Coming into this season, the Blue Hose were looking to build after last year’s 6-5 record. They were returning most players including Ed Britt, last year’s Big South player of the year, and all-time leading tackler, Donelle Williams. Unfortunately this season has been a letdown for the Hose. The Hose fell to 2-9 on the season and only won one Big South game.

The Hose began their season with a trip to Ohio to take on Miami (of Ohio). They had high expectations going into this game but unfortunately came up short, falling 26-7. Despite the score the team played very well. From the defensive side of the ball they forced two fumbles and even blocked a PAT. On the offensive of the ball the team moved the ball very well; Darrell Bridges rushed for over 115 yards and scored a rushing touchdown. Despite the early loss the Hose played one of their best games of the season.

Following the tough loss to Miami the Hose made the trip to Charlotte to take on the 49ers.  Unfortunately for the Hose they played their worst game of the season, losing to the 49ers 34-10. Despite the high score the defensive played very well, the offense just struggled (less than 200 yards of total offense). The Hose were able to turn the tide around following this loss and never played quite as bad.

After the tough loss to the 49ers the Hose were looking to turn it around in their first home game of the season against the Campbell Camels. The Hose secured their first win of the season, 23-13 thanks to incredible play by the defense and first team Big South running back, Darrell Bridges.  The defense forced three turnovers (Shonquille Byers forced a fumble, Ed Britt and Kevin Crawford both had interceptions) in the game as well as sacking the Campbell quarterback twice. Darrell Bridges also ran for over 100 yards. This was one of the best games of the season for the Hose, each player played lights out.

Following this win the Hose were looking to make it two straight wins as they took on top ranked Chattanooga. Unfortunately they were not able to carry the momentum over and lost 21-0. Despite the score the defense played well; Donelle Williams had 18 tackles and Ed Britt forced two turnovers. Ben Cheek also set a career high in passing yards.

Following the tough home loss, the Hose traveled to North Carolina to take on the Western Carolina Catamounts. Last season the Hose were able to beat the Catamounts and were looking to do it again, but unfortunately they came up short 33-21. The game was close for the most part though. The Hose were even able to take on an early lead but were not quite able to keep it together. Despite the score this was another strong showing by the Hose.

Going into the game against Coastal Carolina no one gave the Hose a chance. The Hose had only won one game and Costal was ranked number one in the country. Well, jaws were on the ground as the Hose gave them more than they bargained for, only losing 24-17. The Hose even had a chance to tie it late in the fourth quarter. This was a game that was delayed at the beginning due to the bad weather. The defensive stood out, Ed Britt had an interception and Khari Rosier forced a fumble. Not to mention that Darrell Bridges ran for over 175 yards. Despite the loss, the Hose played a game that made a statement saying that they were much better than their record showed.

Following the outstanding play against Coastal Carolina the Hose welcomed in Charleston Southern University for a home game and played an incredible game. Incredible may even be an understatement. Despite the 10-7 loss, CSU would go on to win the Big South. This was a game of great defensives battling it out.  No one player on the defensive side of the ball stood out for the Hose.  However, from the offensive side of the ball Darrell Bridges stood out again rushing for over 100 yards again. Despite the loss this was another statement game for the Hose showing they were much better than their record.

Following the tough loss to CSU the Hose were looking to rebound in a home game against Gardner Webb. Once again though they came up short, 14-10, despite a valiant effort by the team and an incredible showing by the defense. From an offensive standpoint, Devron Glenn scored the only touchdown for the Hose. From the defensive side of the ball Ed Britt and Donelle Williams had outstanding games, as usual. The Hose may have lost this game but still played very well.

Following the tough Halloween day lost, the Hose traveled to Virginia to take on Liberty. Once again though the Hose came up short, falling 21-13.  Despite the loss certain players had great games, DaRon Dickey had an interception and Steve Osondu blocked a field goal. This was a tough loss for the Hose because of how well they played.

After the loss to Liberty, the Hose traveled to New Jersey to take on Monmouth. Once again the Hose suffered a tough loss, 21-16, despite a strong showing. Ben Cheek had a great game throwing and rushing for a touchdown. From the defensive side of the ball Mitchell Anderson racked up seven tackles and Donelle Williams had 13 tackles and an interception. This was a tough loss for the Hose as they were playing their last road game of the season.

The last game of the season for the Hose was a great one as they welcomed Kennesaw State into Bailey Memorial Stadium. The Hose were able to send the seniors off with a 14-6 victory. During this game Ed Britt tied the PC single season record for interceptions as he picked off his fourth interception and Donelle Williams’ nine tackles gave him a career record of over 400 tackles. Darrell Bridges ran for over 100 yards as well. This was one of the best games for the season for the Hose, and a great game to watch. Despite the tough season the Hose were able to end their year on a high note.

Congratulations to Donelle Williams for moving up to the top five in all time tackles in the Big South history and also for being named to first team Big South. Also congrats to Ed Britt for winning his second consecutive Big South Player of the Year Award and being named to first team Big South. They were not the only defensive players ending the season with awards however; Ugonna Akoh was named to second team Big South and All-Academic team. From the offense, Darrell Bridges was named to the first team Big South as well as punter Stephen Doar.

Tune in next season as the Hose will look to rebound and try to regain a prominent place in the Big South.

Players of the Year

Offensive

Darrell Bridges

Defensive

Ed Britt

Notable season stats

Ed Britt won his second straight Big South Player of the Year Award.

Darrell Bridges became the first player in Presbyterian College’s history to rush for over 1000 yards in a single season.

Ugonna Akoh moved up to second play in Presbyterian College Division I history with 11 sacks.

Ed Britt intercepted four passes tying Justin Bethel’s (NFL Pro Bowler) single season record.

Donelle Williams’ 112 tackles on the season cemented him as Presbyterian College’s all-time leading tackler and giving him a career total of 402.