BUENA VISTA, Va. - The NC Wesleyan College Football team dropped a 28-21 heartbreaking loss on the road at Southern VA University on Friday afternoon.
The Bishops raced out to a 14-0 lead at halftime and then even led 21-0 early in the third quarter before SVU began their comeback.
Wesleyan struck first as senior CB Dmaurien Franklin returned an interception back 42 yards for the score midway through the second quarter.
Then right before halftime, junior QB Terrence Craig threw a 16 yard touchdown pass to WR Kevin Alford to take a 14-0 halftime edge.
Freshman RB Joel Martin then gave Wesleyan a 21-0 lead with his 2 yard scamper with 10 minutes remaining in the third to complete a 60-yard drive. SVU, however would then go on an 8-play 71-yard drive to get within 21-7 heading into the fourth. The Knights would then take advantage of a short field early in the fourth to score another touchdown to get within 21-14 with 12 minutes to play.
SVU (1-3) would then go on a 12-play 75-yard drove that took over 6 minutes in the fourth to score on 4th and goal from the one to tie the game at 21-all.
Unfortunately, Craig would be sacked and fumbled on the first play of Wesleyan's next possession with SVU picking up the loose ball and returning it 16 yards for the game-winning score.
Junior WR Jai Irvin led the offense as he caught 4 passes for 119 yards while Martin rushed 16 times for 62 yards.
Defensively, the Bishops were led by a huge game from freshman linebacker James Hayden who combined to make 21 tackles (6 solo, 15 assisted) along with 1.5 tackles for loss. Fellow linebacker Luke Moorhead also played well making 11 tackles along with an interception and a forced fumble. Safety RJ Carter then led the DBs with 9 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a pass breakup while linebacker Deante Lucenti also made 9 tackles and forced a fumble. Defensive End Rob Carley made 8 tackles with 2 tackles for loss as well.
Wesleyan finishes the spring season 0-5 unfortunately and will next open their fall season at home on Sept. 18 vs. Brevard.