DANVILLE, Ky. - The Millsaps Majors Football Team returned to action on Saturday afternoon as they opened Southern Athletic Association play against the Centre Colonels. The Majors, playing in their first SAA game ever, defeated the Colonels 33-16 thanks in part to a huge 20-point second quarter.

The two teams exchanged possessions throughout the first quarter as both teams had oppotunities to put point son the board, but could not convert. The Majors came up with a few key stop, including a sack by junior Joiner Stewart that stopped one drive and a fumble recovery by sophomore Garrett Coble that halted another drive.

The Major (4-0, 1-0 SAA) offense got a drive rolling in with 2:02 remaining in the first quarter as the Major defense made a huge stop on fourth and inches at the Centre 35 that continued into the second quarter. Millsaps put together a nine play, 35-yard drive that finished with sophomore Mike Barthelemy plunging into the endzone from a yard out on fourth down. 

Centre (3-2, 0-1 SAA) responded and put point on the board as Jordan Gay booted a 53-yard field goal to make it a 7-3 game. 

Millsaps repsonded by going 87 yards in eight plays which included big cathes of 18 yards or more by Barthelemy, senior Kegan Joplin, and sophomore Trevor King. 

The Major defense continued to hold Centre and the Millsaps offense went back to work with completions back-to-back completions to King followed by a great run by Barthelemy and another completion to Joplin. Pinciotti capped the drive with a 27-yard touchdown pass to freshman Lacharles Washington to increase Millsaps' lead to 20-3. 

On the Colonels next possession, senior Russell Pellichino came off the corner and laid a huge hit on quarterback Heath Haden, jarring the ball lose and giving the Majors possession in Centre territory as junior Blake Price fell on the ball. However, the Majors turned it right back over on the next play after an interception in the endzone.

Centre then went on an 11-play, 60 yard drive at the to conclude the half and look to add a field goal onto the board going into break. The Majors came up with another huge play as time ran out as freshman Zach Cart came off the corner and blocked the field goal to end the half.

The Colonels opened the second half with two scoring drive resulting in field goals for Gay to make it a 20-9 game. The Majors responded and took control of the game with a 14-play, 75 yard drive that took 6:47 seconds off the clock. The Majors finished their drive off with a one yard touchdown run from freshman Taz Watson.

Centre started the 4th quarter with a drive that entered deep into Millsaps territory as they tried to get back into the game, but the Majors held strong and forced the Colonels to a turnover on downs as junior Mitchell Keeton blitzed off the corner and sacked Haden for a 16 yard loss.

The Colonels got a touchdown back with 2:00 minutes remaining in the game to make it 26-16. After a penalty gave Centre the ability to try an onside kick, junior Jonathan Moore scooped up the kick at the perfect time and motored down the sideline for 41 yards to the Centre 20. 

Millsaps put the finishing touches on the game with another touchdown run from Watson and won 33-16. 

The story of the game was the terrific defensive play throughout the afternoon. Junior Joiner Stewart led the way defensive with eight tackles, two sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. Pellichino added two sacks on the afternoon while junior Dustin Harscher and sophomore Leland Elchos added seven tackles. The Majors totaled seven sacks as the defensive line domianted to go along with 10 tackles for loss. The Majors lead the SAA with 20 sacks so far this season.

Offensively, Pinciotti went 17-for-27 with 232 yards and one touchdown on the afternoon. Barthelemy led the running backs with 17 carries for 56 yards and touchdown while Watson added 12 carries for 39 yards and two touchdowns. King was great with seven catches for 100 yards.

Millsaps is back home after taking three straight win on the road as they welcone in No. 24 Huntingdon on Saturday afternoon at Harper Davis Field. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. and can be seen live on College TV Ticket.