Emory & Henry outlasts Tusculum in SAC showdown, 23-21

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Wasps cut it close, but improved to 5-1 on the season with a conference victory over local foe Tusculum on Saturday.

Trace Butcher’s 42-yard field goal with 5:27 to play proved to be the difference on the road, 23-21.

Emory & Henry did all of the scoring in the first quarter, as Jordan Jackson punched in a five-yard run to make it 6-0. Towards the end of the frame, Jacob Robinson returned a interception for a 29-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 13-0.

The Pioneers, however, would take the lead back with two-consecutive scores.

Matthew Palazzo found Taivonn Ervin on a 42-yard strike at the start of the second quarter to make it a 13-7 ballgame. That score would hold through halftime and in to the third quarter, until Kemani Brown snagged a 22-yard TD pass to take a 14-13 lead.

Tristan Stitt inched the visitors back in front just minutes later on a 10-yard catch from Charles Mutter III.

But, the Pioneers would not go away. Corey Moraux recovered a Wasps fumble for a touchdown, pushing the home squad back in front, 21-20.

It wasn’t until Butcher’s late field goal that Emory & Henry took the lead and kept it for good.

Jordan Jackson dominated the E&H ground game with 24 carries for 111 yards and a touchdown. Cam Abshire had a monster day at wideout, catching six balls for 138 yards.

Nine Pioneers carried the ball at least once, as the squad picked up 157 yards on the ground in defeat.

Emory & Henry (5-1, 3-1 SAC) travels to Anderson next Saturday for a 1 p.m. kickoff. Tusculum (0-5, 0-4 SAC) will search for its first win at Mars Hill next Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

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