Nov 16, 2024
LEXINGTON, Va. - The Washington and Lee University football team's second half comeback fell short against Shenandoah University as they fell 28-21 on Senior Day at Wilson Field.
Prior to kickoff, the Generals honored their 23 senior members for their hardwork and dedication over the last four years. As a group, they have led the Generals to a 27-15 overall record with a 19-8 mark in conference play while being members of the 2021 ODAC Championship team.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Back-to-back punts stalled the opening drives for both teams before Shenandoah (8-2, 5-2 ODAC) marched 50 yards on six plays to open the scoring. Jalen Redfearn punched it in from 18 yards out, putting the Hornets up 7-0.
- Shenandoah capitalized on a missed field goal and a fumble on the Generals' (6-4, 5-2 ODAC) next punt return, needing just one play to extend their lead. Quarterback Steven Hugney broke multiple tackles on his way to a 33-yard rushing touchdown, making it 14-0.
- The Generals' offense stalled again on their following drive, forcing another punt. The Hornets then orchestrated an 11-play, 69-yard drive, capped off by a 18-yard rushing touchdown from Hugney, his second rushing touchdown of the day, to take a commanding 21-0 lead into halftime.
- The Generals received the second-half kickoff and responded with a 16-play, 69-yard drive, capped off by a two-yard rushing touchdown from Anthony Crawford, cutting the deficit to 21-7. However, the Hornets answered early in the fourth quarter with a drive spanning into the final quarter. Hugney found Braden Holt wide open in the end zone on a play-action pass, extending Shenandoah's lead to 28-7.
- W&L responded on the ensuing drive. Quarterback Ty Collins connected with Aden Boyd for an 18-yard completion before taking matters into his own hands with a 23-yard rushing touchdown, his fourth of the season, narrowing the gap to 28-14. Later, on 4th-and-12, Shenandoah's Scott Martin attempted a 32-yard field goal but missed, giving the Generals the ball at their own 20-yard line with 2:15 remaining.
- Collins led the Generals on a seven-play, 80-yard drive, highlighted by a 20-yard touchdown pass to Teddy Sparrow, who leaped over a defender to make the catch, bringing the Generals within a touchdown at 28-21. On the ensuing kickoff, Marcus Gafford executed a onside kick that appeared to give possession back to W&L. However, after penalties and some discussion, Shenandoah was awarded the ball at the Generals' 25-yard line.
- Facing 4th-and-3 from the W&L 7, Hugney attempted to secure the first down on a run, but Charlie Fleming stopped him a yard short, giving the Generals one last chance. On the first play of the final drive, Collins' pass was tipped and intercepted, sealing Shenandoah's 28-21 victory.
W&L GAMES NOTES
- The Blue and White wrap up the regular season with a 6-4 overall record with a 5-2 mark in conference play.
- The Generals only managed to produce 296 yards of offense with 229 yards on the ground and two scores. W&L had seven penalties for 60 yards while having two turnovers.
SU GAME NOTES
- The Hornets move to 8-2 on the season with a 5-2 mark in conference play, taking sole possession of second place in the ODAC after a head-to-head win over the Blue and White.
- Shenandoah recorded 344 yards of total offense this afternoon with 246 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. SU was also 6-of-12 (50%) on third downs while scoring on three of their five trips to the red zone.
TOP PERFORMERS
- Steven Hugney was 9-of-16 for 98 yards and one touchdown while adding 74 yards on the ground with two more scores. Ty Collins was 5-of-10 for 67 yards with one touchdown and an interception. He also added a team-high 77 yards on 13 carries with one touchdown.
- Jalen Redfearn led all rushers with 127 yards on 24 carries and one score while Romero finished the afternoon with 16 carries for 71 yards.
- Broden Domenico of SU led all players with five catches for 55 yards while Guy Hayes added 40 yards on three catches. Aden Boyd led the Blue and White with two catches for 21 yards while Teddy Sparrow hauled in one catch for 20 yards and a touchdown.
- Jalen Todd posted a game-high 15 tackles this afternoon with five solo stops. Uno Christopher posted a career-high ten tackles with five solo stops and one tackle for loss. Ahvyon Boothe paced the Hornets defense with 13 tackles and one tackle for loss while Corey Kidwell registered the lone sack of the afternoon.
UP NEXT
- The Generals will be one of two ODAC teams to participate in the Chesapeake Challenge this season, the bowl series between the ODAC and the Landmark. Both conferences will announce the selections following the NCAA Selection Show at 5 p.m.
Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals.