Paladins Joust Bulldogs 31-13

Jay Jacobs Published: September 27, 2025 | Updated: September 27, 2025 2 minutes read

Read Time:2 Minute, 15 Second

The Furman Paladins (2-1, 0-0 SoCon) went for a trip to Alabama to face its first SoCon matchup of the year in Samford Bulldogs (0-4, 0-1 SoCon) at 3:30pm. The Paladins had a great matchup last week and got the win over the Campbell Camels in dramatic 4th quarter fashion. Samford on the other hand has had several issues in its offense so far this year with over 50+ new players on the team.

Evan James scores on a 19-yard touchdown run! Ian Williams' PAT is GOOD!
Furman 7, Samford 0 | 12:14-1Q pic.twitter.com/bDHGUinMMY

— Furman Football (@PaladinFootball) September 27, 2025

Furman would start out fast in this game when Evan James gets a 19-yard touchdown run to get the Paladins on the board 7-0. Trey Hedden to Joshua Burrell, 7-yard touchdown pass! Ian Williams’ PAT is GOOD! Furman 14, Samford 0 and Burrell gets his first touchdown as a Paladin. Samford would battle back in the second quarter and get a touchdown with 9:08 left in the half to make it 14-0. After a Ian Williams field goal miss of 54 yards, the Paladins Raleigh Herbert’s pick-six is Furman’s second of the season and Furman goes up 21-7.

PICK SIX by Raleigh Herbert! pic.twitter.com/BKd9PcmvI4

— Furman Football (@PaladinFootball) September 27, 2025

More 1st Half Highlights: Joshua Burrell with the 17yd TD reception! pic.twitter.com/kGtM5c1gcZ

— Furman Football (@PaladinFootball) September 27, 2025

The Paladins defense would start out the 3rd quarter in yet another great way with a stop of Samford on fourth down and gives the offense the ball in great position. Then its QB Trey Hedden hitting Ja’Keith Hamilton for 4-yards another Paladin TOUCHDOWN! The Paladin QB is dialed in today for a big game and the score is now 28-7 Paladins. The Paladin defense would be on fire all day recording sacks on the Samford QB lead by Stoneking, and then the defense would get a turnover when Samford fumbles the ball, and Tre McLeod recovers it. Ian Williams would put up a field goal, and the Paladins are now up 31-7 with just over a minute left in the third quarter.

Ian Williams drills the 40-yard FG! pic.twitter.com/tQqBU9dfFF

— Furman Football (@PaladinFootball) September 27, 2025

The Paladins would give up a touchdown but hold on the two-point conversation to win 31-13 and get the Paladins to 3-1, 1-0 in the Southern Conference. QB Trey Hedden had 272 yards and 2 TDs; while going 28/21 for the day, Gavin Hall ran for 65 yards on 16 attempts. Furman also had 8 receivers touch the ball for 272 yards. It was a great game for the Paladins as they gear up for ETSU who invades Paladin Stadium next week for WHITE OUT. Make sure to get to the game early as we expect a huge crowd and lots of great tailgating.