ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - The NC Wesleyan College football team lost their lead late and fell 30-21 to Shenandoah University at home Saturday afternoon on another beautiful day from the Vernon T. Bradley Football Complex.
Wesleyan got off to a terrific start marching right down the field on their opening drive to score on a 34-yard touchdown pass from QB Storm Yarbrough to WR Trey Blackwell that completed a 7-play 71-yard drive in just 3:13.
SU then came right back with their own long TD drive scoring on a 12-yard pass after driving 71 yards in 13 plays to tie the game at 7 after one quarter.
The Bishops, though, began the second half with another touchdown drive of its own this time driving 77 yards in 11 plays ending with a 19-yard scoring pass from Yarbrough to senior WR Kevin Alford to make it 14-7 early in the second quarter. SU then added another touchdown to tie the game at 14 heading into the break.
Senior kicker Nolan Weloff just missed what would have been a career-long field goal to close the first half as the 45-yard try fell jsut a yard short.
The Hornets started the third quarter off with a field goal before Wesleyan took the lead back 21-17 with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Yarbrough to Alford with 2:47 remaininfg in the third.
Shenandoah (2-0) then dominated the fourth quarter scoring all 13 points and intercepting the Bishops QBs five times on the day. Yarbrough threw for 251 yards and went 17 of 25, but threw 4 interceptions while Blackwell caught 3 balls for 78 yards and a score. Alford also had 5 receptions for 62 yards as well as 96 total return yards while freshman tight end Dylan Wright had 3 catches for 56 yards.
Defensively, the Bishops were led by Luke Moorhead's stellar game of 16 total tackles, 12 solo and 3.5 for loss. Sophomore safety Benyon Williams then amde 8 tackles while fellow saftey, freshman Korey Hunter registered 7 tackles along with an interception. Williams also had 3 pass breakups. Linebackers Tim Willis and Jimmy Hayden also combined for 9 tackles while Senior DE Rob Carley also had 4 tackles and a tackle for loss.
The Bishops, now 0-2, will next remain home to host Brevard College in conference play next Saturday at 12 Noon.