Averett University Athletics

SALEM, Va. – Averett University football lost a road conference outing at Roanoke College on Saturday afternoon, 45-3.

Roanoke (5-2, 2-2 ODAC) took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on its first offensive possession from Linwood Johnson, as he pushed the ball through at the one-yard line. Averett (2-5, 0-4 ODAC) kept the home side off the board for the remainder of the quarter, but a large passing gain from from Johnson had Roanoke in prime territory early in the second.  Just two plays later, the Maroon quarterback rushed in his second score of the contest, and doubled Roanoke's lead.

The Cougars' next drive looked promising, as sophomore signal caller Brandon Saunders and sophomore running back Xavier Joplin played tag-team on their way into the Maroon red zone. Averett made its way to the Roanoke 17-yard line, and went for it on fourth down with just five yards needed. Roanoke's defense held up, and kept the visitors off the scoreboard.

The Maroons snatched further momentum when they drove down the field, and finished it off with a 20-yard pass from Johnson to receiver Marcus Bromley, and the home side took a 21-0 lead into the halftime break.

In tune from the previous two quarters, Roanoke put up another touchdown drive, then connected on a field goal to extend its lead to 31.

The Cougars got on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter when sophomore kicker/punter Michael Markulic connected on a 45-yard field goal with 6:55 remaining. That marked his personal career-high in an Averett uniform, which bested his 28-yarder at Gallaudet last season. However, Roanoke answered immediately, as Devin McGill returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown to cap the scoring, and the contest.

Freshman Keagan Reid saw extended playing time in Salem, as he led the Averett quarterback room for a 10-for-14 showing, and 92 passing yards. Junior running back Debvrin Smith commandeered the running backs, as he rushed for 27 yards on six carries. Sophomore De'shaun Drake had his breakout outing for the Cougars, with three receptions for a team-leading 44 yards. Freshman Tre'Sean Suber hauled in four passes for 36 receiving yards of his own. 

Junior cornerback Jeremiah Marks recorded a team-high nine tackles with a pass breakup, and freshman corner Jahlil Bryant notched a team-leading two tackles for loss. 

The Cougars continue on the road with a contest at Hampden-Sydney College next Saturday, Oct. 31. Start time is set for 1 p.m.
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