DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University junior Travis Jones returned the opening kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown, and from there the Cougars throttled Greensboro College for a 52-6 conference victory on Homecoming Saturday night on Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium.

Averett (3-2, 2-0 USA South) electrified a packed stadium of alumni and fans by scoring seven total touchdowns, including Jones' fifth career kickoff return for touchdown and another on a 35-yard interception return by junior Tyriek Able.

Although Jones' big return put Averett ahead early, Greensboro (1-5, 0-3 USA South) answered immediately. Although the defense initially stopped Greensboro and set up a punt attempt, the Cougars' were penalized for 12 men on the field, giving the Pride new life and a first down. Two plays later, Greensboro connected on a 51-yard pass from Quentin Chavis to Devon Newton, which set up an 8-yard touchdown reception to Newton moments later. Averett, however, blocked the extra point attempt to keep a 7-6 lead.

Jones almost broke free again on the ensuing kickoff return, and a sideline interference penalty on the play gave Averett prime field position to start the next drive. On third-and-12, sophomore Sean Bowman found a hole on the left side and skirted up the sideline 38 yards for a touchdown. It was the first of three touchdowns on the night for Bowman, who celebrated his 20th birthday on Saturday with 194 rushing yards on 21 carries.

Jones added his second touchdown of the night —a 21-yard reception —to put Averett ahead 21-6 early in the second quarter. On Greensboro's first play of its ensuing drive, Able picked off Chavis' pass and returned it 35 yards for the score.

Bowman added his second touchdown, and freshman Cole Westberry nailed a 32-yard field goal as time expired to give the Cougars a 38-6 lead entering halftime.
Junior quarterback Kelly Hall and Bowman each added a 5-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter as Averett pulled away to give the Cougars their first 2-0 start in the USA South Conference since 2010.

Averett totaled 300 rushing yards as a team, 10 yards shy of the program's single-game record. Jones finished with 42 yards on nine carries, while sophomore Paul Wiles had 41 yards on five rushes.

Able and sophomore Octavius Ross each had interceptions to lead the defense.

At halftime, Averett honored its four 2016 Hall of Fame inductees, which included former football stars Jeff Hughley and Jermaine Moore. Members of the 2006 football team, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and all returning football alumni were also honored as part of the football program's first player reunion.

Averett travels to Maryville College next Saturday for a 2 p.m. start.