Roanoke College’s first football season since 1942 football season has come to a close one week earlier than expected. The Maroons were sched- uled to travel to Averett University for the final game of the season this Saturday but that game has been can- celled.
The cancellation was due to events that took place following the foot- ball game between Guilford College and Averett last Saturday. The Old Dominion Athletic Conference deter- mined that the post-game altercation between the two programs does not uphold the standards of sportsman- ship, respect, and conduct expected within the ODAC. After its examina- tion and consultation with both insti- tutions Guilford College and Averett University will discontinue their foot- ball seasons effective immediately. Each institution will forfeit its remain- ing game scheduled for November 15 in accordance with ODAC policy. Guilford was scheduled to play at Bridgewater College while Averett was slated to host Roanoke.
Roanoke and Bridgewater will receive a forfeit win in the ODAC standings to reflect the contest against Averett and Guilford, respectively. Both Roanoke and Bridgewater will finish the season at 4-4 in the confer- ence. Roanoke’s overall record will remain at 5-4. The Maroons finish the season with non-conference wins over the Virginia University of Lynchburg and Greensboro College and ODAC victories over Gallaudet University, Bridgewater, Guilford and Averett.
With that result last Saturday’s game with Washington & Lee in Lexington is now the final game of the RC season. The Generals used a big second half to take a 35-14 win over the Maroons after leading 7-0 at the half.
After a scoreless first quarter, Washington & Lee capped a 12-play, 90 yard drive with a Ryan Clemens seven-yard touchdown to take a 7-0 lead at 12:59 of the second period. The Generals looked to add to their lead with a fourth and goal from the two with three seconds left in the first half but Lane Shoemaker and Javier Waldron combined to stop the W&L runner at the one-yard line and keep it a one score game.
The Generals scored two rushing touchdowns in the third quarter to take a 21-0 lead. Roanoke countered with a 71-yard touchdown pass from Linwood Johnson to KJ Bratton to cut the edge to 21-7 late in the third quar- ter. Johnson finished a late 12-play, 75 yard drive with a three-yard TD run. Johnson rushed for 40 yards during the drive and completed his only pass for 29 yards.
Isaac Rivera made 16 tackles for Roanoke, including one tackle for loss and seven solos.
Landon Altizer recorded 12 tack- les and Ethan Mapstone had nine. Khamari Garner had five catches for the Maroons.
With the win W&L improves to 6-3 overall and 6-1 in the ODAC.
