BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – Union College football put up a valiant effort, but too many big plays by visiting St. Andrews University (N.C.) proved costly in the 52-14 Mid-South Conference (MSC) Appalachian Division defeat on Saturday.
The loss puts the Bulldogs at 0-7 overall and 0-2 in the MSC Appalachian, while the Knights improve to 2-3 overall and 2-0 in divisional play.
OFFENSIVE HIGHLIGHTS
Kendrick Furness had one of his better days as he completed 68.2 percent of his passes, going 15-of-22 for 182 yards and two touchdowns. He completed his longest pass of the season when he hooked up with JeQuerius Wilson for a 72-yard scoring pass late in the second quarter. Furness hit Ke’Yondre Bledsoe for a 17-yard touchdown pass midway through the third.
Jalen Echols posted the best running game by a Bulldog this season, rushing for 81 yards on 21 carries.
CASHING IN ON TURNOVERS
Union won the turnover battle, collecting three to St. Andrews’ two. However, the Knights made the most of the miscues by cashing them in for 14 points. The Bulldogs failed to score off any of the Knights’ three turnovers.
St. Andrews led 14-0 early in the second when Union recovered a fumble at the Knights’ 46. The Bulldogs drove to the 7 and appeared to be on their way to cutting the deficit in half. Yet, Dawandrick Crockett picked off a pass at the goal line and returned it to the St. Andrews 39. Five plays later, the Knights scored on a 1-yard run for a 21-0 lead with 9:31 to go in the half.
Crockett picked off another pass at the St. Andrews 10 midway through the fourth quarter. The Knights marched down the field 75 yards in six plays to make it 52-14 with 5:01 remaining.
DEFENSIVE STANDOUT
Tramonte Gardner had a career day with a game-high 10 tackles to go along with, tackle for a loss of three yards, an interception, and a forced fumble. He leads the Bulldogs with three interceptions on the year.
BULLDOG NOTES
- Wilson finished with five catches for 81 yards.
- Earl Wells hauled in six passes for 45 yards, giving him 33 receptions on the season.
- Part of St. Andrews’ success stemmed from moving the chains on first and second down. The Knights faced third down six times and converted three. St. Andrews also went 2-for-2 on fourth down.
- Zion McCray logged four total tackles with one going for a loss of three yards. He also recovered one fumble.
