JACKSON – The Millsaps Majors battled the undefeated Centre Colonels to the end on Saturday, outgaining Centre 405-237 in total yards, but could not pull off the win as they fell 24-22 on Saturday afternoon.
Millsaps got the scoring started early as they drove 81 yards in seven plays which included huge completions by junior quarterback Garrett Pinciotti to juniors Kegan Joplin and Jason O'Rear. Freshman Beau Brady came on and converted on a 27 yard fied goal for the early 3-0 lead. The Majors then held Centre on their first drive and received the ball where they proceeded to go 75 yards in 17 plays leading to Brady's second field goal from 21 yards out and gave Millsaps a 6-0 lead.
Centre responded with a 10 play, 59 yard drive leading to a Jordan Gay field goal to cut the deficit in half. Centre got the ball back on the next Major possession as they came up with a huge sack, forcing the ball loose, and recovering it in Millsaps territory.
The Colonels turned the turnover into points as quarterback Tyler Osterman connected with Rob Melilo for a 12 yard touchdown and a 10-6 lead going into half.
After holding the Colonels three and out to begin the second half, Millsaps proceeded to drive 80 yards in 12 plays as Pinciotti found freshman Byron Johnson in the back of the endzone for the short one yard touchdown and a 13-10 lead.
The Majors got another field goal from Brady from 39 yards out to extend the lead to six before Centre started the fourth quarter with a 41 yard burst to paydirt from tailback Monte Scotton to take a 17-16 lead. After two three and out and a Millsaps interception, Centre struck within one minute thanks to another big run from Scotton and a 13 yard touchdown run by Jonathan Pinque.
Millsaps did not go away easily as they drove 72 yards in nine plays thanks to great passing by Pinciotti. He then would find O'Rear for a 23 yard touchdown, but could not convert on the two point conversion as the Majors still found themselves 24-22.
The Major defense held Centre and had a chance to take the lead with 3:07 remaining. However, a controversial call on 3rd and 7 negated a Majors first down and left them with 4th and 1 at midfield. The Majors went for it, but could not convert and Centre helf on for the victory.
Pinciotti finished the day outdueling the number one passer in the SCAC in Osterman as he went 28-for-42 for 344 yards and two touchdowns. His favorite target was O'Rear who hauled in 114 yards receiving off six catches. O'Rear's touchdown in the fourth quarter placed him first all-time in career touchdown receptions at Millsaps College. Scotton led the way offensively for Colonels with 90 yards on seven carries.
Defensively, juniors Jeb White and Marvis O'Sirio each led the way with 10 tackles on the day while senior Jordan Nolan added seven.
The loss drops Millsaps to 4-4 overall and 3-2 in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, virtually eliminating them from any chance of sharing the title.
Millsaps returned to action on Saturday, November 5th as they will take on Division II Tarleton State in Stephensville, Texas. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.
