Bears Fall in SoCon Opener to Wofford

Saturday, February 20

Spartanburg, S.C.

1 p.m.

Mercer University

Wofford

2/20/2021 6:42:00 PM | Football

Box Score

Mercer returns to Five Star Stadium next Saturday to take on The Citadel at 3:30 p.m.

By: Stephen Waldman

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Mercer football team opened its 2021 spring slate with a 31-14 setback at Wofford on Saturday at Gibbs Stadium.

The Bears rushed for a season-high 181 yards with Nakendrick Clark's 67 yards leading the way in his first game for Mercer. Deondre Johnson and Brandon Marshall were an explosive option every time they touched the ball as Johnson rushed for 50 yards on four carries (12.5 avg.) and Marshall went for 47 yards on five rushes (9.4 avg.). Johnson scored one of Mercer's two touchdowns in the game, along with Carter Peevy who totted the ball into the end zone for the first time as a Bear.

Defensively, Alvin Ward Jr. recorded a team-high seven tackles, including six solo stops. Lance Wise and Michael Campbell added six tackles apiece, while Danijah Gammage tallied 1.5 tackles for loss.

Wofford opened the scoring with 9:53 remaining in the first quarter when Irvin Mulligan rushed for a five-yard touchdown after the Terriers' defense forced a turnover. The Terriers added a a field goal from Dawson Henis and a touchdown from Ryan Lovelace to take a 17-point lead into halftime.

The Bears came out of the intermission firing on all cylinders offensively as they constructed a seven play, 71-yard drive that resulted in a four-yard touchdown run by Johnson. Clark gained 11 yards on a pair of carries to begin the drive before Peevy broke free for a 17-yard gain. The freshman from Lawrenceville, Ga., connected with Ethan Dirrim for a 12-yard game two plays later, followed by a 21-yard burst by Clark to put the Bears inside the 10-yard line. Mercer did not waste any time breaking into the end zone as Johnson plunged through for the visitor's first score of the afternoon.

The Terriers added to their lead with touchdowns on their next two possessions before Mercer answered with an 18-play scoring drive. The Bears persistently trekked their way down the field, converting on fourth down three times to keep the drive alive. The big play of the drive came in the form of a 27-yard pass to Marshall to set Mercer up with a first-and-goal opportunity. The Bears muscled their way down to the one-yard line before Peevy snuck in for the touchdown.

Offensive Star
Redshirt sophomore Deondre Johnson demonstrated why he is such a dangerous threat every time he gets his hands on the football. The Reidsville, Ga., native averaged 12.5 yards per carry and totaled 50 yards on just four carries. He scored one of Mercer's two touchdowns in the game and added 67 yards on three kickoff returns to finish with 117 all-purpose yards.

Defensive Star
Graduate student Alvin Ward Jr. was the primary stopper for the Bears defense as he recorded a team-high seven tackles against the Terriers. The Ahoskie, N.C., native made six solo stops in the game and had a tackle for loss.

Stats That Matter
Mercer's offense capitalized on its big-play ability to move down the field today as it had five plays of at least 20 yards. Carter Peevy linked up with Brandon Marshall for 27 yards and Ethan Dirrim for 30 yards through the air, while Nakendrick Clark (21 yards), Marshall (37 yards) and Deondre Johnson (38 yards) all produced explosive plays on the ground.

Notables

Mercer rushed for a season-high 181 yards against Wofford.
Nakendrick Clark rushed for a team-high 67 yards on 17 carries in his Bears debut.
Deondre Johnson and Carter Peevy recorded their first rushing touchdowns of the season.
Alvin Ward Jr. recorded a team-high seven tackles, including six solo stops.

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