BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Birmingham-Southern rolled past LaGrange 42-17 in the 2021 season opener for both teams Saturday night at General Charles Krulak Stadium. The Panthers were playing their first game since Nov. 16, 2019 after opting out of the 2021 spring season.

"This was not the outcome we wanted. I must do a better job getting this team prepared in all phases," said coach Earl Chambers. "I thought we played well in the first half, but we must learn to play all four quarters.

"After the turnover, we could not gain any momentum to get back in the game. We learned a lot about ourselves and now we must put this game behind us and get ready for our next opponent."

LC led 17-14 at halftime. The quarterback tandem of junior Shedrick Lindsey and freshman Damione Ward combined for 200 yards passing in the half and two touchdowns. Ward opened the scoring with a 59-yard touchdown pass to fellow freshman Aubrey Carter to grab a 7-0 lead.

The host Panthers came back with two scoring drives to take a 14-7 lead five minutes into the second quarter. Lindsey directed a six-play 78-yard drive for the tying score. Sophomore tight end De'Queze Fryer turned a short completion from Lindsey into a 42-yard touchdown, tying the game at 14-14 with 6:27 left in the half.

Ward took over on LC's final possesion of the half. He hooked up with freshman Jasharie Anderson for a 37-yard gain into BSC territory. Alex Rivera kicked a 25-yard field goal with 18 seconds left in the half to put LC up 17-14.

The Panthers fumbled away the second half kickoff and BSC took advantage of the miscue for the go-ahead touchdown. The host Panthers added three more scores to pull away for the win.

Ward finished the game with 168 yards passing and the touchdown to Carter. Lindsey had 136 yards passing and his touchdown to Fryer. Fryer had a career night, finishing with five catches for 103 yards. The Panthers finished with 381 yards of total offense.

Sophomore defensive back Klynell Johnson led the defense with nine total tackles. Freshman defensive lineman Jaden Jones had six tackles, four of those for losses, including two quarterback sacks. 

LC hosts nationally-ranked Berry next Saturday in Callaway Stadium at 2 p.m.