GC Pride Football Holds Off Panthers For 19-17 Homecoming Victory

GREENSBORO, NC — The Greensboro College football team returned home on Saturday afternoon to take on the Panthers of Ferrum College for Homecoming 2014. The Pride defense was able to hold strong in the soggy conditions to help lift Greensboro College to a 19-17 victory.

Ferrum College got on the board first following a 28 yard field goal by Hunter Ferguson giving the Panthers a 3-0 lead heading into the second quarter of play.

Greensboro College was able to take the lead with 4:10 remaining until the intermission period. Mac Graham who was making his first start under center for Greensboro College connected with senior receiver Tyler Fearrington from 22 yards out giving the Pride their first lead of the game at 6-3.

Following the Greensboro College touchdown, the Panthers moved the ball down the field but could not connect on a 35 yard field goal attempt sending the Pride into the intermission period with the three point lead at 6-3.

On the Panthers second possession of the third quarter, Greensboro College’s defense came up big once again as William Heiligenthaler picked up a Ferrum fumble to give the Pride the ball. After the fumble recovery, Warren Scott scampered 46 yards down the middle of the field for his first touchdown of the game to give the Pride a 12-3 lead.

Ferrum College was able to cut the lead to 12-10 on their next possession but the Pride offense was not done putting points on the board. Warren Scott was once again able to break free to open space from 30 yards out to extend the Greensboro lead to 19-10 following an Amilicar Martinez extra point.

“Warren had an outstanding game for us today,” Head Coach Bill Young said. “He found every seem that our offensive line made for him and even some that was not there. This game was really big for him as a player.”

Ferrum College cut the lead to 19-17 in the fourth quarter, and got the ball back with a chance to take the lead with 3:34 left to play in the game. However, Mart Grinton and James McClease recorded back to back sacks to end the treat giving Greensboro the ball back on downs.

The Pride offense was then able to run the clock out preserving the 19-17 victory.

“I am really proud of the way our team played today.” Young also said, “We got ourselves in some holes throughout the game but our guys were able to rally behind each other keep the game in our favor.”

Greensboro College held a plus five advantage in the turnover category forcing Ferrum College into three interceptions and two fumbles. Ethan Smith and Harry McNeil each recorded a takeaway while William Heiligenthaler recorded three of his own.

Warren Scott carried the load on offense for the Pride with 152 yards on 20 carries to go along with 37 yards receiving. Mac Graham completed 15 of his 37 attempts for 136 yards and one touchdown.

Freshman linebacker Chase Sams led the way for the Pride with 15 tackles (6 solo, 9 assists) while Mart Grinton and Ethan Smith recorded double digit tackles as well. The Greensboro defense accounted for 11 total tackles for loss in the game.

With the win, the Pride pick up their second win of the season making their overall record 2-6 and 2-4 in USA South Athletic Conference play. The Greensboro College football team will play their final home game of the season next Saturday afternoon. The Pride will welcome the Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan to Jamieson Stadium at 1:00 PM. Prior to the start of the game Greensboro College will recognize this year’s senior class.