Guilford becomes the main-course in Bridgwater’s Homecoming celebration

BRIDGEWATER, Va. – Thomas Tate rushed for 157 yards and three first-half touchdowns in Bridgewater College’s 40-9 Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) football win over visiting Guilford College Saturday. Bridgewater moves to 4-2 (1-1 ODAC) with its 10th win in 11 meetings with Guilford (1-5, 0-2 ODAC).

The Eagles’ David Arnaud returned two kickoffs for 146 yards, including a 93-yard touchdown in the second quarter. His 53-yard return on the game’s opening kickoff, plus two Quakers’ penalties, set up Tate’s 15-yard scoring run 22 seconds into the game.

Tate struck again on the first play of the Eagles’ second possession when he took a handoff and ran it up the middle 77 yards for a touchdown and a quick 12-0 Bridgewater edge. He capped the first-half scoring with an eight-yard scamper that sent the Eagles into halftime with a 33-9 advantage.

Bridgewater rolled up 422 total offensive yards, including 240 yards on the ground. Quarterback Hagan Driskell completed 11-of-18 passes for 173 yards and two scores, including an 11-yard scoring strike to Argaud in the second quarter. Driskell’s 32-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Beiler in the third quarter ended the game’s scoring.

Guilford quarterback Billy Watkins completed 17-of-30 passes for 184 yards. He accounted for the Quakers’ lone score with a one-yard keeper in the second quarter. Teammate Justin Parker had a game-high seven receptions for 40 yards. Richie Paul’s 11 tackles paced Guilford’s defense.

Bridgewater held Guilford to four-for-14 on third-down conversions and 280 offensive yards. Seth Littles and Scottie Littles both recorded a team-best eight tackles.

Guilford returns to action Saturday (10/24) at league-rival Washington and Lee University at 1:00 p.m.

Dave Walters
Guilford College Athletics