DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University football fell behind early and couldn't overcome a first-half deficit in a 41-14 conference loss to Bridgewater College on Saturday afternoon on Daly Field at Frank R. Campbell Stadium.
 
Both defenses played well in the opening quarter as Bridgewater (1-3, 1-1 ODAC) was limited to just a field goal at the 8:58 mark. However, the Eagles took a 24-0 advantage into halftime thanks to a big second quarter that saw Bridgewater score three rushing touchdowns— including two by quarterback Jaicere Bateman.

Averett (0-4. 0-2 ODAC) had several opportunities in the first half, including a touchdown called back by holding in the first quarter. Still deep in Bridgewater territory, the next play ended with a lost fumble. The Eagles outgained the Cougars 252-59 in the first half.

Bridgewater added a score early in the third quarter to increase its lead to 31-0.

Averett broke through for its first points midway through the third quarter as redshirt sophomore quarterback Ethan Ross found senior receiver Jamahrie Owens for a 1-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion fell short, keeping the deficit at 31-6 with 6:17 left in the third.

After Bridgewater added a 5-yard passing touchdown to take a 38-6 lead into the fourth quarter, the Cougars worked quickly to try to mount a comeback. Ross found senior receiver Andre Francois across the middle for a 13-yard touchdown pass, and Ross connected with freshman receiver Jamarrie Lumpkins, who skied above a defender to haul in the two-point conversion to close the gap to 38-14 with 11:44 to play.

Averett's defense held Bridgewater to a 36-yard field goal with 6:13 to play and then drove into Bridgewater's red zone on its ensuing possession. However, the Cougars turned it over on downs and the Eagles ran out the clock to seal the win.

Ross finished with 25-for-42 passing for 212 yards and two touchdowns with one deflected interception.

Defensively, freshman cornerback Jayden Clark had a team-high nine tackles. Freshman safety had seven tackles and a forced fumble, while freshman linebacker Bo Blankenship had seven tackles and a fumble recovery.

Averett enters the bye week before hitting the road to face Randolph-Macon College on Oct. 11.
  Read Full Article