By Nicholas Kolsin
The UNC Pembroke Braves defeated the West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcats 79-20 on Saturday afternoon. Their 79 points broke the record for most points scored in a single game in Braves history, and by scoring 56 in the first half, they also broke the record for most points scored in a half.
The Braves defense was the catalyst for the win as they forced 5 turnovers, and only allowing 222 yards to the Braves 594. Carlo Thompson had a good week again getting six tackles, and a sack. Malik McKenzie and Evan VanMeter each had a forced fumble each. Edge Rusher Jamae Blank got his first career interception which he returned for a touchdown, before it was called back due to a block in the back call. Marquis Raspberry had a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown in the second quarter.
After forcing a punt on the Bobcats first drive, the Colin Johnson lead the braves on an 11 play 62 yard drive capped off by a 13 yard touchdown to Jaquan Albright for the first score of the game. After forcing another punt and getting the ball back at the Bobcats 45 yard line, it only took them 6 plays to get back into the endzone on Jaquan Albrights second touchdown catch of the game making it 14-0 with five minutes left in the first.
On the Bobcats next drive, it only took the Braves 3 plays to get the ball right back after Evan VanMeter forced a fumble and Jakori Hood recovered it at the 36 yard line. Four plays later, JaQuan Kelly took a handoff at the 23 yard line and took it all the way into the endzone for the Braves third touchdown of the game to make it 21-0.
The Braves would force another three and out and capitalize on it once again on a 7 play 54 yard drive capped off by a Que Kennedy 22 yard touchdown reception from Collin Johnson. The Bobcats were then backed up to a third and 16 on their ensuing drive, when Malik Mckenzie forced a fumble that took a weird bounce and bounced right into the hands of Marquis Raspberry who had a walk in 38 yard fumble return touchdown.
James Johnson joined in on the fun for the Braves making a diving interception at the Braves 41 yard line to give them the ball back up 35-0 in the second quarter. The Braves were unable to capitalize on the next drive however, as Colin Johnsons pass was intercepted by the Bobcasts defender in the Bobcats territory. The defense once again had Colins back as on the first play, Jaiden Nesbit picked off the Bobcats QB and scampered all the way to the endzone for a 47 yard pick six to make it 42-0 Braves.
The Bobcats were finally able to get on the board on their next drive after a 6 play 63 yard drive capped off by a Kyri Beamon 5 yard touchdown catch. On the next drive for the Braves, Johnson lead the Braves on a 8 play 75 yard touchdown drive that ended with a Josh Jenkins 20 yard touchdown for Colin’s fourth touchdown pass of the game making it 49-7.
After forcing a punt, the Braves got the ball back on their own 41 yard line with two minutes left in the half with a chance to break the Braves record for most points in a half all time. After back to back 20 yard plays from Que Kennedy and Sincere Baines, the Braves were set up at first and goal with a chance to break the record. Johnson handed the ball off to Jaquon Albright up the middle who pounded his way into the endzone for the touchdown and the record for most points scored in a half in Braves history at 56.
Due to the lopsided score, both teams decided to play only 10 minute quarters instead of 15, but the Braves had plans for the second half, score 13 points, and break the school record for most points scored in a game all time. On the first drive of the half, Sincere Baines took a third and ten run at the 48 yard line to the house for a 52 yard score to make it 63-7 early in the third quarter. The Bobcats scored on their next drive to make it 65-13.
Colin Johnson lead the Braves down to the 18 yard line on their next drive with a chance to break the record. Once again, Jaquan Kelly took the handoff and rushed his way into the endzone for the score that he will remember for the rest of his life breaking the record for most points ever scored in a UNC Pembroke football game at 72.
The Braves would tally on another touchdown in the 4th quarter to offically set the record at 79 in a 79-20 win. The Braves will look to keep the run going against Frostburg State at home next Saturday Nov. 9.