Joseph Marvin: Assistant Sports Information Director
BREVARD, N.C. - The Brevard College Tornados Football team (1-3, 1-1) prepare for a USA South Conference showdown at defending USA South Conference champion Huntingdon College (0-4. 0-2). The action is slated to begin on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. CT in Montgomery, Ala.
This matchup comes off of the heels of a thrilling home opener for BC where the Tornados defeated USA South foe Methodist 41-36 at Brevard Memorial Stadium. The victory marked the first win of 2018 for Brevard and their first-ever conference win as a member of the USA South as BC was ineligible for conference play last season due to NCAA reclassification. Last Saturday's win also marked Brevard's second straight victory over Methodist, as the Tornados defeated the Monarchs 41-17 last season.
A plethora of Tornados enjoyed strong individual performances in the victory over Methodist. Freshman quarterback Dalton Cole racked up 292 yards passing, completing 21-33 of his passes and tallying three touchdowns on the night (two passing, one rushing). This breakout performance earned Cole USA South Offensive Rookie of the Week honors. Senior Tyler Gregory continued to be a factor in multiple phases of the offensive attack. Gregory hauled in five receptions for 95 yards, adding 13 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Gregory also took a direct snap and executed a four-yard shovel pass to Bobby Clerisier for a touchdown. Martigus Henley saw his first action of 2018 on Saturday, bringing in both of his receptions for touchdowns. Henley's 59-yard touchdown reception was named a USA South Play of the Week for Week 6.
Several Tornados compiled solid performances in other phases of the game in the win over Methodist. On the defensive side, BC forced three turnovers with two fumble recoveries and one interception. On special teams, the Tornados registered their second blocked punt of 2018. Trevon Charles blocked a punt late in the second quarter that was recovered in the end zone by Justin Peck for a touchdown. This effort, along with an 84-yard kickoff return, earned Trevon Charles USA South Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Axel Easter continued his impressive senior campaign, recording six tackles, a fumble recovery, two tackles-for-loss, and 0.5 sacks to add to his conference-leading sack total of 4.5.
Defensively the Tornados are among the USA South Conference leaders statistically. Brevard allows the fewest passing yards-per-game in the USA South Conference, stifling opponents to 162 ypg. Brevard's defense also ranks second in total turnovers (11) and is tied for the most sacks as a team (11).
Next up for Brevard is a conference road test against Huntingdon College. Despite a 0-4 start, Huntingdon has won the USA South Conference three straight years. On Monday's episode of Tornado Take, Head Coach Bill Khayat discussed the matchup with Huntingdon.
"We can't get caught in the trap of looking at Huntingdon's record" commented Coach Khayat on facing Huntingdon. "Huntingdon might be the scariest 0-4 team I've ever seen. Coach Turk always has his team ready to play, and we can't go into Saturday underestimating them at all. We have to stay humble and focused on the task at hand. Our guys have to come out in practice with the same intensity that they came out with before the Methodist game."
Brevard vs Allen rescheduled: Brevard College Football will host Allen University on Saturday, November 17 at 1 p.m. at Brevard Memorial Stadium. The game was originally scheduled for September 15 but was postponed due to Hurricane Florence.
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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