The Panthers Football Team improved to 1-2 (1-0 USA South) following a 40-24 win over Methodist University in front of a packed crowd in the home side stands. This marks Coach Dodson's first victory as the Panthers Head Coach.

After the game, Wes Dodson and staff were enthusiastic about this win but already game planning to improve for next week.

Dodson said, "I am very excited for our guys. They have been working hard for the last two years, especially our older guys. I am happy for them, and hopefully we can build off of this and keep getting better each week."

The Panthers host Maryville College next Saturday (Oct. 5).

First Half Details
Offense
The Panthers' offense started today's game on fire. On the opening drive, Henry Brodnax hit Jasharie Anderson in stride for a 62 yard touchdown pass to put LC up 7-0. The Panthers extended their lead to 14-0 thanks to a hard rushing touchdown carried in by Goldman Butler VI. This was the first Butler score of the season. In the first half, penalties were the only thing killing both sides of the LC ball. The next two offensive scores came from a pair of Landon Eaker field goals after flags slowed the drive. One of these kicks was set up with great field position thanks to the Panthers defense forcing their first fumble of the season. In the final minutes of the half, Butler capped off the quarter with his second touchdown of the day. LC held a 33-17 lead going into the break. This was the first time LC led at half since the 2021 season (Oct. 30, 2021). 

Defense
Similarly to the LC offense, the defense was flying around the field in the first half. In the opening 30 minutes, the unit forced four turnovers, including a Ched Smith scoop and score. The other three turnovers came from a pair of fumbles and an interception. As mentioned, the only thing that was killing the defense in the first half were penalties. Other than a big touchdown pass, the LC fouls are what pushed the Monarchs down the field. The team finished with 10 flags in the first half alone. Tavares Simmons Jr. led with a team-high five tackles. 

Second Half Details
Offense 
Following another forced fumble by the defense, the LC offense moved the ball down the field to put the Panthers up 40-17 on their opening drive. This touchdown was a 49 yard pass from Brodnax to Ashton Bryant, which was the final Panther score of the day.  Around this point, the LC offense began rotating in backups to give more Panthers the opportunity to face a USA South first team defense. 

Defense 
In the second half, the defense picked up right from where they left off, forcing another fumble on the MU opening drive. Two possessions later, the Monarchs were stuffed on fourth and goal by the Panthers defense. Despite the Monarchs feeding the 2023 USA South Rookie of the Year at the goal line multiple times, the Panther push was just too much handle for the visitors. One thing that stood out was how hard the defense was hitting. At one moment in the fourth quarter, it felt like the refs decided to throw the flag on an LC sack because they deemed the hit too hard (not high, not late, not unnecessary, just too hard). MU scored one last time in the final two-minute drive, but it was too little, too late. LC won 40-23.

Overall Breakdown
Offense
Henry Brodnax's success today was in-part thanks to the fantastic blocking upfront. When Brodnax had time in the pocket, the sophomore quarterback delivered. He completed 14 of his 24 passes for 230 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. 

The QB's top target was the speedy wideout from College Park, Georgia, Jasharie Anderson. Anderson grabbed six catches for 101 yards and a touchdown in the huge win over MU.

Goldman Butler VI rushed for 81 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 20 carries (3.7 average). 

Defense
The defense finished with five turnovers, the most by LC in a single game since the team forced seven against Southern Virginia University in 2021.

KJ Howard led the Panthers with nine total tackles, followed by Desmond Fogle (8) and Ched Smith (8). Smith played an outstanding game today. Along with his eight tackles, the freshmen linebacker led the team in sacks (3), TFL (3.5) and scored a touchdown off of a forced fumble. Another key detail worth pointing out is that the following the first drive, the Monarchs offense did everything to run their plays away from the talented linebacker Desmond Fogle. The visitors quickly learned who no. 3 was after he forced a fumble in the MU opening drive.

Specials
Landon Eaker finished 2/2 on field goals and 4/4 on extra points. Eaker has been rock solid this season and proved it again today. 

Top Panther Performance 
Ched Smith was today's top Panther performer. Despite not starting, Smith made the biggest impact. As previously mentioned, he finished with eight tackles and led the team in sacks (3), TFL (3.5) and secured a scoop and score.

Next up
The Panthers host Maryville College next Saturday (Oct. 5) at 1 p.m.