Methodist football claimed a 17-14 victory over Greensboro College in their USA South Athletic Conference opener on Saturday in Fayetteville. The Monarchs controlled much of the game before surviving a late Greensboro rally to secure their first win of the season.
Methodist struck first with a 12-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brennan Brucato to Mikhail Baldwin midway through the first quarter. The Monarchs extended their lead to 10-0 early in the second quarter with a 33-yard field goal from Samuel Andrae. Greensboro responded with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Jayden Morrison to Ja’Shawn Harris to cut the deficit to 10-7.
Late in the second quarter, Methodist capitalized on a fumble recovery at the Greensboro 15-yard line, with Brucato connecting with Andre Wilson for a 7-yard touchdown, making it 17-7 at halftime.
The Monarch defense was relentless, recording 16 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks, which kept pressure on Greensboro’s offense all game. Despite holding Methodist to just 172 total yards of offense and 2.9 yards per play, Greensboro couldn’t take advantage on the scoreboard. The Pride’s lone touchdown in the second half came from a blocked punt by Ben Mangungu, who returned it for a score to close the gap to 17-14.
Greensboro had two late possessions to try to tie or win the game, but Methodist’s defense held firm, securing the win with a late fumble recovery.
Methodist now holds a 22-7 all-time advantage in the series with its in-state conference rival, with Greensboro’s last win coming in 2022. Methodist has won nine of the last 10 meetings.
Methodist (1-2, 1-0 USA South) travels to LaGrange next week, while Greensboro (0-3, 0-1) hosts Southern Virginia for their homecoming.
Top Players – Methodist:
- Brennan Brucato – 96 passing yards, 2 TDs
- Sajari Love – 42 rushing yards
- Mikhail Baldwin – 12-yard TD reception
- Omar Goodwin – 9 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 sack
- Syone Beckford – Fumble recovery, 2 tackles, 1 sack
Top Players – Greensboro:
- Jayden Morrison – 142 passing yards, 1 TD
- Tareek Smith – 49 rushing yards, 23-yard reception
- De’yon Cannon – 135 passing yards
- Dejuan Robinson – 7 tackles, 2.5 TFL
- Ben Mangungu – Blocked punt return for TD
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