CLINTON, S.C. - The
Presbyterian College football team put forth a tremendous defensive effort in
the first half, but the speed of Elon helped the Phoenix pull away for a 41-7
victory in the home opener.
The Blue Hose fall to 0-2 on the season while the Phoenix improve to 2-0.
"To play on the same field as No. 10 Elon, with the speed and atmosphere here
today is a huge learning experience for us," head coach Harold Nichols said.
"It is not okay to lose. We want to win games, but to get to that point, things
have to be in place for us. It will be a journey. Our body language was good
and we are learning to play through adversity."
On the first drive of the game, the Phoenix drove to the PC six-yard line. On
second and goal, Scott Riddle dropped back and was hit by rookie Daryl Ash,
forcing a fumble. The ball was recovered by Darnell Epps, stopping the
high-powered offense in its track.
The Blue Hose took over at the 19, but were unable to muster much offense.
After Patrick Morgano launched a 42-yard punt to the Elon 35, the Phoenix started to drive with 7:41 to play in the quarter. The Blue
Hose gave up just 18 yards on five plays before forcing a
punt, which Bruce Smith took at the eight.
After
having to punt back to Elon, Riddle connected with Sean Jeffcoat for a 44-yard
touchdown pass to put the visitors up 7-0 after Adam Shreiner's kick.
PC's offense continued to gain minimal yards despite its best effort. The Phoenix went 62 yards in 10 plays, covering 2:50 on the clock, reaching the PC
11-yard line. However, on fourth and one, Ash came up with another huge play.
He stuffed Jamal Shuman at the line of scrimmage, giving Nichols' team the ball
back.
Morgano was
forced to trot back onto the field after the offense could register just seven
yards in 1:30. His 34-yard punt gave Elon the ball at the 47-yard line. The
Phoenix drove down to the eight-yard line,
but just like before, Nichols' defense stiffened and the Blue Hose forced a
field goal, bringing the score to 10-0.
With the score remaining the same, Elon started another drive with 9:46 to play before the intermission.
After one first down, PC forced another punt. A high snap pushed Riddle back an
additional 15 yards. However, the Blue Hose were not
able to contain him as he was able to get the ball off for a 26-yard punt that
essentially put PC in poor field position.
The narrow miss on the blocked punt proved to be a factor as the Blue Hose
could move the ball just 18 yards in four plays. Elon eventually took
over on downs and marched 63 yards in seven plays for a 17-0 halftime
lead.
In the first half, PC had just three first downs compared to 16 for Elon. The
Blue Hose were out-gained 317-42.
Elon was able to record three touchdowns in the third quarter, jumping out to a
38-0 advantage. However, Nichols' team would not give up. The squad kept its
heads high and continued to battle. The Blue Hose forced a punt just after the
start of the fourth quarter, receiving the ball on the 38-yard line.
Tim Webb, who had come in for Brandon Miley, completed a nine-yard pass to
Jeremy Cole as the team moved to the 29-yard line. Then, on third-and-one, Webb
snuck the ball up the right side for a one-yard gain and a first down.
On first-and-10, Webb dropped back to pass and flicked the ball down the right
sideline where Sean Adegbola snagged it. Adegbola evaded a would-be tackler and
powered his way into the end-zone. Aaron Mayes' extra point made the score
38-7. Elon would tack on a late field goal for the 41-7 victory.
Miley threw
for 51 yards, completing eight passes. Webb
connected for 38 yards on four completions.
Morgano
trotted on the field 12 times, recording 438 punt yards for a 36.5 average. He
had a long of 44.
Leading the way for the defense was Justin Bethel, who tallied eight total
tackles. Connor Norman recorded his second fumble recovery
in as many games.
The Blue
Hose look to get in the win column next week when they host Chattanooga at 1:30 p.m., in New Bailey Stadium.
