Josh Jones prepares to throw a pass under pressure. PN Photo/Andrew Thrift
by Andrew Thrift. Sports Editor
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke faced off against Fairmont State at Grace P. Johnson Stadium on Sept. 25.
The Braves put up a fight holding off Fairmont from getting a touchdown in the third quarter, but the Braves lost 20-24 against the Falcons.
“We need to execute better. That’s what it comes down to,” Quarterback Josh Jones said.
In the first quarter, Devin Jones intercepted a Fairmont pass for a touchdown. At 8:36 of the first quarter, Rodney Smith caught a 14-yard pass from Josh Jones.
In the second quarter, the Falcons got their first few points keeping the Braves on top 7-3, but the Braves pushed to get a second touchdown resulting in a 14-3 lead over the Falcons at halftime.
At halftime, the Spirit of the Carolinas Marching Band performed their halftime show for the first time this season. They didn’t get to perform at the first game due to inclimate weather. This year’s halftime show theme is all about Elton John. The band performed some of John’s most memorable melodies.
In the third quarter, the Falcons got their first touchdown still keeping the Braves on top 14-10, but this didn’t last long when Fairmont got another touchdown leaving the Braves down 14-17. The Braves scored a touchdown during the third, but failed to get the extra point, putting the Braves back on top 17-20.
The fourth quarter was a nail-biter for Braves fans when Fairmont got yet another touchdown. On the following drive, running back Joseph Early recorded a 1-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Braves the lead, 24-27.
Fairmont scored a touchdown with 1:13 left in the fourth quarter. The Falcons went on to beat the Braves 27-30.
This was the first win for the Falcons.
“Not the result that anyone wanted today. Super hard fought game. Thought we started off well, better than a week ago,” said head coach Shane Richardson
The next week, the Braves went up to Maryland to play the number one team in the conference; Frostburg state.
The Braves tried their best, but sadly they lost 21-51 to the Bobcats. This setback marked the second straight loss for the Braves this season after racking up 320 yards of total offense, including 268 yards through the air.
The Braves next game is at home on October 9 for Family weekend against Wheeling. Kick off is at noon.