Greensboro College Football Drops Thursday Night Showdown With LaGrange

Football Drops Thursday Night Showdown With LaGrange
Courtesy of Greensboro College Sports Information Director Wes Gullett

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro College football team fell to LaGrange College Thursday in a tightly contested ball game, 35-26.

LaGrange (3-2, 1-1 USA South) took a 7-0 lead just 15 seconds into the game, following a 71-yard kickoff return by Josh Hardrick to put the Panthers on the Greensboro 3-yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, Alex Scott scampered into the end zone to give the Panthers the lead.

However, the Pride (1-4, 0-2 USA South) answered right back with an 11 play, 63 yard, drive to even the score.

Greensboro took over on its own 37-yard line before Quentin Chavis found Demario Smith over the middle for 14 yards, moving the ball into Panthers territory. Chavis then found tight end Steven Abosaid two times before Meleck Thornton found the promise land from one yard out. Following Thornton’s run; Ryan Campbell converted on the point after attempt to even the score at seven.

Following a LaGrange 3-and- out, Greensboro drove the ball 96 yards on 20 plays to take its first lead of the contest. With the Pride facing first-and-20, Chavis found Devon Newton across the middle to set the ball on the Panthers eight-yard line. Chavis then ran the ball in three plays later to give Greensboro a 13-7 lead, following a failed extra point attempt.

LaGrange then scored 14 unanswered points before Herbert Bridges energized the Greensboro faithful with a 77-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, pulling Greensboro to within28-19.

The Panthers came right back to add on to their advantage with a touchdown by Nicholas Searcy, but Greensboro used an eight play, 58 yard, drive to pull within 28-26 just before half time. This time Chavis found the end zone through the air as he connected with Smith from 11 yards out before Campbell added the point after attempt.

Despite a strong performance on both sides of the ball for Greensboro, LaGrange scored the only second half points in the third quarter to secure the victory.

“Hats off to our guys as this was one of the hardest fought games I have ever been a part of as a coach,” Head Coach Greg Crum said. “The guys are continuing to work hard day in and day out to get better, and I am really proud of them.”

Chavis, the Pride’s backup quarterback, had a career day for Greensboro. Chavis completed 24 of his 34 attempts for 271 yards and 1 touchdown. Chavis also had one rushing touchdown.

“I can put into words the kind of performance Quintin had tonight,” Crum said. “He did not let his nerves of his first career start get in the way and he kept putting the ball on the money. I am super happy for him as he took full advantage of his opportunity.”

Smith finished with a team-high 64 yards receiving, while tight ends Tre Jackman-Wells and Abosaid finished with 71 yards combined on six receptions.

Kenon Reynolds paced the Greensboro defense with nine total tackles, while Josh Cross and Aaron Henry each had six tackles. Henry also had a forced fumble that was recovered by Markell Mull.

The Pride football team will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 15, when they travel to Averett University. The game is set to get underway at 6 p.m. For more information on Greensboro College football, continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.