EMORY, Va. - Last week marked a tough week at home for the Emory & Henry College Football Team (1-4, 0-2 ODAC) as they fell to Shenandoah University (3-2, 1-1 ODAC) by a score of 36-33. Despite outgaining the Hornets in total offense, 649 yards to 376, the Wasps were unable to put enough points on the board to win the game. Penalties were once again the Achilles' heel for the Wasps as they were flagged 18 times for 129 yards. E&H is currently the fifth-most penalized team in the country at 101.8 yards per game. This week, Emory & Henry looks to get back on the winning track as it hosts Randolph-Macon College (5-0, 2-0 ODAC) for Homecoming.
Series History
Last season, the Wasps defeated the Yellow Jackets 31-21 in a rain soaked game in Ashland. Quarterback Dominic Dunnaville (Roanoke, Va.) had a great game passing and running the ball, completing all six of his passes and rushed ten times for 98 yards and a score. His versatility helped E&H outgain R-MC, 434-358. The all-time series sits with the Wasps ahead of the Yellow Jackets, 34-25-1, and riding back-to-back victories.
Emory & Henry
One of the biggest strengths of the Wasps' offense has been its offensive line. The E&H font five have opened up holes for the running backs, who have averaged 234.4 yards per game. The Emory & Henry offensive line is the best in pass-blocking in the league, giving up the fewest number of sacks and also boasting the best sacks allowed percentage as well. Senior center Nathan Harris (Roanoke, Va.) has not allowed a sack, while registering ten pancake blocks. Freshman Tyler Weterrings (Glade Hill, Va.) has and senior McFarland Murph (West Columbia, S.C.) have recorded six and five pancakes, respectively. Behind a strong offensive line, the Wasps are second in the ODAC in total offense, averaging 504.8 yards per game.
Senior linebacker Rhasheen Williams (Charlotte, N.C.) is pacing the Wasps in tackles with 41 on the year, which is also sixth in the ODAC. Davon Keith (Columbia, S.C.) sits near the top for several defensive categories as well and is third in sacks with 5.5 and second in tackles for loss with 8.5.
Randolph-Macon
Randolph-Macon comes into the game as not only the top team in the ODAC but the only undefeated college football team in the Commonwealth of Virginia with a record of 5-0 (2-0 ODAC). The Yellow Jackets are allowing a league-best nine points game while averaging 34.4 points of their own. R-MC's early success is greatly due to running back Tre Frederick, who is fourth in the nation in rushing with 802 yards and eight touchdowns.
Randolph-Macon's defense is only allowing opposing offenses an average of 268.6 yards of total offense per game. The Yellow Jackets have forced eight turnovers so far and are the least penalized team in the ODAC. The Wasps offense will have to be on top of their game for E&H to earn the victory.
Homecoming
Saturday's game marks the highlight of the 2016 Homecoming festivities on the Emory & Henry campus. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Fans are reminded that tailgating lots will open at 9:00 a.m., and there will be a special Homecoming-only tailgating lot next to the Duck Pond as in years past.
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