BRIDGEWATER, Va. – Randolph-Macon football sees its defense rack up eight sacks, while
Mitchell Johnson (Powhatan, Va./Powhatan) and
Cameron Chatmon (Willow Spring, N.C./Green Level) powered the ground game, leading the Yellow Jackets to a 27-3 road win over Bridgewater on Saturday afternoon.
The Basics
Score: Randolph-Macon 27, Bridgewater 3
Venue: Bridgewater, Va. / Bridgewater College / Jopson Athletic Complex
Records: Randolph-Macon (2-1, 1-0 ODAC); Bridgewater (0-3, 0-1 ODAC)
How it Happened
- In the first quarter, the Yellow Jackets defense allowed one Bridgewater first down before forcing a punt. Randolph-Macon moved the ball down field with mostly the ground attack by Johnson. The Eagles defense held tough to make the Lemon and Black settle for a field goal. Trever Luther (Chambersburg, Pa./Chamberburg Senior) knocked in a 32 yard field goal, giving the lead to the Yellow Jackets.
- Randolph-Macon made a statement on the second offensive drive, breaking through the line to scamper for a 65 yard rushing touchdown. The short five play drive gave the Yellow Jackets a 10-0 lead at the end of the quarter.
- The defense for the Lemon and Black had their heads on fire to begin the second quarter. Tim Semisch (Midlothian, Va./Benedictine) and Brady Kinloch (Leesburg, Va./Tuscarora) both had back-to-back hits in the backfield to force Bridgewater to punt.
- Success from the defense turned to the offense on the ensuing drive, as Randolph-Macon ended a 70 yard march with a touchdown. Dante Casciola (Charlotte, N.C./Weddington) tossed a 13 yard touchdown pass to Landon Farriss (New Hanover, N.C./New Hanover), putting the Yellow Jackets up 17-0 midway through the second quarter.
- Bridgewater was able to move the ball into Randolph-Macon territory, running a a five minute drive down to the Yellow Jacket 16 yard line. The defense held for the Lemon and Black, making the Eagles settle for a Augustin Miguel 33 yard field goal.
- In the final minute of the half, Casciola was sacked on a hit by Aaron Nice and fumbled the ball, recovered by Darryl Dawkins. The very next play Brendan Robinson fumbled for Bridgewater, forced by Daniel Eliasek (Midlothian, Va./Trinity) and recovered by Semisch. Randolph-Macon would take a 17-3 lead into halftime.
- In the third quarter, Bridgewater was backed up on third down on its own four yard line. Kinloch picked off a a batted ball to put the Yellow Jackets in business with 7:45 left in the third quarter.
- The Eagles defense held once again to force a Luther 20 yard field goal, pushing the Randolph-Macon lead to 20-3.
- Bridgewater never gained ground on the offensive side of the ball for the remainder of the quarter, as the Lemon and Black took a 20-3 lead into the final 15 minutes.
- In the fourth quarter, both defenses were the star of the show for the majority of time of play. Randolph-Macon scored on a drive led by Chatmon, as he scored on a 16 yard run. The late touchdown propelled the the lead to 27-3 with 3:13 left in the game.
- The Yellow Jacket defense finished the game with three straight sacks, helping cement a dominant 27-3 victory.
By The Numbers
- The Yellow Jackets outrushed Bridgewater 195-to-0 in the game.
- Randolph-Macon forced three turnovers on the afternoon.
- Casciola was 16 of 21 for 136 yards through the air and totaled a touchdown.
- Johnson rushed for 107 yard on 16 carries for the Lemon and Black. Chapman totaled 77 yards on 10 carries. The duo combined for a touchdown each in the game.
- Gracyn Ross (Beaverdam, Va./Patrick Henry) led the wide receivers with four receptions for 40 yards. Farriss caught a touchdown pass to highlight his three reception and 16 yard day.
- Kinloch was stellar on the defensive side of the ball for Randolph-Macon. The senior recorded four tackles, two and a half sacks and an interception.
- Zekhi Mills (Cary, N.C./Green Level), Brandon Watson (York, Pa./Central York), Neftali Reyes (Falls Church, Va./Justice) and Matthew MacNichol (Roanoke Rapids, N.C./Roanoke Rapids) all recorded atleast one sack.
- Eliasek ended the day with six tackles, a forced fumble and a pass breakup.
For the Record
- The win marks the 27th straight conference victory for the Yellow Jackets.
- Johnson moves into a tie for eighth all-time in program history in career rushing touchdowns with 25.
Up Next
Randolph-Macon will head home to host conference rival Washington and Lee on Hall of Fame/Family Weekend
