(NEWPORT NEWS, V.A.) — After taking an early lead at Christopher Newport on Saturday, Greensboro College football team saw its fourth quarter rally come up short in a 22-16 setback.
Antwan Thorpe and The Pride struck first on a 13-yard scoring pass from Ryan Throndset just 5:30 into the game. Greensboro took advantage of a Captain penalty on the ensuing extra point and converted a two-point conversion by Warren Scott Jr. to take an 8-0 lead.
Christopher Newport responded with two scoring drives of its own in the first quarter to grab the lead at 13-8. The Captains added another touchdown with 6:51 remaining in the half on a one-yard touchdown plunge by Marcus Morrast to extend the margin to 19-8 going into the half.
Christopher Newport continued its momentum in the third quarter, tacking on a 39-yard field goal by Mason Studer to push the score to 22-8.
The Pride fought back with 1:10 left in the third quarter, as Cortez Vernon capped a ten play, 66-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run. Greensboro went for two following the score, as Throndset found Lorenzo Lesesene in the endzone to further narrow the deficit to 22-16.
The Pride moved the ball into Captain territory on its first possession of the fourth quarter, but came up empty on a fourth down conversion from the Christopher Newport 43-yard line.
Greensboro forced the Captains into a missed field goal attempt on the next drive, giving The Pride the ball at their own 19-yard line with 3:44 to go in the contest. Facing a third down and 13, Throndset connected with Dexter Russell Jr. for a 35-yard gain to the Christopher Newport 47-yard line.
However, two-plays later, Throndset was intercepted by Tyshawn Harris, allowing the Captains to run out the remaining 2:26 of the game.
Greensboro finished the game with 302 yards of total offense – with 221 yards through the air – while Christopher Newport put up a balanced attack of 318 total yards.
Throndset connected on 23-34 passing attempts for 221 yards and one score. Russell Jr. led all receivers with 87 yards on six catches while Thorpe had a game high ten catches for 83 yards. Scott Jr. paced the ground attack with 46 yards on 21 carries.
Defensively, Maury Spease and Julian Cinnotti tied for a team high ten tackles. The Pride recorded seven tackles for loss with Spease recording a 2.5. Travis Welch helped Greensboro record the lone turnover on a fumble recovery.
With the loss, The Pride drop to 4-5 overall and 2-4 in the USA South. Greensboro will conclude the 2012 season on November 10 at home for Senior Day against LaGrange. Kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Grimsley High School.