Box Score PENSACOLA, Fla.- The Shorter football team fell Saturday night to 7th ranked West Florida in a 42-20 final. 

The Argonauts struck first with a quick score and a two-point conversion to take an 8-0 lead. Shorter got off to a slow start offensively, as West Florida capitalized with another touchdown to jump ahead 15-0. Brian Gilmore Jr. fired up the Hawks as the junior scooped up a West Florida fumble and took it back 31 yards to bring the Hawks back into the game. 

Despite the Hawks ending the first quarter on a high note, the Shorter defense struggled to contain the fiery Argonaut offense, as they converted on a field goal and a punt return touchdown to take the 25-6 lead at the half. 

West Florida kept their foot on the pedal as they added in two more scores to take the 39-6 lead in the third. As the fourth quarter rolled around, running back Lanear McCrary Jr. bounced out the right side for an explosive 95 yard touchdown to breathe some life into the Hawks. Safety Hugh Barbee III, capitalized on McCrary's score with a pick six for the Hawks to make it a 39-20 affair at the 9:30 mark in the fourth. 

Lanear McCrary led the way for Shorter offensively, rushing for 121 yards on seven carries with a touchdown. Jeremy Richardson led the Hawks defensively with seven tackles, with one being for a loss. Hugh Barbee III recorded five tackles while also scoring on an interception return. Brian Gilmore Jr. added in four tackles as well as a 31 yard fumble recovery touchdown. 

UP NEXT

Shorter will return to Rome next week as they take on Virginia University of Lynchburg this Saturday at 12:00 PM. 

FOLLOW THE HAWKS
For complete coverage of Shorter Football, follow the Hawks on social media @suhawkvision (Instagram) or visit the official home of Shorter athletics at goshorterhawks.com