EMORY, Va. -- Ferrum College dropped its football season opener at Emory & Henry College this afternoon on the road, falling 55-7 in non-conference action. The Wasps led 10-0 after one quarter and 38-7 at halftime en route to the win.

Records
Emory & Henry (1-0), Ferrum (0-1)

How It Happened
Emory & Henry rolled up 443 yards in total offense (240 rushing, 203 passing) to Ferrum's 233 yards (158 rushing, 75 passing). Emory & Henry QB Kevin Saxton, last season's ODAC Rookie of the Year, threw for 199 yards and three touchdowns. The Panthers turned tha ball over six times on four fumbles and two interceptions. Joe Barton's 8-yard touchdown run with 4:48 left in the second quarter helped Ferrum avoid the shutout. The loss was Ferrum's ninth straight to the Wasps dating back to 2007.

Key Stats
E&H: Saxton 16-30 passing, 199 yds, 3 TD; Kelman Simpson 7 rec, 66 yds, 1 TD; Chris Thompson 14 rushes, 82 yds, 1 TD; Ryan Byrd 13 tackles
Ferrum: Troy Helton 3-9 passing, 58 yds, 1 int; Anthony Merritt 1-5 passing 17 yds, 1 int; Chris Guy 4 rec, 75 yds; Barton 5 rushes, 25 yds, 1 TD; KwaJay Witcher 11 tackles

Next Up for Ferum
Coach Dave Harper's team will host Shenandoah University on Saturday, Sept. 12. The non-conference game kicks off at 1:00 p.m. at Franklin County High School in nearby Rocky Mount, Virginia. The Panthers will then host Hampden-Sydney College on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Franklin County High School.