yards, respectively, moving the Monarchs just outside the red zone. A defensive pass interference penalty then placed the ball inside the 10-yard line before McCollum was called upon again, scoring his second rushing touchdown of the afternoon on a four-yard run.
- Methodist attempted a two-point conversion following the score but was unsuccessful, leaving the Monarchs with a five-point advantage at 27-22.
- The Monarch defense then answered the call on Apprentice's final three possessions, forcing two turnovers on downs and a punt to preserve the victory.
MORE TO IT
- McCollum's two rushing touchdowns marked a career high.
- Betts led the Monarchs with 36 receiving yards, while junior Tanner Zill recorded a team-high three receptions.
- Sophomore linebacker Cole Riley led the Methodist defense with 10 tackles, including three solo stops, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack and a forced fumble.
- Roddy's 92-yard interception return marked the first interception of his collegiate career.
- The Monarch defense posted season highs in sacks (four), pass breakups (six) and quarterback hurries (seven).
UP NEXT
After spending the last three weeks on the road, Methodist returns home to open USA South play next Saturday, October 3, against Huntingdon College. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 PM.
