DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University football lost 17-9 to conference foe N.C. Wesleyan College on Saturday on Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium during Homecoming.

N.C. Wesleyan (2-3, 2-1 USA South) was able to take advantage of several big plays, which proved to be the difference. Meanwhile, Averett (3-2, 2-1 USA South) couldn't break through into the end zone during several red zone trips.

The Cougars had a fourth-and-goal on their opening possession, but the catch by senior Jarrod Mosby was ruled out of the back of the end zone. The Bishops responded with a big play moments later as Trevon Crank broke loose for an 83-yard touchdown to give N.C. Wesleyan a 7-0 lead.

Mosby eventually got a touchdown when junior Bryce Jackson found him for a 9-yard score across the middle, but a mishap on the extra point attempt left the Bishops in front 7-6 with 12:56 to go in the second quarter.

N.C. Wesleyan added a 37-yard field goal to increase its lead to 10-6 by halftime.

Crank, who finished with 217 yards on 24 carries, broke the second play of the third quarter for a 63-yard touchdown to push N.C. Wesleyan's advantage to 17-6. Averett pulled within 17-9 on junior Will Caviness' 24-yard field goal with 2:28 to play in the third.

Averett had multiple opportunities in the fourth quarter to put points on the board. However, N.C. Wesleyan stopped the Cougars on the goal line on three consecutive plays to take over on downs. Averett nearly got the safety moments later, but forward progress was ruled just outside the end zone.

The Cougars again drove down to the goal line, but N.C. Wesleyan intercepted a pass at the 2-yard line to again stop Averett. The Cougars' next drive ended on fourth down in N.C. Wesleyan territory with 3:47 to play, but the Averett defense again got a stop and the offense got the ball back with 1:35 remaining. Several big plays got Averett down inside the red zone, but with eight seconds to go N.C. Wesleyan got a sack. With no timeouts, time ran out of the Cougars.

Senior receiver Isaiah Grice tied the school record with 11 catches for 151 yards. Jackson finished with his sixth consecutive 300-yard passing game, finishing with 368 yards. Averett outgained N.C. Wesleyan 425-284 in yards. Yet, the two interceptions, one lose fumble and three turnovers on downs proved to be the difference as Averett also went 2-for-7 on red zone opportunities.

Defensively, Averett was led by junior Jahlin Russell's 10 tackles and senior Nicholas Mintz's nine tackles.

Averett has a bye week before traveling to Huntingdon College on Oct. 16.