Skyhawks drop home opener to Faulkner, 14-10
VALLEY, Ala. (Sep. 3, 2022) – The Point University football team took the field in their home opener at Ram Stadium on Saturday afternoon, facing Faulkner University and falling 14-10.
It was a scoreless first quarter with both teams looking to gain momentum with a touchdown but failed to convert. Point's defense started off the home opener with forcing a three and out on the first drive which forced Faulkner to punt. The Skyhawks' offense would look to capitalize off the momentum by driving the ball inside the 20-yard line but an interception by Jailen Clemons would give the Eagles the ball back.
The second quarter would see both teams hold their ground on the defensive end for most of period. With under five minutes left in the half, Point would look to find some life on the offensive end with driving the ball inside the 25-yard line. In the drive, the Skyhawks had multiple opportunities to find their way in the endzone but would settle for a 25-yard field goal made by Giovanni Martinez to bring the score to 3-0. The action for the Eagles picked up as they created a scoring drive of their own when Raequan Beal found T.J. Hall in the endzone on a 10-yard passing touchdown. Caden Davis' kick attempt for the Eagles was good to bring the lead to 7-3. As the game inched closer to halftime, the Skyhawks looked to go into the half with the momentum on their side when San Juan Warner intercepted a pass over the middle with 1:09 left. Faulkner's defense would halt the momentum to two plays on an 85-yard pick six by Jerrell Williamson bringing the score 14-3 at halftime.
The third quarter would be the same result as the first period with both teams looking to drive the ball with multiple scoring opportunities but failing to convert. With 1:16 left in the quarter, the Skyhawks looked to try to cut the lead down to single digits but would come up short on a missed field goal.
In the final period of play, Point's offense looked to cook up a comeback effort on the Eagles as time was starting to get away. With 8:39 remaining, Mitchell Gossett connected with Nadir Mitchell on a 10-yard touchdown pass. Gionvanni Martinez would make the field goal to bring the score to 14-10. The Skyhawks' defense took the field and forced another three and out with 3:52 remaining to try to give Point's offense another chance to score to take the lead. Gossett looked to drive the Skyhawks to success on the drive until Jailen Clemons stopped the drive with his second interception in the game. With 2:37 left, Point's defense would force the Eagles to punt again to give their offense one last opportunity for victory. The nail-biting drive saw Faulkner hold their ground on the defensive end and force a turnover on downs to bring the final score to 14-10.
In the Box
The Skyhawks out-converted the Eagles 21 to 11 on first down attempts. Point also had more first down completions on pass attempts than Faulkner (15 to 6) along with having more rushing four rushing first down conversions while Faulkner had two. The Skyhawks proved to be the more efficient team on third-down conversions (8 for 17) compared to Faulkner (4 for 16). Both teams failed to convert on fourth down attempts.
Point had 335 total yards on offense and the Eagles had 164. The Skyhawks out dueled Faulkner on the passing game (250 to 115) but the Eagles would have more return yards (120 to 35). The Skyhawks outrushed Faulkner 85 to 49.
Brenton White took most of the snaps under center for Point, going 18-for-30 and throwing for 196 yards. His longest throw was for 36 yards.
Mitchell Gossett was 3-for-11 and threw for 54 yards, his longest being 31 yards and throwing for a touchdown.
Sensir Carnes led Point on the ground game with 40 yards off 11 attempts. His longest rush was 10 yards. Brenton White followed, rushing for 17 yards off nine attempts with his longest rush being 12 yards.
In the air, Emery Bryant led the Skyhawks with six receptions for 110 yards, Javian Leeks followed with nine receptions for 64 yards, and Nadir Mitchell having one reception resulted in the Skyhawks lone touchdown.
Aaron Anderson led Point's defense with 10 tackles (seven solo) and the only sack for the Skyhawks. Quan Neal followed with six along with Kemorion Larkin having six as well. Gavin Graham helped the defense with five tackles (three solo). Davyon Dukes added four tackles and San Juan Warner added four tackles as well along with the only interception for the Skyhawks.
Up Next
Point will look to put this game behind them next Saturday, Sept. 10, as they travel to McKenzie, Tennessee to play (RV) Bethel University. Game time is scheduled for 2 p.m.