ROME, Ga.- Shorter Football kicked off the 2026 campaign in a major way as they set new school and Conference Carolinas records for points in a game scored on Saturday afternoon with a 65-6 win over Andrew College at Barron Stadium.
The Hawks improve to 1-0 on the season, while also improving to 5-1 in their last six season-opening games.
Edgar Bermudez scored the opening points of the season with a 32-yard field goal to give the Hawks the early lead. After forcing a quick three-and-out,
Jeb Walls found
Skyler Niblett on the very next drive with a three-yard score to cap off a five-play, 61-yard drive to extend the Shorter lead.
Conrad Hussey made the most of his Shorter debut, capitalizing on a mishandled punt from the visitors as he returned it for a 13-yard score to break open the Hawks' lead.
The Hawks continued to dominate heading into the second quarter, as Walls took it in himself to extend the lead. After another stop,
Joshua Tyson-Gueh scored his first touchdown as a Hawk with a nine-yard reception to make it 31-0 in Shorter's favor. Another bad snap resulted in a Hawks touchdown as
DJ Baums jumped on the ball in the end zone to increase the lead. Another defensive stop from Shorter resulted in a record-breaking score as
Jeb Walls pitched it to
Alex Garnett for a four-yard score, making it 45-0, which marks the most points in a half in school history. Shorter added one more score before the break as Walls connected with
Silas Hinson on a 47-yard bomb to give him his first touchdown as a Hawk and make it 52-0 at halftime.
The Tigers managed to get on the board early in the second half to prevent a shutout. Early in the fourth,
Walter Jones found the end zone and made history as his touchdown broke the school and conference record for points in a single game.
Carlos Lopez chipped in two more field goals as the Hawks extended their massive lead, closing out the contest in a historic 65-6 victory.
The Hawks outgained the Tigers 431-91 in total offense, recording 304 yards through the air and 127 yards on the ground. Shorter's eight touchdowns tied the program record for most touchdowns in a single game. The Hawks' defense shut down the Andrew College rushing attack, holding the Tigers to -23 yards on the ground while forcing three turnovers and scoring two defensive touchdowns.
Jeb Walls led the Hawks' aerial attack, completing 16-of-19 passes for 245 yards and four touchdowns, tying the school record for passing touchdowns in a game. Walls also added a rushing touchdown to finish with five total touchdowns on the afternoon. Silas Hinson hauled in two receptions for a team-high 52 yards and a touchdown, while Joshua Tyson-Gueh added two catches for 44 yards and a score. Alex Garnett and Skyler Niblett rounded out Shorter's receiving touchdowns, each with one.
The Shorter special teams unit also made its mark, as Edgar Bermudez tied the school record for PATs in a single game with seven.
"Today was a complete team win", said Head Coach Zach Morrison. "Offense, defense, and special teams all contributed, and I was really proud of the way our guys played together and competed for four quarters. To score 62 points and set a new Shorter University single-game scoring record is a special accomplishment, and it speaks to the work our players and coaches have put in. But for us, it can never be just about the scoreboard. We've said from day one that football is our platform, but Christ is our purpose. Our goal is to honor Him in the way we prepare, the way we compete, the way we treat one another, and even in the way we handle success. I'm thankful for this team, thankful for our coaching staff, and thankful that God has given us another opportunity to do what we love together. We'll enjoy this one, give God the glory, stay humble, and then get back to work. This is one victory and one brick. We've got a lot more to build."
UP NEXT
The Hawks will remain at home next week, where they will host Benedict College on Saturday. First kick is slated for 3:00 PM.
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