NEWS

DAVIDSON — Davidson’s potential game-winning drive ended just outside the red zone in a 41-35 season-opening loss to Concord University Thursday night on Field 76 at Davidson College Stadium.

After playing to a 28-28 halftime tie, the Wildcats cut a 13-point second-half deficit to 41-35 when quarterback Casey Bullock ran 17 yards for a touchdown with seven minutes remaining and opened the door for some possible late-game heroics. 

In his first career start, Bullock finished 29-of-54 passing for 241 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He also led the Wildcats’ ground attack with 81 yards on 14 carries.

Receiver Jacary Lightsey was Bullock’s top target and finished with 10 catches for 65 yards and a score.

Davidson took a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter when Jordan Mays blocked a punt and Hudson Altenburg fell on it in the end zone. Bullock threw all three of his touchdowns in the second quarter, first hitting tight end Jack Perozek for a 3-yard score and a 14-7 lead. His 9-yard scoring pass to Lightsey broke a 14-14 tie, and his 11-yard strike to Alani Ajigbotosho on fourth down tied it at 28-all 53 ticks before the intermission.  

Concord scored 13 unanswered points in the second half before Bullock’s scoring run cut into it, and after the Wildcats defense forced a punt, Davidson set its sights on a potential winning drive from its own 24 with 5:08 to play. Two fourth-down conversions kept the march alive until the final minute, but ultimately, Davidson’s hopes were dashed on a failed fourth-and-4 incompletion from the Concord 22.

Ryan Bassani and Danzel Chukwuemeka each had a team-high seven tackles.

Dom Collins had two big plays to lead the Mountain Lions, scoring on a 53-yard pass play and a 68-yard reverse.

Up Next
The Wildcats will host Elon on Saturday, Sept. 5.