DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University football couldn't hold off Washington and Lee University's rally late, and the Cougars' comeback attempt ran out of time in a 25-20 home loss to open Old Dominion Athletic Conference play on Saturday night on Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium.
 
Offensively and defensively, Averett (3-1, 0-1 ODAC) controlled most of the first half. The Cougars' defense caused Washington and Lee (3-1, 1-0 ODAC) to turn the ball over on fumbles on the Generals' first two possessions, including inside the Averett 10-yard line on their first drive of the game. The Cougars also slammed the door on Washington and Lee's fourth-and-1 attempt late in the first quarter.

That ensuing possession after the turnover on downs proved to be beneficial for Averett. After several runs by sophomore Shyheim Watlington — including a 25-yard rush up the middle — the Cougars worked their way down to the Washington and Lee 16-yard line. Although the drive seemingly stalled and Averett appeared ready to settle for a field goal, the Cougars pulled out some trickery. Fifth-year kicker Will Caviness found redshirt freshman Trevor Testerman in the right corner of the end zone for a 16-yard touchdown pass to help give Averett a 7-0 lead with 14:08 left in the second quarter.

Averett's next possession also culminated with a touchdown on a short field following a bad punt by Washington and Lee. Fifth-year quarterback Bryce Jackson hit junior Shawn Watlington across the middle, and Watlington found the end zone to extend Averett's lead to 14-0 with 9:33 left in the half.

The touchdown pass also made history for Jackson, who with that 43rd touchdown of his career broke the Averett career passing touchdowns record.

Just before halftime, however, Washington and Lee pulled within 14-8 on a 1-yard touchdown run and a successful two-point conversion attempt.

Averett's offense looked ready to pick up where it left off thanks to a 45-yard completion from Jackson to a diving Testerman on the Cougars second drive of the third quarter. Yet, the possession ended without any points. Meanwhile, Washington and Lee closed the gap to 14-11 with a 47-yard field goal at the end of the third quarter.

Washington and Lee took its first lead of the game with 7:00 left to play in the fourth quarter on a 7-yard run up the middle, giving the Generals an 18-14 advantage.

Averett's next drive stalled, and three penalties on the ensuing punt turned what would have been a fair catch at the Washington and Lee 33-yard line into starting the drive on the Averett 35-yard line. As a result, Washington and Lee was able to score six plays later on a 2-yard run, pushing its lead to 25-14 with 2:22 left.

The Cougars didn't fold. Averett marched down the field 70 yards in three plays, finishing it with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Jackson to Shawn Watlington. The two-point conversion failed, keeping the Generals' lead at 25-20.

Averett nearly recovered the onside kick, but the defense forced the Generals to go three-and-out to get the ball back to the Cougars with 28 seconds remaining. However, it wasn't enough time. A last-second attempt featuring numerous laterals turned into a fumble that Washington and Lee recovered to end the game as the clock expired.

Jackson finished with 174 passing yards and two touchdowns, with Testerman leading the team with four catches for 83 yards. Shawn Watlington added his third consecutive multi-touchdown game with three catches for 39 yards.

Fifth-year linebacker Qumar Price had a team-high 16 tackles, with fifth-year defensive end Jahlin Russell finishing with 13 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry.

Averett travels to No. 11 Randolph-Macon College on Oct. 7.
 
 
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