LaGrange College Football improved to 2-3 (2-1 USA South) following a 31-9 road win over the Battling Bishops of N.C. Wesleyan University (Oct. 12). This victory not only breaks the 14 away game losing streak, it also marks the first time since 2021 that the Panthers secured two season wins. LC returns to North Carolina to face Brevard College next Saturday (Oct. 19).

Game Details
First half
Offense
Despite a slow start, the Panthers' offense quickly woke up in the second series. On this drive, Jasharie Anderson broke free from a would-be tackler at the line of scrimmage and took it 68 yards to the house to put the Panthers up 7-3. On the following possession, LC drove the ball down the field using a combination of passes to Mychal Stillwell that were complemented by thunderous Goldman Butler VI runs. The Panthers finished the half up 17-6 thanks to a solid two-minute drill conducted by Brodnax and Co. that was capped off with a one-yard Butler touchdown.

At the break, Henry Brodnax completed 15-22 of his passes for 194 yards and one touchdown. His top target was Mychal Stillwell, who caught a team-high five receptions for 59 yards. Goldman Butler VI averaged 6.2 yards a carry with 15 attempts for 93 yards and one touchdown.

Defense
The LC defense quickly fell into the bend but don't break style of play which would become the theme for the Panthers today. On the first NCWU drive, the Battling Bishops quickly moved the ball down the field after their QB hit a 59-yard deep pass that was downed at the Panthers 16. Despite the great field position, the LC defense held the hosts to a field goal. In the following two series, NCWU drove the ball into the Panthers' redzone but came away with just three points after one of their possessions ended on a fourth down stop. On the Bishops' final drive of the half, Keyon Stoutemire forced a Panthers turnover with his first interception of the season.

Nemo Ceasar led LC at half with five tackles, followed by Elijah Wright with three and Dezmond Jones with two. Keyon Stoutemire accounted for the lone LC turnover of the half.

Second half
Offense
The Panthers offense continued to find steady success in the second half. When NCWU dashed the Panthers lead to 17-9, LC responded with a five minute drive that was concluded with Butler's second touchdown of the day. The talented back scored one more time halfway through the fourth to finish with a career-high three touchdowns. 

Defense
The LC defense started the second half quickly snuffing out the host's opening drive thanks to Desmond Fogle making twp back-to-back heads-up plays. Midway through the third, the Battling Bishops cut the LaGrange lead to just eight with a field goal. Despite NCWU finding some success between the 20s, the Panthers defense continued to slow the hosts when they entered the redzone. In the fourth quarter, Nemo Ceasar and Deon King Jr. grabbed interceptions on back-to-back possessions to put the nail in NCWU's coffin. LC won 31-9.

Overall
Offense
Today's victory marks the LC offense's best performance of the season. Each position group contributed heavily in order to secure this road win. Henry Brodnax completed 19 of his 30 passes for season-high 255 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Jasharie Anderson led the wideouts with 113 yards and one touchdown on four grabs. Goldman Butler VI scored a career-high three touchdowns after rushing for 123 yards on 24 carries. The offensive line also played great. There were multiple times today when the big men up front added to the LC gains by pushing the Panthers running backs forward for extra yards.

Defense
For the first time this season, the Panthers defense prevented their opponents from finding the endzone. Despite the Batting Bishops garnering success in the middle of the field, the defense shutdown any progress past the LC 25. Desmond Fogle and Ched Smith led the team with six tackles, followed by Nemo Ceasar and Elijah Wright with five. Ceasar, Deon King Jr. and Keyon Stoutemire each grabbed an interception in the Panthers victory. The LC defense has caused nine turnovers in the last three games (all against USA South competition). The last time the Panthers held an opponent under 10 points was against Ferrum College November 9, 2013.

Top Panther Performer
Senior running back Goldman Butler VI secured today's top Panthers performance. On 24 attempts, Butler rushed for 123 yards and a career-high three touchdowns. This averages out to a stellar 5.1 yards per carry.

Next up
The Panthers take on the Tornadoes of Brevard College next Saturday (Oct. 17).