NEWS

 

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – Davidson Football put up a fight against Jacksonville State on Saturday afternoon, ultimately falling to the Gamecocks, 35-17, at JSU Stadium.

After the Gamecocks scored on a Sterling Galban 31-yard reception 4:30 in to grab an early 7-0 advantage, the Wildcats responded with a 13-play, 75-yard drive and evened the score with a Mark McCurdy touchdown grab.

JSU, which is transitioning to the FBS level, broke the deadlock with 21 unanswered to stretch its margin to 28-7.

Just prior to intermission, Davidson capped another lengthy drive with a 39-yard Caden Bonoffski field goal, scratching their way back, cutting the deficit to 28-10 at the half.

The ‘Cats’ defense came ready to play at the start of the second half, breaking up three consecutive pass attempts by quarterback Zion Webb. On the next Gamecock possession, freshman linebacker Cam’ron Willis notched his first career interception to help set up the next Wildcat score.

Davidson’s sophomore quarterback Luke Durkin stepped onto the field and took care of business. Following a four-yard rush from Durkin and a gain of eight-yards from redshirt senior Coy Williams, Durkin completed a 21-yard dime to sophomore receiver Aaron Maione in the back left corner of the end zone, bringing the Wildcats closer, 28-17.

The Gamecocks would only score once more as the Davidson defense continued to put up a fight.

McCurdy led the ‘Cats offensively with 101 all-purpose yards – 76 rushing and 25 receiving – and a touchdown. Senior running back Dylan Sparks had 13 carries on the day for 42 yards and Williams added a total 40 yards on 14 carries. Durkin and senior Jayden Waddell went 5-of-10 on the day combined, both recording a touchdown.

Defensively, Daniel Carter led the ‘Cats with eight total tackles. Carter, senior safety Brian Jacobs and junior cornerback Jordan Burrell each recorded a team-high three solo tackles. Jacobs and senior cornerback Kaedon Jenkins added two pass breakups.