Box Score FERRUM, Va.- The Shorter football team dropped their conference road opener to Ferrum Saturday afternoon in a 28-25 defeat.
After several quiet drives in the opening quarter, the Panthers struck first with a blocked field goal return touchdown to jump out in front 7-0.
Jeb Walls and company responded as the sophomore quarterback ran the ball in for a 16-yard rushing touchdown to make it a one-point game early in the second quarter. The Hawks' secondary struggled to keep the Panthers out of the endzone, as they tacked on two more touchdowns to make it a 21-6 lead at the half.
Shorter's offense found some resurgence as
Cole McCranie hauled in a 10-yard receiving touchdown late in the third as the Hawks inched their way closer. As the fourth quarter rolled around, the Hawks showed a valiant effort offensively and defensively. The Hawks made it a one-score game as
Jeb Walls connected with
Dennis Sims for a 41-yard receiving touchdown to breathe some much-needed life into the offense. On the following drive, the Shorter secondary forced a bad snap as
DJ Walker recovered it to place the Hawks in scoring range. Shorter capitalized on the opportunity, with
Jeb Walls running the ball in to give the Hawks the 25-21 lead. After Ferrum forced a three-and-out late, the Panthers unfortunately converted on a 92-yard receiving touchdown with just a minute remaining to reclaim the lead. The Hawks gave one last push, but it would not be enough as they fell 28-25.
This loss drops the Hawks to 1-5 on the season and 0-2 in conference action.
Jeb Walls racked up 270 yards of total offense and four total touchdowns, with two being in the air and the other two being on the ground.
Cole McCranie and
Dennis Sims each hauled in a touchdown pass for the Hawks' receiving core. Defensively, the Hawks recorded seven tackles for loss, forced two interceptions, and a fumble recovery.
UP NEXT
Shorter will look to bounce back as they travel to face #25 UNC Pembroke next Saturday.
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