Sewanee, Tenn. – The Millsaps Majors Football Team used 14 points in the second half and a strong defensive effort to defeat the Sewanee Tigers 21-20. With the win, the Majors improved to 2-3 overall and 1-1 in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.
Millsaps started the game with the ball and moved in to midfield before the drive stalled. Junior punter Stephan Gates prepared to punt but Andrew Keenan came through and blocked the punt. De'Nard Ford picked it up and went 30 yards to paydirt to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead.
The two teams traded possessions going into the second quarter before the Majors started a drive at their own 39-yard line. Millsaps put together a 9-play, 61-yard drive ending in a 20 yard touchdown pass from Konner Joplin to Jason O'Rear.
Sewanee responded with a field goal by Garrett Scholss and got possession back quickly as Millsaps fumbled on their next drive. Again, the Major defense held strong to hold the Tigers to a field goal by Scholss.
The Majors put drive together, but could not pull through before the half ended. Freshman Beau Brady attempted a 46-yard field goal at the end of the half, but the kick fell short.
After Sewanee went three and out, Millsaps put together 8-play, 69-yard drive which ended in another Joplin to O'Rear touchdown making the score 14-13, Majors.
The Tigers responded immediately on the next drive thanks to a 71-yard completion by Jase Brooks, setting up a four yard touchdown run by Curtis Johnson. Sewanee elected for the extra point instead of going for two as they led 20-14.
After both teams traded possessions, the Majors began one of their best drives of the season, going 12-plays, 70 yards and taking up almost six minutes of time as they went into the fourth quarter. Sophomore running back Thomas Theriot picked up 46 of the 70 yards and finished the drive with a nine yard touchdown catch from Joplin.
The Millsaps defense continued to stuff the Sewanee offense, not allowing them to go anywhere. The Major offense received the ball with 6:33 remaining in the game and held the ball until the clock struck zero. The key was two huge third down conversions as Joplin found freshman Byron Johnson twice for first downs.
Joplin started the game and played terrific going 20-for-31 for 203 yards and three touchdowns. Theriot had one of his best days rushing as he ran for 106 yards on 21 carries and caught three passes for 32 yards and a touchdown. O'Rear broke out this game with eight catches and 114 yards receiving with two touchdowns.
Defensively, junior Jeb White led the way with seven tackles and a forced fumble while sophomore Joiner Stewart added seven as well. The defense held Sewanee to only 216 yards of total offense.
Millsaps remains on the road next weekend as they will travel to Sherman, Texas to take on conference opponent Austin College. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.
