FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Averett University football couldn't overcome a deficit in the second half in a 35-23 road loss to Methodist University to open USA South Conference play on Friday night.

Although Averett (0-2, 0-1 USA South) led 10-7 at half, Methodist (2-0, 1-0 USA South) was able to regain a 21-10 lead with a touchdown on its first two drives of the third quarter to force the Cougars to try to play catchup.

Averett put together a 74-yard scoring drive that spanned into the first play of the fourth quarter, culminating in a 1-yard run by sophomore Lake Hojnacki to get the Cougars back within 21-17. Methodist responded with another long drive that ended with a 28-yard touchdown pass to extend the Monarchs' advantage to 28-17 with 10:41 remaining.

Set up by a 47-yard kickoff return by senior Delquan Bigelow, Averett once again drove down to score on its next possession. Sophomore quarterback Bryce Jackson connected with senior Isaiah Grice for their second touchdown of the evening for a 12-yard score with 7:33 to go. The Cougars' elected to go for the two-point conversion to try to get within 28-25, but the attempt failed.

Clinging to a 28-23 advantage, Methodist was forced to go three-and-out on its next possession, leaving the door open for Averett. However, the Cougars didn't convert on fourth down and turned it back over to Methodist, which scored three plays later to make it a 12-point game.

Averett had several opportunities in the final minutes, but both possessions ended in interceptions to help Methodist seal the win.

Methodist took advantage of an Averett turnover to help get the Monarchs on the scoreboard first. Methodist picked off the Cougars' pass after Averett had driven down into Monarch territory, and the Monarchs eventually went ahead 7-0 on a 5-yard touchdown run with 7:40 to play in the opening quarter.

Averett trimmed its deficit to 7-3 on a 22-yard field goal by sophomore Will Caviness with 2:15 to play, and the Cougars' defense stepped up soon after as senior Nicholas Mintz picked off the Monarchs moments later and returned it 28 yards to set up one last scoring drive for Averett before halftime. Jackson eventually found Grice for a 5-yard touchdown reception to propel Averett in front 10-7 with 19 seconds before the break.

Averett's offense ran 42 plays compared to Methodist's 17 in first half.

Senior JaVon Lofton led Averett's defense with eight total tackles, one quarterback hurry and a pass breakup.

Averett is scheduled to return home to face Greensboro College on Saturday, March 20, at noon.