Joseph Marvin: Assistant Sports Information Director
BREVARD, N.C. – Head Coach Bill Khayat and the 2018 Brevard College Football Team (0-3, 0-1) look to right the ship at home this Saturday, October 6 as they host the Methodist Monarchs in a clash of two USA South Conference institutions at Brevard Memorial Stadium. Gates will open at 11 a.m., with a 1 p.m. kickoff set.
The Tornados are coming off a 29-3 defeat at the hands of USA South Conference adversary Maryville. The Scots held BC to just 106 yards of offense in the contest, and stifled the Tornados' third-down offense, holding BC to just 18% (2 of 11) on third down conversions.
Meanwhile, the Methodist Monarchs are coming off of an upset victory over defending USA South Conference champion Huntingdon after a 48-34 triumph that saw Methodist total 471 yards rushing in a record-setting performance for the institution.
Defensive Coordinator Kurt Gouvea and the BC defense are up for the challenge. The Tornados' defense has turned in quality performances despite being held on the field longer and longer each contest. Against Maryville, BC's defense was on the field for a total time of 37:39, their longest total of the season. This is a trend that Coach Khayat and company will look to reverse in the home opener on Saturday.
Field position is a crucial component of assisting offenses struggling to score the ball. The Tornados have shown positive strides in terms of field position in their last two contests. Against Virginia-Lynchburg, Brevard started several drives in plus territory thanks to quality work by their special teams and defense. In the contest at Maryville, the Tornados had two kickoff returns over 30 yards, as freshman Jayveon Love broke off a 41-yard return, while Devon Edge tallied a 34-yard run.
A couple of Tornados enjoyed a solid defensive outing against Maryville. The Defensive Turnover Title Belt made an appearance last Saturday afternoon, as freshman Kaleb Woods snagged an interception for the Brevard defense. This was the lone turnover created against Maryville. This brings the turnover count to five on the season for the Tornados.
Samuel Butikofer highlighted the defensive effort for Brevard by racking up 13 total tackles alongside one sack. Wesley Ross added ten tackles to the effort. JeQuan George also recorded a sack, the first one of his BC career. Kyle Fennell forced the lone Maryville fumble on the night, however, it was promptly recovered by the Scots.
Butikofer is currently making some noise on the USA South Conference leaderboards. Butikofer currently ranks fourth in tackles per game, racking up 9.3 on average each contest. Veteran defensive end Axel Easter finds himself alone on top of the USA South Conference sack leaderboard. The Graham, N.C. native currently leads the USA South in sacks, as he has brought the quarterback down four times total.
The Tornados defensive front as a team has a knack for finding the quarterback early in the season. BC is currently tied for first in the USA South in sack totals with ten. The Brevard defense ranks second in total points allowed (79), and have forced the second most turnovers (7) out of conference teams.
What you need to know – Methodist vs Brevard:
- Admission - $10 for Adults, Kids under 12 are free, BC Students, Faculty, and Staff free with BC ID, Visiting Students $5 with school ID. Brevard College SAAC will be collecting donations of canned goods at Saturday's contest. Bring five non-perishable items for donation to enter the game free of charge.
- Parking – All parking is free. There is a designated Tornado Club lot outside of the stadium for Tornado Club members.
- Groups – Brevard College Athletics is proud to host the Transylvania County Recreation Department and the Cindy Platt Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County as a part of "Rec Day."
- Be Advised – No Alcohol or Tobacco products are to be present on Brevard High School property.
Brevard College's SAAC Kicks off the "Cans Across the Conference" Campaign: The Brevard College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will be collecting non-perishable pantry items at this weekend's football game versus Methodist University. Adult admission to this Saturday's football game at Brevard Memorial Stadium is $10 or fans may bring 5 canned good items for free admission. All donated items will benefit Bread of Life, Transylvania County's local community kitchen.
Head Coach Bill Khayat on "Tornado Talk" Every Monday at 7 p.m. – For the latest inside look at all things BC Tornados Football, be sure to tune in to Tornado Talk every Monday at 7 p.m. on Facebook Live. BC Head Coach Bill Khayat will make an appearance every Monday throughout the football season. Fans are welcome to tune in to Tornado Talk by clicking here or may stop by in person to listen. The show will take place at Dugan's Pub at 29 W French Broad St #101 in Brevard, N.C.
To follow along with all the latest news and updates surrounding Brevard College Athletics, please follow the Tornados on Twitter and Instagram @bctornados, or like Brevard College Athletics on Facebook.
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