NEWS

 

DAVIDSON — The Davidson Wildcats scored both quickly and methodically en route to a 37-17 win over Barton in the 2022 home opener Saturday night at Richardson Stadium.

With the win, the Wildcats improved to 1-1 this year and 5-0 in season openers in the Scott Abell coaching era.

Davidson did most of its offensive damage on the ground, rushing for 403 yards — at 6.3 yards per rush — and pounded out a 15-play, 99-yard drive just before the first half ended to lead 27-14 at the break.

The Wildcats also got an early boost from freshman T.J. Magee’s 97-yard kickoff return late in the first quarter, as his weaving right-to-left return made it 14-7.

Dylan Sparks’ 8-yard touchdown run at the 9:39 mark of the second quarter put the Wildcats ahead 20-14 and for good, and Coy Williams’ 1-yard score 15 seconds before the half capped the 99-yard march, which followed a goal line stand — four plays inside the 3-yard line — by the Wildcats’ defense.

The Wildcats had five players rush for at least 62 yards, including Williams (19 carries, 84 yards), Bernard Turner Jr. (9-80), Bradyn Oakley (5-74), Jayden Waddell (10-68) and Sparks (16-60), whose 10-yard scoring run at the 8:14 mark of the first quarter gave Davidson an early 7-0 lead.

The Wildcats extended their lead in the fourth quarter on Caden Bonoffski’s 40-yard field goal and Mason Sheron’s 12-yard touchdown run.

Defensive back Jaden Pask led the Wildcats with eight tackles, while defensive back Daniel Carter had six stops and an interception. Magee added a fourth-quarter interception to his kick return score, and defensive linemen Julian Rawlins and Ryan Moog registered sacks.  

In all, Davidson has won its last seven home openers, dating to 2016.

Up Next
The Wildcats are home at the same time next week — Saturday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. against St. Andrews.