Box Score

BRIDGEWATER, Va. — Averett pulled to within 10 points of Bridgewater with just over five minutes to play, but the Cougars couldn't get any closer after a digging a big hole early. The Eagles held off Averett 44-34 in both teams' season-opener on Saturday.

Bridgewater (1-0) jumped out to a 24-0 lead thanks to a couple of big plays. Mike Clements' 44-yard interception return put the Eagles ahead 17-0 and wide receiver Rudy Jackson added an 83-yard punt return for a touchdown.

Yet, Averett (0-1) battled back. After trailing 31-13 at halftime, the Cougars scored the only points of the third quarter on a 9-yard run by freshman Antwan Hughes. Bridgewater answered with a touchdown at the start of the fourth quarter, but the Cougars came right back with a 60-yard touchdown pass from junior Philip Kwiatkowski to senior receiver Anthony Squillini. The score cut Bridgewater's lead to 38-28 with 5:37 to play.

The Cougars forced Bridgewater to go three-and-out and got the ball back with four and a half minutes left. However, Averett's offense couldn't get a first down.

The Eagles added another touchdown, which was offset by Averett touchdown as time expired.

Depsite the loss, Averett outshined Bridgewater in most statistical categories. The Cougars outgained the Eagles in rushing and passing yards to the total of 124 more offensive yards. Averett also had 10 more first downs and more time of possession.

However, the bad start was too tough to overcome for the Cougars.

Kwiatkowski led Averett with 205 yards passing. Seniors Brian Daniels and Dontavious Watson added rushing touchdowns, along with Hughes and junior quarterback Cody Ladutko.

Senior Zane Cooper and junior Justin McCauley led Averett's defense with seven tackles apiece. Sophomore Albert Brown added a 16-yard interception return.

Bridgewater quarterback Hagan Driskell threw for 151 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Eagles.

Averett is off next weekend, but the Cougars return to action Sept. 19 at Guilford College at 7 p.m.