Blue Hose football has finally made it back to Clinton. This past weekend our beloved Blue Hose played their first home game of the season in a night game against the Campbell Camels. Last season PC secured wins at both of their home night games. The Blue Hose were able to keep the winning streak alive as they beat Campbell 23-13 to get their first win of the season. This win would make it the fourth consecutive home opening win for the Blue Hose.

Presbyterian College’s defense played a pivotal role in this win, forcing three turnovers (two of which led to points for the Blue Hose). Ed Britt and Kevin Crawford both had interceptions, while Shonquille Byers was able to secure a fumble for PC. The defenses picked up two sacks as well. PC’s defense put points up on the board as well, blocking an extra point and returning it for two points. This isn’t to downplay the role of the offense, though, because they too had a great game. Darrell Bridges ran for over 100 yards and scored two touchdowns. Maleek Risher was also able to pick up a rushing touchdown for the Hose.

The first quarter was a defensive battle, but Campbell drew first blood. Campbell’s Kameron Bryant was able to find Jared Joyner for a touchdown pass. However, Campbell was not able to secure any momentum, because PC’s Steve Osondu blocked the PAT and returned it for two points. When the first quarter came to a close, Campbell was winning 6-2, but the momentum seemed to be going in favor for the Blue Hose.

The second quarter was all Blue Hose. Early into the second quarter Ed Britt intercepted the ball and ran it back 40-plus yards.  Maleek Risher used this momentum to pick up a seven-yard touchdown run shortly afterwards. Later in the second quarter the Blue Hose saw the end zone once again. This time on a twenty-one-yard rush from Darrell Bridges. Going into the halftime Bailey Memorial Stadium was rocking as Presbyterian College held a 16-6 lead.

Coming back from the half Presbyterian College seemed to have all of the momentum. The third quarter was another defensive battle. Finally late in the quarter Snoop Byers scooped up a fumble   and returned it to the one-yard line. Darrell Bridges took advantage of this turnover and picked up a one-yard rushing touchdown. Going into the fourth and final quarter, PC held a 23-6 lead.

Once again we saw two defensives battle it out in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, PC couldn’t score any points this quarter. Campbell was able to score late in the fourth quarter off another Kameron Bryant touchdown pass. However, despite this touchdown it was not enough, as PC won the game 23-13.

It was great to be back in Bailey Memorial Stadium as PC picked up their first win of the season. Tune in next week as PC will look to pick up their second straight win as they take on UT Chattanooga.

Stats for the game:

Passing:

Tamyn Garrick: 6-13; 127 yards

Rushing:

Darrell Bridges: 30 attempts; 132 yards; 2TDs

Maleek Risher: 5 attempts; 26 yards; 1TD

Receiving:

Marquel Hines: 2 catches; 49 yards

Defense:

Donelle Williams: 11 tackles

Ed Britt: 1 interception

Kevin Crawford: 1 interception

Shonquille Byers: 1 fumble recovery

Darius Norfleet: 1 sack

Obinna Ntiasagwe: 1 sack

Steve Osondu: 1 blocked PAT