6
Methodist MUM 0-1 , 0-0
25
Winner Shenandoah SUH 1-0 , 0-0
Methodist MUM
0-1 , 0-0
6
Final
25
Shenandoah SUH
1-0 , 0-0
Winner
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
MUM Methodist 0 0 0 6 6
SUH Shenandoah 2 6 7 10 25
FB vs MU 2025 Week 1

Game Recap: Football | | Matt McIntosh '23

Football Claims Eighth Straight Victory Over Monarchs

WINCHESTER, Va. – The Shenandoah University football team opened its 2025 season with a 25-6 victory over Methodist University on Saturday afternoon at home. Shenandoah has now won its last eight meetings against Methodist, dating back to 2010.

The Hornets (1-0) held the Monarchs (0-1) scoreless for the first 58 minutes of the game, with the six points allowed marking the fewest ever given up to MU. The Hornets' offense delivered two explosive touchdowns of 46 yards or longer, while sophomore Ryan Apietu led the defense with an interception and a safety.

RECAP

The Hornets received the ball and drove down to Methodist's five-yard line, but were stopped on a fourth-down conversion attempt. Shenandoah's defense forced a three-and-out, setting up the offense in prime position after a nine-yard punt.

Four rushes by Jalen Redfearn and a pass interference penalty against the Monarchs moved SU to the one-yard line. However, the Hornets were again stopped short, giving the ball back to the visitors. On the very next play, pinned deep in their own territory, Methodist tried running up the middle but was stuffed by Apietu for a safety and a 2-0 Shenandoah lead.

The second quarter opened with Jack Pearson connecting with Christian Francis for a 19-yard touchdown, giving the Hornets their first touchdown of 2025. Shenandoah carried an 8-0 lead into halftime as both defenses tightened for the rest of the quarter.

Devin Keasey and Phoenix Andes-Stowell each recorded solo sacks in the second quarter, helping keep Methodist scoreless despite the Monarchs possessing the ball for over 10 minutes.

Methodist punted on its first two drives of the second half, while Shenandoah also punted on its opening possession. On SU's second drive, facing 3rd-and-14 from their own 13-yard line, Mason Anderson launched an 87-yard touchdown pass to Roge't Walker. Walker racked up 52 yards after the catch, slipping past two defenders to score.

Apietu kept the 15-0 lead for the Hornets at the end of the third by making a one-handed interception while trying to break up the intended pass.

Matt Conroy and Xavier Brewer opened the fourth quarter with solo sacks, forcing another Methodist three-and-out. That defensive stand set up a 27-yard field goal by Carson Gallant to make it 18-0.

The Monarchs responded with a 12-play, 65-yard drive that resulted in their only touchdown, though it consumed more than eight minutes. Their two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

Shenandoah sealed the win when Aidan McCloskey broke free for a 46-yard rushing touchdown with under a minute to play, extending the final margin to 25-6.

Redfearn led SU with 77 rushing yards, surpassing 1,000 career rushing yards. The junior also posted a career-high 64 receiving yards.

Quarterbacks Jack Pearson and Mason Anderson split time under center. Pearson went 12-of-22 for 149 yards, while Anderson completed half of his passes for 88 yards.

Defensively, the Hornets tallied six sacks. Keasey and Conroy each had 1.5, with Conroy also leading the team with eight tackles. Jake Jack and Sean Perry followed closely with seven apiece.

UP NEXT

Shenandoah heads to Geneva College (Pa.) next Saturday for the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

#GoSUHornets
 
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Scoring Summary

Scoring Summary
Scoring Play Visiting Team Score Home Team Score
1st Quarter MUM SUH
SUH
04:40 - SUH - Apietu,Ryan 0 yd safety
0 2
2nd Quarter MUM SUH
SUH
14:52 - SUH - Francis,Christian 19 yd pass from Pearson,Jack ( ) 3 plays, 47 yards, TOP 00:08
0 8
3rd Quarter MUM SUH
SUH
05:33 - SUH - Walker,Roge't 87 yd pass from Anderson,Mason (Gallant,Carson kick) 3 plays, 83 yards, TOP 01:35
0 15
4th Quarter MUM SUH
SUH
09:59 - SUH - Gallant,Carson 27 yd field goal 7 plays, 53 yards, TOP 03:00
0 18
MUM
01:49 - MUM - Fay,Colin 11 yd pass from Little,Ty ( ) 12 plays, 65 yards, TOP 08:10
6 18
SUH
00:49 - SUH - McCloskey,Aidan 46 yd run (Gallant,Carson kick), 3 plays, 50 yards, TOP 01:00
6 25

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