WINCHESTER, Va. - Five years ago, Bethany College welcomed Shenandoah University to Division III football by blowing the Hornets out by five touchdowns.

Saturday night, SU threatened to pass that blowout along to 2004 newcomer NC Wesleyan, but the Bishops hung tough in a 24-7 Shenandoah victory before 2133 Shentel Stadium fans in the season opener for both schools.

Shenandoah (1-0 overall, 1-0 USA South) went up 7-0 just four minutes into the game when junior Anthony Frates (Virginia Beach, Va./First Colonial) capped a five play, 15-yard drive with a 1 yd TD plunge. Frates' was set up by senior Kenny Weaver (Ruckersville, Va./William Monroe), who took Wesleyan's initial punt of the game 50 yards to the Bishops 15.

NC Wesleyan (0-1, 0-1) went three and out on its next possession, but caught its first break when SU botched a snap on a 46-yard field goal attempt and turned the ball over on downs. The rest of the quarter passed without any scoring opportunities.

Hornets senior Jamil Ramsuer (Stafford, Va./Montgomery CC) opened the second by taking a taking a 2nd and 6 toss around right end for a 53-yard touchdown run.

After the two teams traded the next three possessions, SU got some breathing room by converting another short field into a touchdown. Weaver once again got the offense started with 13-yard punt return to the NCWC 29, and two plays later Frates took it in from four yards out.

Wesleyan got its best chance to score in the first half driving to the Shenandoah 1 with 20 seconds remaining, but fumbled the ball away on second and goal.

The Bishops came out flying in the second half, holding SU to just 23 yards in total offense in the third quarter after giving up 208 before the intermission. With 2:37 to play in the third, they got their first touchdown in school history.

Tailback Javon Williams, who finished with 104 yards rushing on 13 carries, scampered in on 1st and 10 from the SU 20 to make the 21-7 Hornets. Wesleyan got the ball at the 20 by sacking SU quarterback Jon Hoffman on 2nd down and recovering the fumble.
 
Ramsuer led all rushers with 144 yards on 15 carries. Shenandoah had 332 yards in total offense to the Bishops 207.

A complete box score and play by play can be found at http://www.su.edu/athletics/fb/2004/090404.htm

SU hosts Bridgewater next Saturday night at 7:00.