DANVILLE, Va. — Junior running back Sean Bowman's career performance helped propel Averett University football to a 35-6 conference victory over Methodist University on Saturday night on Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium.
 
Bowman rushed for 227 yards on 36 carries and five touchdowns — all career-highs. The 36 rushing attempts were also a program single-game record.
 
The win gave Averett (2-2, 2-0 USA South) its second consecutive 2-0 start in conference play, while providing the Cougars' offense with confidence heading into the heart of its league schedule.
 
Bowman's first two scores were set up by the continued great play of Averett's defense and special teams. Junior linebacker Dejon Brooks intercepted Steve Keoni's pass deep in Monarch territory to set up a 3-yard touchdown run by Bowman four plays later, giving Averett a 7-0 lead with 10:24 to play in the first quarter. Moments later, sophomore Romello Herbin forced a Methodist fumble on the ensuing kickoff, which was recovered by sophomore Kye Nuffer at the Methodist 20-yard line. Deep in Methodist territory again to start its drive, the offense turned to Bowman, who found in the end zone from 7 yards out to extend Averett's lead to 14-0.
 
Methodist (0-4, 0-2 USA South) had its lone score come late in the second quarter when Keoni found Josh Carter for a 25-yard touchdown across the middle. Averett managed to block the extra point, keeping the score at 14-6 entering halftime.
 
Bowman picked up where he left off in the third quarter. On the third play from scrimmage on Averett's first drive, Bowman raced down the right sideline for a 54-yard touchdown run to give the Cougars a 21-6 lead. He added a 1-yard score early in the fourth quarter and capped off the scoring with a 23-yard touchdown run midway through the period.
 
Bowman's five touchdowns were one shy of the Averett single-game record held by Kyle Wilson, who had six touchdowns against N.C. Wesleyan College in 2005. Bowman's 227 yards also fell just short of Wilson's single-game record of 239 also set in 2005.
 
With the offense clicking, Averett's defense continued its strong play. The Cougars forced five turnovers — four fumbles and one interception. Brooks led the way with eight tackles and an interception, while senior Kevin Norcott added seven tackles and a fumble recovery.
 
The Cougars will look to carry the momentum of their two-game win streak into next Saturday's home game against LaGrange College. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.