Box Score
Box Score


GREENSBORO, N.C. — Averett University's offense broke out of its slump and its defense came up with big stops late to preserve a 35-21 victory at Guilford College on Saturday night.

Averett (1-2) watched its three-touchdown lead shrink to seven points early in the fourth quarter, but several interceptions helped stymie Guilford late. With the momentum swinging Guilford's way, Averett freshman cornerback Calvin Williams picked off a pass in Quakers territory, and freshman Ke'Von White scored from 24 yards out two plays later to put the Cougars back in front by two touchdowns with 9:42 to play.

The Cougars, however, weren't out of the woods yet. Guilford (1-2) used a deep passing play to get into Averett's red zone. The Quakers couldn't take advantage of the opportunity, and on fourth down and 13 from the Cougars' 23-yard line threw an interception to Averett senior Robslin Emmanuel in the end zone.

Averett held off another Guilford red zone drive on fourth down with 3:02 remaining, which all but sealed its first win of the season. The Quakers had one more possession deep in Averett territory, but that, too, ended in an Averett interception — this time by sophomore Isaac Green. Averett kneeled out the final 1:02 to improve to 7-1 all-time against the Quakers.

Averett's offense looked sharp, jumping ahead early by scoring three first-quarter touchdowns — one more than the Cougars had scored in their first two games combined. The first score came on Averett's second drive when sophomore Kirkland Brown connected with junior Anthony Bowles for a 35-yard touchdown. The Cougars struck again on their next drive, which culminated with a 2-yard rush by White. With a 14-0 lead, Averett pulled out a trick play on the first play of its next possession, and senior Philip Kwiatkowski found junior Timothy Lovick all alone downfield for a 45-yard touchdown completion.

Guilford trimmed Averett's lead to 21-7 on a 6-yard touchdown pass to Ben King midway through the second quarter, but the Cougars got it back thanks to a 4-yard touchdown pass from Kwiatkowski to junior Wynton Stephens with 2:33 left in the first half.

The Quakers drove down the field and had the ball on Averett's 1-yard line in the final seconds of the second quarter, but sophomore Roderick Doggett picked off a pass attempt in the end zone to prevent Guilford from getting points before the half and preserve Averett's 28-7 lead.

The defensive stop for the Cougars was crucial as Guilford made its comeback attempt in the second half. Quakers running back Mike Williams rushed 24 yards for a touchdown with 3:32 left in the third quarter, and a Guilford interception sparked another Quaker scoring drive at the turn of the quarter. Guilford's Josh Williams jumped in from 1-yard out 33 seconds into the fourth quarter to trim Averett's advantage to 28-21.

White led Averett's ground attack with 83 yards on 19 carries, including the two touchdowns. Stephens had a team-high three catches for 62 yards as Averett spread its passing attack among seven receivers. The touchdowns for White, Stephens, Lovick and Bowles were all the first of their collegiate careers. Kwiatkowski completed eight of his 14 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns.

Stefan Varner had a team-high six tackles for the Cougars defense, which had six players with at least five tackles.

Averett has next weekend off, but opens conference play at home on Oct. 1 against N.C. Wesleyan College. That date will also serve as Averett's homecoming weekend.