DAVIDSON, N.C. – Davidson senior kicker Trevor Smith connected on all three of his field goal attempts, but football fell in their Pioneer Football League opener to Marist at Richardson Stadium Saturday, 31-9.

With the loss Davidson falls to 2-2 overall and opens PFL play at 0-1. With the win Marist improves to 3-2 and 2-1 in league action.

Despite a tremendous effort by the Davidson defense, Marist was able to capitalize on three Wildcat miscues, scoring after each turnover. The second Red Fox touchdown of the day was a 59-yard interception returned the distance. Marist added to it in the third with a short field, the beneficiary of a muffed punt, making it 21-6 out of the intermission.

Trailing 24-9 in the fourth, another Davidson fumble deep in their own territory, turned into six more for the Red Foxes and all but sealed the game with just over five minutes to play.

Despite the lopsided final score, the stat sheet shows a more even game. Davidson gained 319 yards on offense, while allowing 379 to Marist and only 215 passing yards for an offense that averages 254.5 through the air.

Leading the defensive charge was sophomore linebacker George Hatalowich with six tackles. Three Wildcats boasted five stops; Thomas Sykes, Steven Spears and Ben Hart. Sophomore Nick Pearson posted the lone sack of White on the day. Corner back Nate Campbell held Marist’s best target, Juston Christian to a season-low 53 yards on six receptions. Christian entered the game averaging over 100 yards receiving per game.

McGuire completed 18-of-39 passes for 201 yards and an interception. Smith hit field goals of 26, 20 and 39 yards. Freshmen Pat Tabor caught five passes for 78 yards, while classmate Wesley Dugger rushed 16 times for 54 yards.

Davidson returns to action next Saturday, Oct. 7 when they travel to Jacksonville for a PFL tilt against the Dolphins. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.