WINCHESTER, Va. – The Shenandoah University football team opened its 2023 season with its 100th program win since returning in 2000, in a 44-29 win over Methodist University, Saturday afternoon.
The Hornets' (1-0) defense and special teams combined for two touchdowns and a safety, while Broden Domenico caught two touchdowns in the win over the Monarchs (0-1).
IN-DEPTH
Quarterback Steven Hugney (17 for 24) connected on his first three passes of the opening drive, capped off by a 20-yard reception by Domenico, giving the Hornets a 7-0 lead.
Methodist responded on the next drive, as quarterback Brandon Bullis (31-44) delivered five completions on the first drive. The final completion found the endzone, as running back Keyshaun Pete brought-in an 18-yard completion to tie the game.
The Monarchs' defense forced a three-and-out on the Hornets' next drive, but senior Ethan Brown got the ball right back for his defense as he intercepted the ball on the very next play.
With Methodist back with the ball and backed up to the endzone, SU picked up a safety on an illegal punt, as the Hornets' defense forced the pressure.
On the first full drive of the second quarter, the Monarchs attempted a field goal to take the lead but Keyshawn Wilder had other plans, as he dove and blocked the kick, ending any hope the Monarchs had of gaining a lead.
After the block and now midway through the second quarter, Shenandoah drove down the field on a 79-yard drive. Running back AJ Maxwell rushed for the final nine yards, crossing the pylons to put Shenandoah up 16-7.
As time wound down in the first half Methodist tried to cut the deficit heading into the break. After a timeout with 0:17 left in the quarter and at SU's two-yard line, Methodist ran to the left side of the field and was stopped just inches from the endzone as time expired. Shenandoah took the nine-point lead into the break.
MU forced a fumble which led to a 12-yard completion to KJ Hicklin for the second TD of the game for the visitors. The two-point deficit was short-lived as AJ Jackson raced 91 yards to the endzone on the kickoff, bringing the packed house at Shentel Stadium to their feet.
The visitors ran down the field in seven plays and tallied another touchdown on a three-yard run, capping off the 3:06 drive.
On the next drive, Keshawn Toran ran his team down the field with a 27-yard run as time expired in the third. That big run led to Domenico's second touchdown of the afternoon, connecting with Hugney on a nine-yard completion.
Aidan Metzger added another big run to the Hornets' stats, as he took an 18-yard run to the house, putting Shenandoah up 37-21 after the successful PAT.
With 4:06 remaining in the opening game of 2023 and down by 16, Methodist scored a touchdown and converted the following two-point conversion, both scored by Pete.
After MU forced a punt, their offense attempted to tie the game in the late moments of the contest. Shenandoah's defense stood up to the challenge as Melvin Irby intercepted a pass for a 30-yard pick-six to seal the deal.
Domenico led the offense with 68 yards receiving as Hugney passed for 172 total yards.
The running game was strong as they had a total of 210 rushing yards, with four different players in the run column.
Matt Conroy, a captain on the defense, had 22 total tackles. Those 22 tackles are good enough for second all-time in a single game for the program.
Liban Farah, a transfer from Randolph-Macon, made 11 total tackles in his Shenandoah debut.
UP NEXT
Shenandoah has a week two bye but returns home in two weeks for a 1 p.m. non-conference game versus Maryville in the ODAC/USA South Challenge.
#GoSUHornets
Football Picks Up Program Win No. 100
/seasons/2023/boxscores/20230902_n2bb.xml
2023
Methodist
29
Shenandoah
44
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methodist (0-1) | 7 | 0 | 14 | 8 | 29 |
| Shenandoah (1-0) | 9 | 7 | 7 | 21 | 44 |
Sep 02, 2023