GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Brevard College football team (2-3, 2-1 USAS) used a big day on the ground to help lift itself to a 27-7 victory over Greensboro College (0-4, 0-2 USAS) on Saturday afternoon.
The Tornados rushed for a season-high 309 yards while totaling 390 yards of total offense. BC's impressive day on the ground consisted of 16 first downs via rushes and 6.4 yards-per-carry.
Junior running back Mitchell Yoder dashed for 100 yards on 16 carries to mark the second 100-yard performance of his career. Sophomore Devonte Murray rushed for 69 yards while sophomore Deshonte Kirkland added 65 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. Freddie Aiken II pushed ahead for 61 yards on seven carries, featuring a game-long 40-yard scamper. Aiken, Kirkland, and Murray all logged career-highs in the contest on the ground.
On the defensive end, Dante Anderson, Tyler Harrison, and Joc Pledger all logged interceptions. Harrison returned a 75-yard pick-six to the house to help the Tornados to the victory. Pledger, a native of Monroe, Georgia, and a Spring 2021 All-American, also forced a fumble as BC's defense forced a season-high four turnovers.
Steffon Canady and Wyatt Lankford each tallied a sack in the contest, while Anderson and Canady recorded five tackles apiece. Stamati Damalos hit two field goals and three extra points to build on his impressive season.
Brevard had 23 first downs to Greensboro's eight, while outgaining the Pride 390-151 offensively.
The Tornados and Pride each totaled three defensive interceptions in the contest, as Greensboro took the early lead on their first drive, putting together a 12-play, 74-yard score.
After an Eli Carr interception for BC, Pledger forced a fumble that was recovered by Kameron Moore. A four-and-out was answered with a Pledger interception, before a Damolos field goal attempt was blocked, keeping the score at 7-0 in favor of the Pride.
Anderson then picked off a pass on the first play of the ensuing Pride possession before Damalos hit a field goal to cut the deficit to a 7-3 margin. After a Greensboro punt, BC put together a scoring drive consisting of an eight-yard Yoder TD to make the score 10-7.
Harrison returned a 75-yard pick-six to make the score 17-7 before the intermission, marking the first interception and touchdown score of his Tornado career.
After the halftime break, both sides traded a pair of possessions before Kirkland found the end zone for his first collegiate touchdown, making it a 24-7 contest in favor of the Tornados.
Damalos would hit a 24-yard field goal on BC's next possession to all but seal the deal, as Tornados clinched the victory, 27-7, over the USA South opponent.
The Tornados return to action for Homecoming on Saturday, October 9, hosting Maryville College at Ives-Lemel Family Field at 2 p.m.
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-BC-