/seasons/2018/contrib/201809023gxu8d

Strong first half pushes Davidson past Brevard

More news about: Brevard

Davidson, N.C. – The second year of the Bill Khayat era at Brevard got underway last night despite multiple efforts from mother nature. Originally slated to begin at 7:00 pm, the Saturday night showdown did not get underway until 7:52 pm due to a lengthy lightning delay prior to kickoff. More severe weather moved into the area close to the end of the second half, with only 1:17 left in the 2nd quarter. After approximately an hour delay, the action got back underway, as both coaches agreed to 12 minute quarters in the second half to speed things along due to the delays.

It proved to be a tale of two halves for the Tornados. Hampered by a slow start, Brevard was dug into an early 13-0 deficit off of two long rushing touchdowns by Wesley Dugger (67 yds.) and William Hicks (57 yds.) Davidson went on to score 34 unanswered points in the first half of action, returning an interception in addition to a rushing and passing score.

Despite a slow start, Senior QB Ryan Jordan was able to string together a solid drive late in the second quarter, tallying 4 completions for 37 yards on an 8 play drive. Jordan would finish the night 5-15, with 49 yards and 2 interceptions before Freshman Dalton Cole took the stage in the second half.

Third down conversions will surely be an area of focus for Brevard heading into the bye week. The Tornados were only able to muster a 20% conversion rate (2-10) on the night.  

The Tornado offense was held afloat in the first half with the effort of Senior WR/RB Tyler Gregory. Gregory powered through 12 carries for 56 yards, good enough for a 4.7 avg ypc. His efforts helped set the tempo for the offense and laid the foundation for the offensive breakthrough in the second half.

Coach Khayat rotated plenty of new faces into the Tornado offense in the 2nd half, including Freshmen Dalton ColeJayveon Love, and Blake Taylor.

Dalton Cole and the Tornado offense came out of the lightning delay firing, as Brevard marched down the field for their first score of the night. Cole racked up his first career completion, hooking up with Senior Bubba Craven. He followed this up with a 43-yard strike to Freshman TE Blake Taylor, getting the Tornados on the board.

Freshman running back Jayveon Love highlighted the second half rushing attack for the Tornados. On only three carries, he showed flashes of promise for Bill Khayat's squad, highlighted by a 56-yard scamper for the second Tornados touchdown.

The Tornados defense had very opportune moments, showcased by two fumbles forced and recovered, and holding Davidson's passing attack to 94 yards. Brandon Crawford led the way for the Tornados defense, compiling 9 total tackles, 6 of which were solo. Axel Easter forced an early Davidson fumble to set up Brevard's offense in good field position. Kyle Fennell and Tanner Pettit both recovered fumbles, as the Brevard defense was able to force two turnovers on the night. After coming off of a career year, Senior Bubba Craven opened 2018 with 6 receptions for 57 yards.

Brevard will have a bye week before the home opener as the Tornados host Allen University on Saturday, September 15th at 3:00 pm.

For more information on Tornados Athletics, please follow us on Twitter and Instagram @bctornados.

Dec. 15: All times Eastern
Final
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@ Salem, Virginia
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Dec. 9: All times Eastern
Final
North Central (Ill.) 34, at Wartburg 27
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Final
Cortland 49, at Randolph-Macon 14
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