Huntingdon falls at Methodist in USA South opener

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.  – The Huntingdon football team opened conference play with a 48-34 loss to Methodist University on Saturday.

Huntingdon fell behind 20-7 at halftime and trailed 34-7 in the third quarter before rallying and pulling within 14 points twice in the fourth quarter. But the Hawks could not overcome the deficit.  

Records: Huntingdon (0-3, 0-1 USA South); Methodist (1-2, 1-0 USA South)

The Turning Point: Tied 7-7 in the second quarter, Methodist scored two touchdowns in the final 5:02 of the first half and two touchdowns in the first nine minutes of the second half. The fourth touchdown, with 6:51 left in the third quarter, put the Monarchs in front 34-7.

Stat Leaders

Offense

Passing: Michael Lambert: 16/32 for 251 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT

Receiving: Otis Porter: 2 receptions for 71 yards, 1 TD

Jamal Howard: 2 receptions for 56 yards, 2 TDs

C.J. Pugh: 5 receptions for 34 yards

Jake Lackey: 13-yard touchdown reception

Rushing: Eric Thomas: 13 rushes for 95 yards

Kobe Smith: 9 rushes for 52 yards

Dontavion Cunningham: 6-yard touchdown run

Kicking:  Chase Young: 4/5 PAT; 0/1  field goals

Defense

Tackles: Trey Hayes (12), Evan Clark (7), Trevor Henson (6), Ian Theriault (6)

Interceptions: Peyton DeFleron (1), Dylan Powell (1)

Blocked punt: Cobi Jones (1)

Head Coach Mike Turk on Saturday's loss: "We did not come out ready to play. We did not play with any passion. We did not look inspired. At the end of the day, it is my job to get us ready to play, to make sure we play with passion and to make sure we are inspired. I plan to do my job."  

Coming Up: Huntingdon travels to Maryville for a conference battle on Oct. 6. Kickoff is set for noon (Central).