N.C. Wesleyan held on for a 26-21 win over LaGrange in a USA South game Saturday in Callaway Stadium. The loss left the Panthers 1-3 overall and 1-1 in conference play. 

The two teams combined for 31 points in the fourth quarter alone, after the Bishops (1-3, 1-1 USA South) had held a 9-7 lead since the second quarter. 

"I can't over emphasize how important it is for us to start fast and execute," Coach Earl Chambers pointed out. "Two weeks in a row we have started flat in all phases and we must find a way to break that routine. We are not good enough to spot our opponent's points and expect to come back and beat them.

"However, we did a great job battling and getting back in the game, but our mistakes are self inflicted. We must continue to mature faster and develop a killer instinct mentality in order for us to win. We left too many opportunities out there today and that can't happen versus good teams."

Wesleyan jumped out to a 9-0 in the first quarter. Jeff Black's 40-yard run made it 6-0 and after an LC turnover, Rafa Niederleyt added a 34-yard field goal.

In the second quarter, the Panthers put together an eight play 75-yard drive. Shedrick Lindsey passed for 34 yards to De'Queze Fryer down to the Bishops' 15 yard line. Three plays later, Lindsey went back to Fryer over the middle from 14-yards out for the TD, cutting the Bishops' lead to 9-7.

The Panther defense came up with back-to-back fourth down stops on the Bishops' next two drives. Denver Griffis stood up Korey Hunter's fourth and 1 attempt at the LC 34. On the next drive, Chris Guthrie threw Black for a 1-yard loss on fourth down at the Panthers' 25.

The Bishops started the fourth quarter with a 31-field goal from Niederleyt and a 1-yard run by Trevon Crank to open up a 19-7 lead.

LaGrange needed only five plays to get back in the game. Lindsey found Fryer for 24 yards to the Bishops' 40-yard line. On the next play, he hit Dana Lucas down the home sidelines for the touchdown to make it 19-14.

Wesleyan came back with a 50-yard TD run by Crank to go back up by 12, 26-14, with 2:38 remaining. Once again, LC fought back. Lindsey was shaken up after a 7-yard run and Damione Ward came in. Ward finished the drive by hitting Eric Harris on a 10-yard pass to get LC within five, 26-21, with !:15 left.

The Bishops were able to recover the onside kick and run out the clock.

The Panthers take a week off before playing at Methodist on Oct. 9.

-

For continuing coverage of Panther athletics, stay up to date with our website and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.