FERRUM, Va. Ferrum College was able to rack up a large amount of
yards, but the Southern Virginia football team was able to hold the
Panthers to 17-points, and scored 20 to get a first win in the
series between the teams. The highlight for the game was a 70-yard
interception return for a touchhdown by defensive lineman Fine Itaaehau. On his way to the end zone, Itaaehau broke six different
tackles, and refused to go down on his way to the 6-points.
The defense was challenged all afternoon, as the Panthers
totaled 387-yards on offense. In previous games Ferrum had used a
potent running game to beat the Knights, and were looking for the
same, but SVU was able to use a bend-and-not-break approach, with
the hosts totaling 197-yards on the ground. Matt Mellor again led
the way for the Knights, as he totaled 12-tackles, with Mark Newman
playing an inspired game, and adding 13-tackles, and a handful of
pass break-ups to the defensive effort.
SVU coaches were pleased with the effort, and saw the game as
the arrival of the defense they had been expecting all season. The
offense was more effective than earlier in the season, as they
totaled 229-yards. Steven Scott led the way for the Knights on the
ground, as he rushed 21-times for 111-yards, including the
game-long of 33-yards.
Zach Garner moved the Knights through the air, as he connected
8-times for 96-yards, but more importantly, connected for two
touchdowns. Garner linked up with Brick Wilce and Ryan McGinn for
touchdowns, and helped the Knights secure the win. Wilce caught two
other passes for a total of 35-yards, while McGinn hauled in two
catches for 52-yards.
The Knights did all their scoring in the first half, as Itaaehau
opened the scoring in the first quarter with his lumbering run to
the end zone. FC replied, and tied the game up on the following
drive. SVU went back to work, and Garner led a drive of of 4-plays
for 59-yards that ended in McGinn's score, at the start of the
second quarter.
Ferrum responded again, but could not even up the score, as they
had to settle for a field goal, allowing the visitors to keep a
lead they would not surrender. With 3:27 left on the board, Wilce
would score the winning touchdown. The drive had used up only two
plays, and gave the visitors what they needed for victory. The game
was not done, as Ferrum scored once more in the fourth quarter to
get within three points, but SVU would lock down the Panthers, and
keep the score line the same for the rest of the competition.
The victory was the first in the series between the schools for
SVU. With the win, the Knights move to 2-2 on the season. The team
returns home for the next game, as SVU welcomes Brevard. The
Knights will play the Tornadoes Sep. 25 at Parry McCluer High
School, with a 4:00 pm start time.
