33
Winner Shenandoah SU 1-0
14
Methodist MUFB 0-1
Winner
Shenandoah SU
1-0
33
Final
14
Methodist MUFB
0-1
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
SU Shenandoah 0 13 14 6 33
MUFB Methodist 0 7 0 7 14
FB Hugney

Game Recap: Football | | Matt McIntosh '23

Hugney Passes for Three Touchdowns in Week One Win

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Shenandoah University football team issued in the 2024 season with a 33-14 non-conference win at Methodist University on Saturday afternoon behind three passing touchdowns and 256 passing yards from Steven Hugney.

On defense for the Hornets (1-0), Nolan Riley picked up two interceptions in the win over the Monarchs (0-1), the first of which led to the first touchdown of the season for SU on the next possession.

RECAP
Methodist got the ball to start the contest and took the ball down the field into the red zone. Two short receptions led to a field goal attempt for MU which was nullified by a penalty by the Hornets, which led to another first down for the home team. The defense stood strong leading to a fourth down conversion attempt at the goal line. The Monarchs ran the ball up the middle but were stopped in their tracks by Ethan Brown, giving SU the ball.

The Hornets offense was forced to a three-and-out as the teams went on to trade possessions for the rest of the first quarter.

With Shenandoah in Monarchs territory and driving, Hugney connected with Broden Domenico for a gain of nine but MU forced a fumble and quickly regained possession. Nolan Riley had his team's back as he dropped back into coverage and intercepted the ball at the Methodist 34 yardline.

After two rushes from Jalen Redfearn for a total of 11 yards, Hugney looked to his left and connected with Guy Hayes, who ran 18 yards to the house for the first touchdown of the game.

One drive later the Hornets used two big plays to find the endzone once again. First, it was Michael Shiel coming in with a reception for 48 yards to put SU at the MU 35 yardline. Two plays later, Bryce Buchanan broke out to the left and rushed the ball 21 yards to put the Hornets up 13-0.

With 1:54 left in the first half, MU scored its first points of the day to cut SU's lead down to six. The Hornets would take that 13-7 lead into the half.

In the middle of the third, Hugney and the Hornets got that touchdown right back as Hugney found Broden Domenico for a 35-yard score.

On the very next drive, SU allowed MU to get to their side of the field but Shenandoah stood tall and caused another turnover on downs as Ethan Brown once again came up with the game-changing tackle.

Later in the third Hugney and Domenico showed their chemistry again as the duo connected for another touchdown to put Shenandoah up 27-7 after the made point after attempt from Scott Martin.
Now in the fourth, SU added to its total as Jamir Freeman punched in a two-yard touchdown to cap off a seven-play, 29-yard drive. The very next play from scrimmage, the Monarchs looked to start a comeback but Nolan Riley came up with his second interception of the afternoon and took this one 22 yards down the field.

That interception helped seal the deal for Shenandoah and despite another MU touchdown, SU hung on to take the week one victory, 33-14.

This extends Shenandoah's win streak to eight games against Methodist, dating back to the 2010 season.

Bryce Buchanan tallied 70 rushing yards and one score to lead the Hornets' rushing game. Broden Domenico had eight catches, 106 yards, and two TDs, leading all receivers. Michael Sheil posted three catches for 80 yards.

For the SU defense, Matt Conroy led the team with eight total tackles as Ethan Brown and Victor Vasquez each had seven. Samuel Tighe, Quran Rivers, and Austin Himes came up with one sack each for SU.

UP NEXT
Shenandoah has an early season bye week and returns to the field on September 21st at 7 p.m. in a home contest against Rhodes College.

#GoSUHornets
 
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Scoring Summary

Scoring Summary
Scoring Play Visiting Team Score Home Team Score
2nd Quarter SU MUFB
SU
11:11 - SU - Hayes,Guy 20 yd pass from Hugney,Steven (Martin,Scott kick) 4 plays, 34 yards, TOP 2:01
7 0
SU
05:19 - SU - Buchanan,Bryce 27 yd run (Martin,Scott kick failed), 5 plays, 83 yards, TOP 2:17
13 0
MUFB
01:54 - MUFB - Mikhail Baldwin 6 yd pass from Brennan Brucato (Samuel Andrae kick) 11 plays, 75 yards, TOP 3:25
13 7
3rd Quarter SU MUFB
SU
07:49 - SU - Domenico,Broden 35 yd pass from Hugney,Steven (Martin,Scott kick) 6 plays, 71 yards, TOP 2:52
20 7
SU
00:59 - SU - Domenico,Broden 15 yd pass from Hugney,Steven (Martin,Scott kick) 6 plays, 41 yards, TOP 2:24
27 7
4th Quarter SU MUFB
SU
09:20 - SU - Freeman,Jamir 2 yd run (Martin,Scott kick failed), 7 plays, 71 yards, TOP 2:57
33 7
MUFB
00:08 - MUFB - Brennan Brucato 1 yd run (Samuel Andrae kick), 17 plays, 85 yards, TOP 0:00
33 14

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