SALEM, Va. - LaGrange made a defensive stand at the end of the game to preserve a 27-24 USA South win over Ferrum on Saturday in Salem Stadium.

The win improved the Panthers to 2-1 in the USA South and 2-4 overall. The Panthers travel to Maryville next Saturday for a key conference matchup.

"I was really proud of the way our team played for 60 minutes," said Coach Matt Mumme, who improved to 3-0 against Ferrum. "Once again the defense did a tremendous job of slowing down Ferrum's tough offense and to Shaun Nichols for making the play that sealed the win."

Ferrum, trailing 27-24 and with no timeouts, started its final drive at the Panthers' 39.  The host Panthers had first and goal at the 8 as time was winding down. Nichols prevented quarterback Troy Helton from going out of bounds at the 2 and the clock ran out before another play could be run. The senior defensive tackle was presented the game ball after the game for his heads up play.

The Panthers led 20-3 in the third quarter on the strength of freshman quarterback Tyler Rowland's short TD pass to Josh Hardrick. Rowland was subbing for injured starter Connor Blair.

Ferrum came back with three unanswered touchdowns. The last came on a fumble return for a score by Montel Lee with 11:42 remaining to put the host Panthers up 24-20.

The Panthers responded with an 11-play 65-yard drive to retake the lead. Rowland kept the drive alive with two third down completions. The second went to Jamarkis Holmes for 15 yards and a penalty against Ferrum on the play moved the ball down to the 13. Two plays later, Marsalis Jackson made a diving catch from 15 yards out to put the Panthers ahead to stay.

Rowland finished the game 16-for-23 for 146 yards, three touchdown passes and no interceptions. 

"With Connor's injury, it was good to see Tyler step in and have success," Mumme said.

The Panthers led 14-3 at halftime. Demetrius Rodgers scooped up a fumble and returned it 29 yards for the first touchdown. Rowland and Joshua King hooked up on a 21-yard touchdown with 34 seconds left in the half for the second touchdown.