CHAPEL HILL – The Hough Huskies capped a perfect 14-0 season with a 21-0 victory over Millbrook in the NCHSAA 8A state championship game at Kenan Stadium. The Huskies held the Wildcats to just 122 total yards while generating 265 yards of their own to claim the program’s first-ever state title.

Hough quarterback Ethan Royal earned Most Valuable Player honors after accounting for all three touchdowns. He rushed 12 times for 64 yards and two scores while completing 13 of 29 passes for 135 yards and another touchdown. His performance defined a game where the Huskies converted third downs at a 42 percent clip compared to Millbrook's 21 percent success rate.

The game's opening score came late in the first quarter when Hough put together a 12-play, 66-yard drive that consumed 5:51 of clock time. Royal capped the march with a one-yard touchdown plunge at the 3:47 mark. The drive featured five first downs, including a 14-yard completion to Kynis Tinnin that moved the ball to the Millbrook 11-yard line.

Millbrook (13-1) struggled to sustain offensive momentum throughout the contest. The Wildcats managed just 26 net rushing yards on 26 attempts, an average of one yard per carry. Quarterback Bryson Gray completed 13 of 28 passes for 96 yards but threw one interception and failed to lead his team into the end zone.

The second quarter saw both defenses tighten. Millbrook reached the Hough 17-yard line on one possession but turned the ball over on downs when Gray's fourth-down pass fell incomplete. The Wildcats advanced to the Hough 50 on another drive before a holding penalty pushed them back, and they punted after three consecutive incomplete passes.

Hough extended its lead early in the fourth quarter. Taking over at the Millbrook 46 after a punt with 2:27 remaining in the third quarter, the Huskies needed just seven plays to find the end zone. Royal connected with Jahmere Anderson on a seven-yard touchdown pass at the 11:54 mark of the final period. Piercom Selland's extra point made it 14-0.

Millbrook's offense showed life immediately after, with Gray hitting Quinton Cypher on an 18-yard completion on the first play. After Brilison McCullers gained eight yards on a rush, the Wildcats faced fourth-and-three at their own 44. Gray found Cypher again, but the gain measured only one yard, and Hough took over on downs.

The Huskies' defense registered five tackles for loss and limited Millbrook's leading rusher, McCullers, to 25 yards on 16 carries. Ryan Peterson led the defensive effort with 10 total tackles and two tackles for loss, earning West Defensive Most Outstanding Player recognition.

Cypher provided the brightest moments for Millbrook's defense. He recorded 10 tackles, forced one fumble, and intercepted Royal in the third quarter at the Millbrook 45-yard line, returning it 19 yards to the Hough 36. However, the Wildcats could not capitalize and turned the ball over on downs after losing 19 yards on the possession. Cypher also blocked a punt in the third quarter and was named East Defensive Most Outstanding Player.

Hough's Jamarion Morrison rushed 15 times for 63 yards and caught two passes for 30 yards, earning West Offensive Most Outstanding Player honors. His 16-yard run early in the fourth quarter set up first-and-10 at the Millbrook 29, though that drive stalled and Hough turned the ball over on downs.

Royal sealed the championship with a 74-yard touchdown run with 59 seconds remaining. Facing third-and-15 at his own 26-yard line, Royal broke through the Millbrook defense and raced untouched to the end zone. Selland's third extra point established the final margin.

The Wildcats' best offensive possession resulted in zero points. After Cypher's interception gave them possession at the Hough 36 in the third quarter, Millbrook went backwards. Gray threw three incomplete passes, and punter Ethan Luberecki rushed for a 16-yard loss on fourth down when the play broke down.

Malachi Thomas led Millbrook receivers with five catches for 45 yards. He also returned three kickoffs for 51 yards. His teammate Malachi Gilchrist caught three passes for 22 yards and was selected East Offensive Most Outstanding Player despite the shutout loss.

Hough's defense forced four Millbrook fumbles and recovered one while intercepting Gray once. Jason Wilkerson picked off a Gray pass in the fourth quarter and returned it 33 yards to the Millbrook 37, setting up Royal's 12-yard completion to Jayden White on the subsequent drive.

The Huskies finished with 130 rushing yards on 28 attempts, good for 4.6 yards per carry. Royal threw for 135 yards, with White catching four passes for 31 yards and Christian Carter adding three receptions for 25 yards.

Special teams played a significant role. Hough's Baylie Nelson punted four times for 119 yards, while Millbrook's Luberecki punted five times for 133 yards. Rashad Streets blocked a Hough punt in the third quarter, giving the Wildcats possession at the Hough 45, but Millbrook lost nine yards on that possession.

Gray rushed three times for a net loss of six yards after being sacked for losses on multiple scrambles. Santonis Wright provided a spark late in the game with 21 yards on four carries, including a 16-yard run, but Millbrook's final drive ended as time expired.

The championship completed Hough's undefeated campaign. Their defense recorded six tackles for loss in the title game, with Jackson Heath and Ryan Peterson contributing 2.5 and 2.0, respectively.

Millbrook's season ended at 13-1. Gray completed passes to five different receivers but could not generate the explosive plays needed against Hough's stingy defense.

Top Performers:

William A. Hough:

• Ethan Royal: 12 rushes, 64 yards, 2 TDs; 13-of-29 passing, 135 yards, 1 TD
• Jamarion Morrison: 15 rushes, 63 yards; 2 catches, 30 yards
• Ryan Peterson: 10 tackles, 2 TFL
• Jason Wilkerson: 4 tackles, 1 interception (33-yard return)

Millbrook:

• Quinton Cypher: 10 tackles, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, 1 blocked punt
• Malachi Thomas: 5 catches, 45 yards; 3 kickoff returns, 51 yards
• Bryson Gray: 13-of-28 passing, 96 yards, 1 INT
• Malachi Gilchrist: 3 catches, 22 yards

DAVIDSON - In a significant move that signals a new era for Davidson College football, the Wildcats have appointed rising coaching star Saj Thakkar as their 29th head coach, bringing his innovative offensive mindset and proven track record of academic excellence to the Pioneer League.

Thakkar, who engineered remarkable success at Bentley University over the past two seasons, arrives in Davidson with an impressive 14-6 overall record that belies his relatively young age of 33. His tenure at Bentley was marked by consistent excellence, with the Falcons finishing among the Northeast-10 Conference's elite under his leadership.

The appointment represents a calculated decision by Davidson Athletic Director Chris Clunie to inject fresh energy into a program seeking to establish itself as a competitive force in FCS football. Thakkar's experience crafting high-powered offenses, coupled with his commitment to academic achievement, made him an ideal fit for Davidson's distinctive blend of athletic and academic aspirations.

During his time at Bentley, Thakkar's teams dominated the statistical categories, leading or placing second in every major offensive and defensive metric in the conference. Perhaps more impressively, his program led the NE-10 in Academic All-District selections, demonstrating his ability to foster success both on the field and in the classroom.

His coaching journey includes valuable experience at prestigious academic institutions, most notably a five-year stint as running backs coach at Harvard under legendary coach Tim Murphy. Murphy, who amassed 232 career wins over 36 years, praised Thakkar's exceptional football acumen and ability to connect with student-athletes.

"Saj is a great American success story," Murphy reflected, highlighting his protégé's remarkable work ethic and football intelligence. "His ability to recruit, coach, and motivate student-athletes sets him apart in our profession."

Thakkar's offensive expertise was particularly evident during his tenure as offensive coordinator at SUNY Maritime, where his units averaged an impressive 37 points per game in 2017, resulting in ten players earning All-ECAC recognition. This offensive prowess, combined with his recent NFL experience as a Bill Walsh Fellow with both the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans, suggests exciting possibilities for the Wildcats' offensive scheme.

The new head coach's vision for Davidson football extends beyond mere tactical innovations. "We will work to become a top FCS football program while providing the best scholar-athlete experience in the country," Thakkar declared, emphasizing his commitment to holistic player development.

For Davidson, this hiring represents more than just a coaching change – it's a statement of intent. With Thakkar at the helm, the Wildcats are positioning themselves for a future that balances competitive excellence with academic achievement, a combination that has long been the hallmark of Davidson College athletics.

HOUSTON – Rice University has tapped Scott Abell as its next head football coach, bringing in a proven program builder with a track record of transforming struggling teams into consistent winners. The 20th head coach in Rice football history, Abell arrives after a remarkable seven-year tenure at Davidson that saw the program rise from consistent mediocrity to national prominence.

Since 2018, Abell turned Davidson's football fortunes completely around, compiling an impressive 47-28 record and leading the team to seven consecutive winning seasons. His most notable achievements include capturing two Pioneer Football League championships and making three consecutive FCS playoff appearances.

"I am incredibly honored and humbled to be named the next head football coach at Rice University," Abell said. "Today begins the journey, as we pursue championships. Go Owls!"

Rice Vice President and Director of Athletics Tommy McClelland praised Abell's ability to develop successful programs. "He has had an immediate impact on every program he has coached and is passionate about developing winners on and off the field," McClelland stated.

Abell's coaching history demonstrates a remarkable ability to rebuild struggling programs. Before Davidson, he led Washington & Lee to three Old Dominion Athletic Conference Championships and transformed high school football teams in Virginia, including leading one program from an 0-10 record to district champions.

At Davidson, Abell's teams consistently dominated offensive statistics, leading the FCS in rushing offense and scoring. In 2023, the Wildcats won seven straight games by an average margin of 26.9 points per game and finished with the nation's top-rushing attack.

ORLANDO FL – In the sweetest corner of Orlando, Florida, at Camping World Stadium, a scrumptious college football clash unfolded between the NC State Wolfpack and the Kansas State Wildcats in the Pop Tarts Bowl. The aroma of anticipation (and toasted pastries) filled the air as fans gathered, ready to savor a game filled with pop-tastic plays, touchdown delights, and tasty maneuvers. Let's unravel the flavorsome highlights of this delectable showdown.

First Quarter: Frosted Cherry

The Wildcats kicked off the flavor fest, leaving the Wolfpack trailing early with a thirty-seven-yard touchdown pass from Avery Johnson to DJ Giddens. It was a berry good start for Kansas State, as Chris Tennant's PAT kick added the extra point, giving them a fruity lead of 7-0 at 12:35.

Second Quarter: Brown Sugar Cinnamon

Kansas State continued to sprinkle their magic in the second quarter, with Giddens rushing for a four-yard touchdown, and Johnson adding another touchdown with a 19-yard rush. The Wolfpack tried to spice things up with a 31-yard rushing touchdown by Brennan Armstrong, and just before the clock could say "time's up," Brayden Narveson served a 26-yard field goal, making the halftime score a toasty 21-10 in favor of Kansas State.

Third Quarter: S’mores

The Wolfpack came back with a burst of flavor in the third quarter, narrowing the gap with a 49-yard field goal from Narveson and a truly zesty 60-yard rushing touchdown from Trent Pennix. Despite a failed PAT pass, NC State managed to cut the deficit to 21-19, leaving the fans craving more excitement.

Fourth Quarter: Cookies and Creme

In a lip-smacking final quarter, the Wildcats sealed the deal with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Avery Johnson to Jayce Brown. Chris Tennant's successful PAT kick was the frosting on the pastry, and Kansas State finished on top with a final score of 28-19, leaving fans with a taste of victory.

Nutrition Facts:

The offensive buffet saw both teams piling up impressive yardage, with Kansas State gaining 429 total yards and NC State close behind with 399 yards. The rushing game was a delicious highlight, with Giddens leading for Kansas State with 152 yards, while Armstrong and Pennix combined for a mouthwatering 195 yards for NC State.

Defensively, both teams showed they were no strangers to tough bites, with a close tackle count of 54 for NC State and 55 for Kansas State. The Wildcats managed a crucial interception, adding some extra crunch to their defensive gameplan.

NC State, who won five straight games to close out the regular season, is now .500 in bowls games with a 17-17-1 all-time postseason record and a 5-4 bowl record under Dave Doeren, who has led NC State to more bowl games than any coach in school history.

As the fall season ushers in a crisp chill to the air, the stage is set for a classic showdown in college football. On Saturday, the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears and the Wingate Bulldogs will renew their age-old rivalry in a game that promises high stakes and gridiron drama. For most seasons, Lenoir-Rhyne and Wingate meet at the end of the season with much on the line, and this year's matchup is no different. With a win on Saturday, the Bears can secure a spot in the SAC (South Atlantic Conference) Championship Game on November 11 and earn at least a share of the Piedmont Division championship for the second consecutive season. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, still have a chance to grab a share of the Piedmont Division title, but they need a win against Lenoir-Rhyne to keep their hopes alive. Wingate is looking to play spoiler and replicate last year's upset when they defeated Lenoir-Rhyne 24-21 in Hickory. On October 29, 2022, Shaw Crocker connected with Trevor Grant for a 10-yard touchdown with 4:29 left, sealing the game with a game-clinching score.

In what promises to be a defensive battle, both teams boast two of the top defenses in Division II football. Lenoir-Rhyne enters the game with the nation's second-ranked scoring defense, allowing a mere 8.5 points per game, with almost every opponent being held to 10 points or fewer. Wingate's defense is equally formidable, conceding just 13.6 points per game, earning them the seventh spot in Division II rankings. In terms of yardage, Wingate allows 256.5 yards per game, ranking 14th nationally, while Lenoir-Rhyne is just as impressive, allowing 207.6 yards per game, placing them fourth. National recognition has also come Lenoir-Rhyne's way, as they are currently ranked at No. 7 in both the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) national poll and the D2Football.com poll. This marks the 34th time in the NCAA era that the Bears have earned a top-10 ranking. The Bears boast an impressive 55-12 record when playing as a nationally ranked team, with a 25-6 record on the road as a ranked squad.

The Lenoir-Rhyne-Wingate rivalry extends back over a decade, with both teams being consistent powerhouses in the South Atlantic Conference. Since 2010, these two institutions have dominated in overall wins, SAC wins, NCAA appearances, NCAA wins, and Jacobs Blocking Trophy winners. Furthermore, they have excelled in producing academic All-Americans. Lenoir-Rhyne holds 105 overall wins since the 2010 season, while Wingate has secured 97. In SAC play, the Bears lead with 75 victories, while the Bulldogs have 64. Lenoir-Rhyne has made six NCAA playoff appearances with eight wins, while Wingate has five appearances with four wins. This game will mark the 39th all-time meeting between these two programs, with Lenoir-Rhyne leading the series 24-14. The Bears had a five-game winning streak against Wingate before last year's 24-21 defeat. The last loss for Lenoir-Rhyne at Wingate was a lopsided 49-6 defeat in 2016. Lenoir-Rhyne has won the past three matchups at Irwin Belk Stadium, with the last two victories coming by a combined 48 points. As the Bears and Bulldogs prepare to step onto the gridiron once again, fans can expect a fiercely competitive matchup with historic implications. With defensive prowess, national rankings, and a rich history between these teams, this renewal of the Lenoir-Rhyne and Wingate rivalry promises to be a must-watch event for college football enthusiasts.

Duke at Louisville: In an upcoming college football showdown, No. 20 Duke is set to face off against No. 18 Louisville at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m., and ESPN broadcasting the game live. This marks the fourth meeting between the two schools, with Louisville currently leading the series 3-0, including a resounding 62-22 victory in their last encounter in 2021. Notably, this game is the first time both programs are nationally ranked when they face off. Duke has had a challenging schedule this season, taking on its fourth nationally-ranked opponent in eight games, and they hold a 1-2 record against top-25 teams. The Blue Devils also face back-to-back top-20 opponents for the first time since 2013. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Elko, Duke has excelled in the turnover battle, accumulating 129 points from turnovers in 20 games. Coach Elko's record at Duke is an impressive 14-6 in his first 20 games, making it the second-best start for a head coach in the school's history. Duke's football team stands out in the ACC, ranking highly in both scoring offense and defense. Graduate running back Jordan Waters has been a scoring machine, and redshirt sophomore linebacker Tre Freeman leads the team in tackles, making significant contributions. The upcoming clash between Duke and Louisville promises an exciting contest between two nationally ranked teams, setting the stage for an action-packed game that college football fans won't want to miss.

Three North Carolina teams have qualified for the 2022 NCAA FCS Championship Playoffs.

Eleven teams automatically qualify for this year's playoffs via conference affiliation. An additional thirteen teams earned at-large bids selected by the FCS Playoff Committee. The complete 24-team bracket was announced at 12:30 on Sunday, November 20, on ESPNU. The FCS Playoffs will conclude with the national championship in Frisco, Texas on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023.

Gardner-Webb (6-5) secured their first-ever berth in the playoffs with a win over North Carolina A&T on Saturday afternoon, finishing a perfect 5-0 in conference play and securing their first Big South Conference title since 2003. The Runnin’ Bulldogs and head coach Tre Lamb will travel to take on Eastern Kentucky (7-4), representing the ASUN-WAC partnership.

Davidson (8-3) represents the Pioneer League after St. Thomas was declared ineligible for the playoffs. The Wildcats are making their third straight appearance in the FCS playoffs under coach Scott Abell. The Wildcats and Abell are looking for their first postseason tournament victory and will travel to take on Richmond (8-3) from the Colonial Athletic Association.

Elon (8-3), also from the Colonial Athletic Association, earned an at-large bid in this year’s playoff. The Phoenix, led by Tony Trisciani, are making their fourth overall appearance in the FCS playoffs and first since 2018. Coach Trisciani and the Elon squad will look to secure their first-ever FCS playoff win on the road at Furman from the Southern Conference.

Schedule – All games will take place on Saturday, November 26, and are televised on ESPN+.

Elon at Furman – 12pm

Davidson at Richmond – 2pm

Gardner-Webb at Eastern Kentucky – 5pm

A full bracket can be found here: https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/football/fcs/2022.

DAVIDSON – It was the opener of the 2021 Pioneer Football League slate for the Davidson. Opposing the Wildcats were the Toreros of San Diego, a traditional league power who desperately wanted to avenge the pandemic-forced spring 2021 season which saw Davidson knock off the four-time defending Pioneer League champs to claim the conference championship for the first time ever. It was Davidson who would take the day, as the Wildcats held off a late rally to defeat the Toreros 28-16 at Richardson Stadium.

Davidson had what seemed to be a great start to the game, forcing a three-and-out and taking over after a punt. The momentum was short-lived, however, and a bad pitch on the Wildcats' second play from scrimmage saw the ball hit the turf, recovered by the San Diego defense. Two plays later, Emilio Martinez ran in from thirteen yards out to give the visitors an early 7-0 lead.

The Wildcats went into full ball control mode later in the quarter, though, marching eighty-three yards on sixteen plays on a drive that ended the first quarter and began the second. By the time junior Dylan Sparks scored on a one-yard run, Davidson had chewed off nearly nine minutes of clock and kept a potent Torero offense on the sidelines.

It was the San Diego special teams that made the biggest play in the second quarter, though. After coming up short on a run, the Toreros chose to punt from midfield. The punt rolled down towards the goal line and was batted out of bounds inside the one-yard line. The San Diego defense stepped up on the next play, tackling the Davidson ball carrier in the end zone for a safety and 9-7 lead. After the ensuing free kick, the Toreros sought to extend their lead with a field goal, but the kick bounced off the right upright.

Davidson started the second half with eight straight rushing plays before Louis Calosimo was able to find Eli Turner, Jr. lurking behind the defense, and the two connected on a thirty-one-yard pass to get the Wildcats inside the five-yard line. Two plays later, Mark McCurdy went around the left side for the Davidson touchdown and the Wildcats had the lead for the first time on the afternoon. Davidson had a chance to extend the lead later in the quarter, but a bad snap on a field goal attempt gave the ball back to the Toreros and saw the score stay at 14-9 going into the final quarter.

San Diego refused to give up and came within five points after an eleven-yard touchdown pass from Mason Randall to Michael Carner. The Toreros had another chance late in the quarter but was stopped on fourth down by the tenacious Davidson defense. Looking to put the game on ice, Louis Colosimo found Eli Turner, Jr. on a twenty-five-yard slant route for a touchdown to cap the scoring, and Jordan Burrell picked off a late pass to seal the deal for Davidson.

Up Next

Both teams are staying in Pioneer League play as Davidson (2-1, 1-0) travels to Florida to take on the Hatters of Stetson University while San Diego (0-4, 0-1) hosts league newcomer St. Thomas.

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – For the first time in 52 years Davidson football ended in the postseason, falling to fourth-seeded and nationally ranked number eight Jacksonville State in the first round of the FCS Championship Playoffs Saturday at JSU Stadium, 49-14.

“Very proud of our guys for being here. We weren’t satisfied with that … Our expectations are to become a program that can each-and-every year compete at a level in the playoffs,” said head coach Scott Abell. “This year was a measuring stick for us. We certainly understood the challenge. 

The Wildcats were in it for much of the first half, dominating time of possession with nearly 22 minutes in control. 

After falling behind 7-0 early, Davidson did what they’ve been able to do all year and manipulated a clock-eating drive of nearly eight minutes, ending with junior Coy Williams's seventh scoring scamper of the year.

On the ensuing Gamecock possession, Wildcat senior corner Jaylon Bolden made a beautiful play down the Davidson sideline, intercepting JSU’s Zion Webb for his second pick of the season. But the ‘Cats were unable to capitalize on the scoreboard. 

Trailing 14-7 late in the second quarter, JSU scored twice in seven seconds, capitalizing on a Davidson special team’s miscue to gap the ‘Cats 28-7 at the break. 

Jacksonville State took the second-half kick and quickly broke it open, scoring in just 1:16, a 55-yard Webb to Pat Jackson hook up. The Gamecocks added another late in the third, and again early in the fourth to push their lead out to 49-7.

Despite the deficit and with time running out, Davidson played until the final whistle, utilizing every bit of their opportunity. Senior quarterback Tyler Phelps threw his seventh touchdown pass of the season with 2:49 left to junior tight end Jackson Sherrard, 49-14 Gamecocks.

“It means everything to the program. To be here and to play today, it was surreal. Definitely a good end to the career for sure,” said Phelps.

On the final JSU possession, Davidson went out swinging. Sophomore Brian Jacobs forced a fumble recovered by senior James Boyle, giving their offense one last shot at the end zone. Jacobs led the team with six tackles, four solos. 

“We knew we’d be here. It was just a matter of time. It was a process,” said junior linebacker Jalen Jefferson, who finished with four tackles.

The Wildcats were the first team to break 100 yards rushing against Jacksonville State in 10 tries, churning out 202 yards on the ground. Williams’ led the way with 62 yards on 16 carries, while Dylan Sparks gained 55 on 19 carries. Phelps completed 7 of 15 passes for 59 yards, connecting with junior Jalen Staples four times. Davidson finished with 41:59 of possession, but it was JSU’s big plays that proved the difference, using a balanced rushing (222 yards) and passing (239) attack.

“Overall, so proud of our guys. We’re really excited about our future … every rep was a rep for our future. The momentum that we finished with will carry us into the offseason,” said Abell.

Story courtesy of Davidson Athletics Communications

DAVIDSON – Davidson punched their ticket to the Division I FCS Championship, earning the Pioneer Football League’s automatic qualifier, announced by the league Thursday.

Following the news of Saturday’s canceled game against Stetson, Davidson finishes the 2021 spring regular season 4-2 overall and 4-1 in the PFL. The Wildcats hold at least a share of the conference title, but due to head-to-head tie-breaking procedures, Davidson earned the league’s automatic qualifier into the Division I FCS Championship Playoff. If San Diego wins Saturday against Valparaiso, the two will serve as Co-Champions, while a loss gives the 'Cats the outright title. 

Regardless, Davidson has clinched its first postseason berth in 52 years - the first for the ‘Cats since the 1969 season when they won the Southern Conference and went on to play in the Tangerine Bowl.

“Though I’m disappointed in not playing our season finale, I’m incredibly proud of our team and program. Winning the first PFL championship and earning our first automatic bid to the FCS playoffs is an awesome accomplishment for this team and program,” said head coach Scott Abell.

The bracket for the upcoming playoffs will be released during the FCS Selection Show on ESPNU and the Watch ESPN at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Apr. 18

DELAND, FL. – Davidson rattled off 20 consecutive second-half points and held off a late Stetson rally to pick up a Pioneer Football League opening win Saturday at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium, 26-20.

With the win, Davidson improves to 1-1 and opens the conference slate at 1-0, while with the loss Stetson begins the season 0-1.

“There’s too really tough things in sports and in football, one is winning on the road, and two is winning your first game of the year … especially after a heartbreaking loss at Elon. Really proud of this win. Really proud of our guys,” said head coach Scott Abell after the victory formation sealed it.  

Trailing 7-6 at the break, the Wildcats got in their groove in the third, scoring touchdowns on three consecutive drives to open the half. 

The ‘Cats first found the end zone when senior quarterback Tyler Phelps hit junior wide receiver Jalen Staples with a fade to the back corner of the end zone just 1:34 into the third. After a defensive stop on Stetson’s ensuing possession, the ‘Cats leaned on Phelps legs for four carries with the final taking him across the goal line, extending the lead, 20-7.

With the game seemingly in hand, Davidson’s defense stepped up big. Freshman Jonathan Hammond sacked Hatter quarterback Alex Piccirilli on fourth down to give the ball back to the offense. Hammond has been a force as a freshman for the ‘Cats, making his first career interception earlier in the game and previously forcing a fumble at Elon back in February.

Back on offense, Davidson needed just two plays to add six to the scoreboard. Junior running back Coy Williams darted off on a 43-yard scamper and classmate Eli Turner Jr. turned on the jets to finish off the final 25 yards with a catch and scamper to put his squad up, 26-7.

Stetson did make things interesting late, scoring touchdowns on back-to-back fourth-quarter possessions, helped along by an onside kick recovery, but the Davidson damage was too great to overcome.

The first half was full of special team highlights. Stetson marched down the field on their opening drive and was in position for a chip shot field goal, but senior Jaylon Bolden had other plans, blocking the kick to keep the Hatters from getting on the board early.

Wildcat sophomore kicker Caden Bonoffski showed off his leg, connecting on a 48-yard field goal try, one yard shy of his career-long. The local product added a 26-yard kick to keep the ‘Cats momentum rolling in the second quarter.

Davidson finished with 297 yards rushing out of 389 yards of total offense. Phelps led the ground game with 120 yards, while Williams chipped in 83. Phelps completed 7-of-10 passes for 92 yards, connecting with Staples four times for 55 yards and the score.

Defensively, junior’s Jalen Jefferson and Jake Alexander led the way with 10 tackles apiece. Alexander forced a fumble in the second quarter, recovered by classmate Cade Vela. 

Davidson makes their home debut Saturday, Mar. 20 against Presbyterian in PFL action at Richardson Stadium. Kick off from Stephen B. Smith Field is slated for 1 p.m.

JACKSONVILLE, FL – The NC State Wolfpack, ranked 23^rd coming into Saturday’s TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, were unable to complete the comeback they needed against the Kentucky Wildcats, fell 23-21 to finish the 2020 season at 8-4.

Quarterback Bailey Hockman was 27/40 passing for 268 yards and a touchdown. Running back Zonovan “Bam” Knight had 52 yards rushing and a score. Isaac Duffy led the defense with thirteen tackles.

Coach Dave Doeren

“It was a great football game. I’m proud of the way we fought back in the second half and had multiple chances to get it back and get a lead. Obviously, it’s one of those games when you lose by two points there’s a lot of plays you think about, and we were without a lot of players today…I thought our defense really battled not having Alim [McNeill] and Payton [Wilson] and Drake [Thomas] and Tanner [Ingle], the kids who had to play in their place played hard…Offensively, we just turned the ball over three times, missed two field goals. We had our chances to make that a different game and we didn’t. You have to give Kentucky credit for that. It was a really hard-fought game and a physical game, as I expected it to be…Proud of the way the kids fought, proud of our season. This doesn’t make me feel like we didn’t have a good season – we did. It was a great experience. I’m appreciative of the opportunity to be down here, and I’m really excited that so many of these players are back. It’s going to be a great offseason with them.” “I love these guys. The players, the coaches, the staff, we went through a lot. We went through a lot last season when there was a lot of people talking negatively about us. We stuck together, we came back with a growing attitude…We grew a lot together, we learned a lot from each other. A lot of guys stepped up this year and stepped into roles where they weren’t starters and injuries took place and guys would step in and just play.”

Scoring Summary

Qtr         Time      Scoring Play       V-H

1st         06:00    UK - Matt Ruffolo 25 yd FG 16-68 9:00    0-3

2nd        06:23    UK - Chris Rodriguez 4 yd TD RUSH (KICK by Matt Ruffolo), 6-79 2:39       0-10

2nd        00:02    UK - Matt Ruffolo 26 yd FG 7-69 1:21      0-13

3rd         02:56    ST - Riley, C.J. 9 yd TD PASS from Hockman, B. (KICK by Dunn, C.), 13-76 6:12   7-13

4th         05:45    UK - Matt Ruffolo 20 yd FG 7-40 3:09      7-16

4th         04:46    ST - Knight, Z. 13 yd TD RUSH (KICK by Dunn, C.), 3-37 0:54               14-16

4th         02:55    UK - Chris Rodriguez 26 yd TD RUSH (KICK by Matt Ruffolo), 1-26 0:07       14-23