MACON, Ga. — Wofford fought back from a 10-point deficit thanks to explosive plays by quarterback Ethan Drumm, but a goal-line fumble and Mercer’s clock-moving offense proved costly in a 22–21 loss to open Southern Conference play at Five Star Stadium.
First Quarter: Mercer Sets the Tone
Mercer struck first with a sustained opening drive finished off by a short touchdown run from quarterback Braden Atkinson, and extended the advantage with Reice Griffith’s 35-yard field goal, making it 10–0. Wofford’s defense responded stoutly on a third-down run inside the 5-yard line, where linebacker Maximus Pulley shut down the play, forcing a field goal instead of a touchdown.
Late in the first quarter, Eli Campbell comes up with a big interception for the Terriers. pic.twitter.com/pkClPIR1Dd
Second Quarter: Aikens Flips the Script, Anderson’s Fumble Stalls Revival
Trailing 10–0, Wofford ignited the comeback when Ethan Drumm unleashed an 80-yard touchdown pass to Ivory Aikens, cutting the deficit to 10–7. Yet, a promising drive ended abruptly when Ilshon Anderson fumbled at the goal line, thwarting the chance to even the score. Mercer responded by adding a field goal to take a 13–7 halftime lead. Safety Perrin Ketchin later broke up a pass in the end zone to preserve the one-score margin.
After a missed field goal by the Bears, Ethan Drumm finds Ivory Aikens for an 80-yard TD. Wofford 7, Mercer 10 at 3:31 in the second quarter. pic.twitter.com/89lEi3g1Tq
Wofford came out of halftime electric. Drumm found Isaiah Scott on a 51-yard touchdown, giving Wofford its first lead at 14–13. The defense then delivered two back-to-back tackles for loss by Elijah Hall and Ryan Inman, setting up a rapid, two-play scoring drive completed with a 7-yard touchdown pass to C.J. Adams, pushing the Terriers ahead 21–13. Mercer answered with Griffith’s 44-yard field goal, closing the gap to 21–16 heading into the fourth quarter.
Wofford opens the second half with a 51-yard TD pass from Ethan Drumm to Isaiah Scott. Terriers lead 14-13 at 13:21 in the third quarter. pic.twitter.com/URJAyumylN
Mercer reclaimed the lead when Atkinson connected with C.J. Miller for a 16-yard touchdown pass. Though the two-point conversion failed, Wofford trailed 22–21. The defense forced a fourth-quarter punt—highlighted by a sack from Jeremiah Edwards—but Wofford’s offense was unable to sustain a final drive, turning it over on downs as time expired.
Defensive Highlights
Maximus Pulley: Critical red-zone stop in Q1.
Perrin Ketchin: Late second-quarter pass breakup.
Elijah Hall & Ryan Inman: Consecutive third-down TFLs that set up Wofford’s second touchdown.
Jeremiah Edwards: Fourth-quarter sack that stalled Mercer deep.
Coach Watson Reflects
After the game, head coach Shawn Watson offered perspective on the close loss:
“I hurt for our players and coaches after this hard-fought battle against a good football team,” Watson said. “We had some big explosive plays on offense and moved the ball. We just have to keep working. We’re a young team and we are getting better each week. I’m really proud of the way these kids have hung in there and really fought.” Wofford College Athletics
Game Snapshot
Ethan Drumm: 6-of-16, 168 yards, 3 TDs (all by big plays).
Mercer’s Edge: 468 total yards, 27 first downs, nearly 39 minutes of possession time. Wofford College Athletics
Road Ahead: Wofford Visits Virginia Tech
Wofford remains on the road for their next game—this time against Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, set for Sept. 20 at 12 p.m. ET. Wofford College Athletics Coach Watson emphasized the need to refine execution:
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