GREENSBORO, N.C. — No. 25 Guilford College pulled away for a 58-21 non-conference football victory over Averett University on Saturday night at Appenzeller Field.

Averett (0-3) played toe to toe with the nationally ranked Quakers in the first half. After Guilford (3-0) scored on its first possession and took an 8-0 lead after a two-point conversion, Averett answered with a scoring drive of its own. Sophomore Travis Jones capped a 12-play, 80-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run. Sophomore Jamerio Virges caught the two-point conversion to tie the game with 7:30 left in the first half.

Guilford's Josh Schow had touchdown runs of 10 yards and 4 yards to push the Quakers lead to 21-8 by the end of the first quarter, yet, Averett found the end zone again less than a minute into the second quarter. Sophomore Kelly Hall found sophomore Myles Bennett for an 18-yard score to pull the Cougars within 21-14.

Averett had several missed opportunities in the first half, including a 78-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter that was called back by a holding penalty. Late in the second half, Averett drove down to the Guilford goal line, where the Quakers halted the Cougars on fourth down from the 1-yard line. Guilford also caught a lucky bounce — literally — on its ensuing drive after the defensive stop. As the Quakers drove down the field, Matt Pawlowski's pass appeared destined to be intercepted near the goal line. Instead, it ricocheted into the hands of Guilford receiver Adam Smith, who was standing alone in the end zone for a touchdown that helped increase the Quakers' lead to 35-14 entering the half.

Guilford, which moved into the D3Football.com Top 25 for its first national ranking in program history this week, added three touchdowns and a safety after halftime.

Averett's lone score of the second half came late in the fourth quarter. Senior Michael Reives returned a fumble 94 yards for a touchdown — the Cougars' second fumble return of 94 or more yards in its last two games.

Hall finished with 24 completions on 35 attempts for 270 passing yards, marking his second 200-plus-yard passing game in as many weeks, and the third consecutive 200-yard passing game by an Averett quarterback. Hall's 270 passing yards is the eighth highest single game total by a Cougar in the program's 16-year history.

Senior Terrance Owens II led the Cougars' receiving corps with five catches for 90 yards, while Bennett added five receptions for 67 yards and his second touchdown of the season.

Sophomore Hunter Shepherd led the Cougars' defense with 12 total tackles, while sophomore Elijah Harris finished with nine tackles.

Averett has a bye week before opening USA South Conference play by hosting LaGrange College on Homecoming Weekend Oct. 3 at 5 p.m.