JOHNSON CITY, TENN. – Playing in front of almost 10,000 fans to help christen the brand new William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium, the Limestone College football team dropped its 2017 season opener to NCAA Division I FCS host East Tennessee State University by a final of 31-10 on Saturday, September 2.
GAME INFORMATION
Score: East Tennessee State 31, Limestone 10
Records: East Tennessee State (1-0), Limestone (0-1)
Location: William B. Greene, Jr. Stadium
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Freshman running back Jerko'ya Patton (Charlotte, N.C.) was impressive in his Limestone debut, rushing for 86 yards on 13 carries
- Sophomore QB Ivan Corbin, Jr. (Warner Robins, Ga.) added 61 yards and a TD on the ground
- Senior Daitwan Commodore (Charleston, S.C.) registered 39 yards on seven carries
- The Saints rushed for 193 yards and finished with 222 yards of total offense
- Senior Titus Williams (Greenwood, S.C.) led the defense with eight tackles
- Senior Joey Felder (Effingham, S.C.) chipped in six tackles and a fumble recovery
- Senior Evan Patrick (Charlotte, N.C.) recorded six stops and a tackle for loss
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Quarter
The Bucs took the opening kickoff and quickly marched 79 yards over eight plays, grabbing a 7-0 lead just 3:38 into the contest on a 43-yard touchdown reception by Andrew Heyward. Limestone picked up a couple of first downs on its first two possessions, but ETSU would hold lead at the end of the one.
Second Quarter
East Tennessee State extended the margin to 14-0 midway through the second quarter as Austin Herink tossed another long touchdown strike, a 45-yard connection with Anthony Spagnoletti at the 8:36-mark.
After finishing eighth in the Division II ranks in turnovers gained a year ago, the Saints capitalized on its first caused turnover of the 2017 campaign. Following a fumble recovery on a muffed punt deep in ETSU territory, Limestone cut the margin to 14-3 on a 38-yard field goal by senior
Nick Smith (Plain City, Ohio).
That would be the lone highlight for the Blue and Gold in the first half as the Buccaneers grabbed a 21-3 advantage at the break following an 11-play, 62-yard touchdown drive. The Saints picked up just 65 yards of offense over the first 30 minutes of play, but gave up 264 yards on the defensive side of the ball.
Third Quarter
ETSU took advantage on great starting field position on its first possession of the second half, needing just two plays to go 30 yards to make it a 28-3 game with 11:39 to play. Herink completed his 15
th consecutive pass for a 25-yard touchdown toss to Vincent Lowe.
The Saints countered with their most productive drive of the game, marching 73 yards on 16 plays before Corbin dove into the end zone on a 4
th-and-goal. Patton recorded two runs of 10-plus yards on the scoring drive while Corbin added 25 yards on the ground.
Fourth Quarter
Following a turnover, the Bucs capped an 8-play, 39-yard drive with a 48-yard field goal to push the advantage to 31-10 with 10:48 remaining. Limestone responded with a long drive, highlighted by Patton's 36-yard run, but the visitors came away empty on a turnover on downs inside the ETSU 10-yard line.
TURNING POINT
East Tennessee State set the tone on the first drive of the game, taking the opening possession 79 yards for a quick 7-0 lead. Limestone was never able to recover as the Bucs built up a 21-3 halftime lead.
NOTABLES
- Limestone converted twice on fourth down during their scoring drive in the third quarter
- The Saints went 3-of-5 on fourth downs, including the lone touchdown of the night
- The team has lost five straight games dating back to last season
- The Blue and Gold falls to 0-2 all-time against NCAA Division I FCS opponents
- Williams recorded his 200th career tackle early in the contest
UP NEXT
The Saints open the 2017 home schedule on Saturday, September 9 when they host Benedict College at The Reservation at Gaffney High School. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
