DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University football scored 43 unanswered points to send its seniors out with a 43-7 conference victory over Methodist University to end the season Saturday night on Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium.

Averett (7-3, 5-2 USA South) capped off its most successful four-year stretch by sending its seniors out with their 26th win since 2016. The Cougars finished in a three-way tie for second in the USA South Conference standings this season.

Although it proved to be an Averett-dominated game, Methodist (4-5, 3-4 USA South) took the early 7-0 lead on a 1-yard run by Vontre Howard at the end of the first quarter. Averett answered, however, on its next drive with a 25-yard field goal by senior Cole Westberry to get Averett back within 7-3 early in the second quarter.

Averett's defense came through midway through the second quarter as sophomore defensive end Joseph Ledbetter came off the edge to sack Methodist quarterback Brandon Bullins in the end zone for a safety to get the Cougars within 7-5. After Averett got the ball back following the safety, senior Joshua Tapscott broke the fourth play from scrimmage 70 yards for a touchdown — the longest rushing touchdown of his career — to push the Cougars in front 12-7 with 3:48 to play.

The Cougars were driving again late in the half when they were picked off at the 2-yard line on a tipped ball. Although Averett came up empty on that drive, the Cougars' defense came up big moments later. Junior cornerback Terrell England intercepted a pass at the Methodist 41-yard line and returned it to the Monarchs' 15-yard line with 11 seconds left. Averett settled for a 32-yard field goal by Westberry to give the Cougars a 15-7 lead at the half.

The two field goals extended Westberry's career mark to 38, which is the conference record for made field goals.

Averett added to its lead early in the third quarter as senior Chris Francis capped off an 11-play, 91-yard drive with a 9-yard touchdown run to give the Cougars a 22-7 advantage with 9:20 left in the third. The Averett defense stymied the Monarchs on their ensuing drive, and senior Nygle Farmer helped disrupt the play, which led to the punt being blocked deep in Methodist territory. Senior Jared Mincey picked it up and returned to the 5-yard line. On the next play, Francis found the end zone again for a 5-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 29-7.

Wright tacked on a 1-yard run on fourth and goal with 1:07 left in the third quarter and Tapscott broke a 16-yard run for his second score of the game midway through the fourth as Averett pulled away.

Averett's offense out-gained Methodist 405-128 for the game. Tapscott accounted for 102 net yards on the ground.

Averett's defense finished with three total sacks, pushing its season total to 36, inching past the USA South's team season record of 35 by N.C. Wesleyan College in 2010. Ledbetter had 1.5 of the sacks on Saturday night, including the safety.

Senior Hunter Hinson led the team with 12 tackles to go with two tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a breakup. Senior Octavius Ross added five tackles and a fumble recovery, Ledbetter had dive tackles and a forced fumble and 1.5 sacks and senior Ja'Corey Burley returned to get four tackles. England finished with two interceptions for a total of 86 yards.