FERRUM, Virginia -- The Ferrum College football team opened the 2021 season with a win over Averett University, winning 31-24 in non-conference action tonight at W.B. Adams Stadium.

RECORDS
Ferrum (1-0)
Averett (0-1)

THE BASICS
Tmahdae Penn got Ferrum on the scoreboard first, scoring his first touchdown on the night on a 7-yard pass from Titus Jones at 8:31 of the first quarter. Christian Caldwell extended the lead to 14-0 when he hauled in a Jones pass and scampered 15 yards into the end zone to open the second quarter.

Averett's Shawn Jennings rumbled in from eight yards out at 12:02 of the second quarter, then Will Caviness split the uprights from 38 yards  with 6:09 left in the quarter to get the lead down to 14-10.

Jones found Penn in the back of the end zone from 18 yards out to push the lead to 21-10 at 10:50 of the third. Deven Hansen picked off an errant Averett pass and returned it 90 yards to the house with eight minutes left in the third, then Seth Deaton converted a 26-yard field goal attempt to open the fourth and extend the lead to 31-10.

In the fourth quarter, Bryce Jackson connected with Isaiah Grice and Nick Andrews for 17-yard and 6-yard scoring strikes, respectively, but the Panthers defense was able to hang on for the win.

Jones closed the game 21-30 passing for 239 yards and three touchdowns, and Penn made nine receptions for 131 yards and a pair of scores. On defense, Ja'Kari Williams had nine tackles for the Panthers, while Avion Smith and Billy Higgins had eight each.

Jackson was 31-54 passing for 322 yards and two touchdowns for the Cougars. Defensively, JaVon Lofton had eight tackles for Averett.

BEHIND THE WHISTLE
"Tonight was an emotional game for my team and coaching staff. I really felt like all three phases of the game worked together for us to scratch out this win. Openers are about understanding yourself, sticking to the basics and making adjustments. It was a hard-fought ball game and we hung on for the win. The entire gameday with the tailgating fans and a big crowd at the game made for an incredible experience for our players." --Head Coach Cleive Adams

NEXT UP
Adams' team will play next on Saturday, September 18, at Christopher Newport University. Kickoff for the non-conference game is set for 6:00 p.m. in Newport News, Virginia.