Box Score
Kentucky Wesleyan fell in their home-opener to Davidson 35-21 on Saturday afternoon at Steele Stadium. The game was delayed for nearly three hours due to lightning and rain, and didn't kick off until 3:40 p.m.
The game began for the Panthers much like it did on the road at Delta State. KWC fell into an early hole, and then mounted a comeback, but it was a little too late.
In the first quarter, Davidson got on the board after a 29-yard touchdown run to give the Wildcats the 7-0 with 11:31 left in the quarter. Davidson would add three more touchdowns, as they began the game with a 28-0 lead. The Wildcats scored on a 15-yard touchdown run, and two passing touchdowns of 57 yards and 37 yards.
The only points in the first half came from a Keelan Cole 81 yard kickoff return late in the second quarter to put the Panthers on the board. Davidson led 28-7 at the half.
Kentucky Wesleyan began their comeback late into the third quarter, after David White punched it in from one-yard out to cut the deficit to 28-14. Davidson would score on the first play of the fourth quarter on a three-yard run to put the Wildcats ahead 35-14. The Panthers scored again on an 81-yard touchdown heave from Damarcus Smith to Cole to make it a 35-21 game midway through the fourth.
After a turnover by Davidson, KWC looked to make it a one score game. The Panthers drove down the field, and reached into the Davidson red-zone, but turned it over on down. Kentucky Wesleyan finished the game 1-13 on third down plays. KWC also finished the day with 390 yards of total offense, but committed 10 penalties for 129 yards.
Quarterback Damarcus Smith finished the day 20-36 for 320 yards and one touchdown. He also threw two interceptions in the contest.
Wide receiver Keelan Cole continued to be the bright spot on the Panthers. Cole had another monster game, with eight catches for 194 yards and one touchdown. Running back David White collected his first touchdown of the season.
On defense, Ty Martin-Miles led the Panthers with 6.5 tackles, including five un-assisted hits. Vasco Billberry registered six tackles.
Kentucky Wesleyan is on the road next Saturday at Davenport. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT.
