Davidson College
5-2 , 2-1
Jacksonville
2-5 , 0-3
Dugger's Record-Setting Day Drives Davidson over JU, 49-19
10/19/2019 5:58:00 PM | Football
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Junior running back Wesley Dugger became the program's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (37) after a dominant five-score day as Davidson downed Jacksonville in Pioneer Football League action Saturday at D.B. Milne Field, 49-19.
Dugger rushed for 193 yards on 22 carries (8.8 YPC) and found the end zone a career-best five times. The Henrico, Va., native passed John Leverett (34) and Ray Sinclair (33) for career rushing touchdowns and moved into third on the all-time rushing list with 2,940 career yards.
Davidson (5-2, 2-1 PFL) posted 521 yards on the ground (549 total), while holding a potent Dolphin rushing attack to just 81 yards.
"For us the philosophy coming into the game was, 'hey, no one is going to take our downhill game away.' That happened last week … So, I really came into this game saying 'ok, we're going to feed [Jorell Story and Dugger] and one way or another, people are going to have stop it,' and you saw that today and it makes everyone around them better," said head coach Scott Abell.
The Wildcats scored on their first three possessions, all Dugger short yardage scores, and all with extra point conversions from slot receiver Pat Tabor. Tabor filled in last minute and went on to convert all seven point after tries on the day.
Dugger scored the first two Wildcat TDs of the second half before Tabor and Louis Colosimo got in on the scoring action. Story also had a stellar day out, rushing for 82 yards including a breakout 34-yard scamper down the JU sideline.
The 'Cats led by as much as 36, (49-13), in the third quarter, and it was as much to do with Dugger and the offense as it was a stout defensive performance.
"Great effort. We ran to the football. We're built on speed and our guys rallied … So many different guys played a part and really happy with this win, such a complete team win."
Senior linebacker Tony Collins paced a balanced and stout Davidson defense with six tackles and also picked off a pass – his first since 2016. The Wildcats posted 5.0 tackles for loss, while Nick Baker recovered a fumble on a Dolphin kick return attempt. Sophomore punter Evan Pritchard took over kickoff duties and his kicks flustered Jacksonville all day, allowing Baker a chance to fall on a Dolphin blunder.
A week after rushing for 448 yards against Morehead State, Davidson held the Dolphins to 81 yards on the ground.
"I loved our energy and effort all day … so proud our guys answered that call and rallied today. They were determined to be the best they could be."
Up Next
Davidson returns to Richardson Stadium Saturday, Oct. 26 for a PFL clash with Marist. Kick off with the Red Foxes from Stephen B. Smith Field is slated for 1 p.m. Don't miss out, get your tickets now!
Dugger's Day Out
Dugger's five touchdowns is the most by a Davidson running back in a single game … Seven times a Wildcat rushed for four scores in a single-game including Dugger on two occasions … With 193 yards, he passed Eric Ferguson (2,791) on the all-time rushing list into third with 2,940 yards … He has scored 10 times over the last three games and is six off the PFL record of 43.
Team Stats
DAV 7, JU 0
DAV - DUGGER, Wesley 1 yd run (TABOR, Pat kick), 13 plays, 80 yards, TOP 7:05
DAV 14, JU 0
DAV - DUGGER, Wesley 3 yd run (TABOR, Pat kick), 8 plays, 48 yards, TOP 3:35
DAV 21, JU 0
DAV - DUGGER, Wesley 3 yd run (TABOR, Pat kick), 9 plays, 74 yards, TOP 3:18
DAV 21, JU 3
JU - Zachary Benwick 37 yd field goal 10 plays, 56 yards, TOP 4:12
DAV 28, JU 3
DAV - DUGGER, Wesley 3 yd run (TABOR, Pat kick), 3 plays, 75 yards, TOP 1:18
DAV 28, JU 10
JU - Ish Cortes 9 yd pass from Calvin Turner (Zachary Benwick kick) 7 plays, 61 yards, TOP 3:49
DAV 28, JU 13
JU - Zachary Benwick 40 yd field goal 4 plays, -2 yards, TOP 1:17
DAV 35, JU 13
DAV - DUGGER, Wesley 5 yd run (TABOR, Pat kick), 10 plays, 75 yards, TOP 4:59
DAV 42, JU 13
DAV - COLOSIMO, Louis 10 yd run (TABOR, Pat kick), 4 plays, 47 yards, TOP 1:58
DAV 49, JU 13
DAV - TABOR, Pat 3 yd run (TABOR, Pat kick), 8 plays, 31 yards, TOP 3:53
DAV 49, JU 19
JU - BJ Byrd 20 yd run (Calvin Turner passfailed), 7 plays, 70 yards, TOP 2:45
