Offense and defense shine in Huntingdon’s win over Averett

DANVILLE, Va. – The Huntingdon football team put together one of the best offensive and defensive performances in program history on Saturday.

In a 50-20 win over Averett University, the Hawks rolled up 717 yards of offense and held Averett to 168 yards of offense. The total offense is the third best performance in school history and the yards allowed by the defense is the eighth best performance.

"This was the most complete game we've played all year. It was a good team win," Huntingdon head coach Mike Turk said. "This wasn't a perfect game for us by any means, but it was a good win. We played well from start to finish."

For the offense, which is averaging 43.8 points per game, it was the third time to score at least 50 points this season and the second time this season the Hawks (6-2, 4-1 USA South) have generated more than 700 yards of offense. Huntingdon leads Division III with an average of 589.9 yards per game.

In addition to holding Averett to 168 yards of total offense, the Huntingdon defense limited Averett (1-7, 0-5) to two offensive touchdowns and 10 first downs. Averett's 34 yards rushing on 19 carries represents the 12th fewest rushing yards allowed in Huntingdon history. Entering the fourth quarter, the Cougars had just 79 yards of offense on 26 plays.

"The defense played extremely well and I'm proud of those guys," Turk said. "With the defense, it's been a point of emphasis for us to play well for four quarters and finish the game. We did that today.

"The defense controlled the game. It's encouraging to see the hard work paying off and to see our guys improving each week."

Averett scored first on Saturday, courtesy of a 78-yard punt return in the first quarter. But Huntingdon answered with 43 straight points to take a 43-7 lead in the third quarter.

Senior running back Garrett Fletcher led the ground game as he rushed for 135 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries. The yards and carries are both career highs for Fletcher, who leads the Hawks with 13 rushing touchdowns this season.

Freshman John Iwaniec scored the Hawks' first touchdown on a 3-yard run and finished with a season-high 89 yards on 24 carries.

Quarterbacks Ryne Taylor and Taylor Hughes combined for 459 yards and four touchdowns on 21-of-26 passing with no interceptions. It's the third time the two quarterbacks have combined for more than 440 yards passing this season and the third best passing day ever for Huntingdon quarterbacks.

Ryne Taylor was 11-for-15 for 225 yards and three touchdowns and Hughes was 10-of-11 for 234 yards and a touchdown. Taylor Belsterling, Jonathan Williams, Brantley Carr and Darryl Vason each had one touchdown reception.

Five Hawks had at least 50 yards receiving. Darius Dawsey had two receptions for 74 yards, Williams had two catches for 64 yards, Fletcher had two catches for 58 yards, Belsterling had four catches for 55 yards and Nick Haas had three receptions for 56 yards.

David Ballard converted six of seven extra points to become the Hawks' career leader in extra points (93) and extra point attempts (103).

"We've had a lot of balance on offense this season," Turk said. "You look at today, we had one 100-yard rusher and another back right at 100 yards. Both quarterbacks threw for more than 200 yards and 10 different receivers caught passes.

"It's a lot of fun when you can spread the ball around like that on offense. Everyone is contributing to our success."

Linebackers Zach Brownell and John-David Swiger led the defense. Brownell was credited with six tackles and recorded a safety in the second quarter to give the Hawks an early 8-7 lead. Swiger was credited with five tackles to give him a team-best 74 tackles this season.

Defensive lineman Jacob Wright recorded one sack and Blake Lawley and Drew Wheeler combined for a sack. Defensive backs Craig Granger and Anthony White each picked off one pass.

Huntingdon returns to Samford Stadium next week for a key conference game with Methodist University. The Hawks and Monarchs (6-2, 4-1 USA South) are currently tied for second in the USA South. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.