GREENSBORO, N.C. — Freshman safety DeMarcus Sharper picked off a deep pass in the final minute and the Cougars knelt out the clock as Averett University football secured its first win of the season by holding off Guilford College 27-21 on Saturday.
 
With Averett (1-8, 1-6 ODAC) on top by six points in the final minutes, junior defensive back Jonethan Guess picked off a tipped pass attempt and returned it deep into Guilford territory. Although Averett's offense had several chances to push it in from the goal line, Guilford's defense got several key stops — including on fourth down — to get the ball back for the Quakers for one last chance.

Although Guilford (2-7, 1-6 ODAC) advanced the ball toward midfield, Averett's defense got its third interception of the night as the Quakers' pass sailed long right into Sharper's hands. Freshman quarterback Brandon Saunders, who threw three touchdowns and ran for another, took a kneed to run out the clock as Averett celebrated its first victory of the season to end an eight-game skid.
 
After Guilford opened the game with a quick touchdown in the opening minutes, Averett responded midway through the first quarter as Saunders hit junior Kayden Jackson, who was wide open following a busted coverage, for a 42-yard touchdown to tie the game, 7-7.

The Quakers retook the lead late in the first quarter with a 17-yard touchdown run, but a 1-yard touchdown run by Saunders in the second quarter tied the game at 14-14 by halftime.
 
Saunders's 19-yard pass to the right corner of the end zone for junior Christian Jones gave Averett its first lead of the contest, 21-14, with 6:50 to go in the third quarter. The Cougars then added another crucial touchdown at the start of the fourth quarter as Saunders connected with redshirt freshman receiver Amontrae Scott for a 28-yard touchdown. Yet, a missed extra point kept the Averett lead to 27-14.

Guilford got back within one score with 7:06 remaining on a 4-yard touchdown run to set up the thrilling finish.

Saunders completed 12-of-25 passes for 171 yards and three touchdowns to lead the offense in only his second career start.

Defensively, the Cougars got 10 tackles and an interception from freshman linebacker Kent Ray, along with nine tackles from freshman linebacker Bo Blankenship. Sophomore defensive end Ivan Williams accounted for two of Averett's four sacks.

Averett returns home to face Roanoke College on Nov. 15 for Senior Day at 1 p.m.


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