Saturday, September 2
Lexington, VA
1:30 PM
Davidson College
0-1 , 0-0
7
at
12
VMI
1-0 , 0-0
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
F
Davidson
0
0
7
0
7
VMI
0
6
0
6
12
Photo by: Sammi Gutknecht, Davidson Athletic Communications
Late Touchdown Lifts VMI over ‘Cats in 2023 Opener, 12-7
9/2/2023 5:05:00 PM | Football
LEXINGTON, Va. – VJ Johnson scored on a 25-yard touchdown reception with 51 seconds remaining to lift VMI over Davidson, 12-7, in both teams' season opener Saturday afternoon inside Foster Stadium.
Trailing 7-6 with 4:19 to play, the Keydets took over on their own 15 and went 85 yards on 12 plays, including a 28-yard catch by Aiden Twombly on 3rd and 20 inside their own territory to keep the drive alive.
After forcing a three-and-out to start the second half, Davidson marched down the field with a 16-play, 75-yard drive highlighted by a Luke Durkin 24-yard touchdown pass to Christian Barry that put the 'Cats up 7-6. In addition to taking 9:42 off the game clock, the Wildcats converted multiple fourth downs en route to taking their first lead of the game.
Durkin concluded the afternoon 6-of-12 for 83 yards and a touchdown pass.
Despite the setback, Davidson's defense turned in an impressive performance highlighted by Julian Rawlins' seven tackles (2 for loss), sack and forced fumble. Sabin McLaughlin and Daniel Carter led the way with eight tackles each, while Amare Hill had a pick to halt VMI's opening possession.
With 1:11 left in the opening half, the Keydets put the first points on the board with a Grant Swinehart touchdown run before the point after attempt was unsuccessful.
Another bright spot for Davidson was punter Tristan Allen, who averaged 44.2 yards per kick, including a 63-yarder, while pinning three inside the opponent's 20.
1st Quarter
Highlighting the opening quarter for the Wildcats was an Amare Hill interception, which halted a lengthy opening drive for the Keydets. Quarterback Luke Durkin also connected with Brody Reina for 34 yards to move Davidson into VMI territory before being forced to punt.
2nd Quarter
Late in the quarter, VMI put the first points on the board and took a 6-0 advantage with a 14-yard touchdown run by Grant Swinehart, capping a 6-play, 55-yard drive. Davidson's defense continued its strong play in the second as Darryn Kindles recorded a sack and Sabin McLaughlin forced a fumble.
3rd Quarter
After forcing a three-and-out to start the second half, Davidson marched down the field with a 16-play, 75-yard drive highlighted by a Durkin 24-yard touchdown pass to Christian Barry that put the 'Cats up, 7-6. In addition to taking 9:42 off the game clock, the Wildcats converted multiple fourth downs en route to taking their first lead of the game.
4th Quarter
Neither team was able to put together lengthy possessions in the final 15 minutes until VMI's game-winning drive that lasted 12 plays for a total of 85 yards.
Up Next
Davidson will open its final season in Richardson Stadium next Saturday when Barton College visits for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Trailing 7-6 with 4:19 to play, the Keydets took over on their own 15 and went 85 yards on 12 plays, including a 28-yard catch by Aiden Twombly on 3rd and 20 inside their own territory to keep the drive alive.
After forcing a three-and-out to start the second half, Davidson marched down the field with a 16-play, 75-yard drive highlighted by a Luke Durkin 24-yard touchdown pass to Christian Barry that put the 'Cats up 7-6. In addition to taking 9:42 off the game clock, the Wildcats converted multiple fourth downs en route to taking their first lead of the game.
Durkin concluded the afternoon 6-of-12 for 83 yards and a touchdown pass.
Despite the setback, Davidson's defense turned in an impressive performance highlighted by Julian Rawlins' seven tackles (2 for loss), sack and forced fumble. Sabin McLaughlin and Daniel Carter led the way with eight tackles each, while Amare Hill had a pick to halt VMI's opening possession.
With 1:11 left in the opening half, the Keydets put the first points on the board with a Grant Swinehart touchdown run before the point after attempt was unsuccessful.
Another bright spot for Davidson was punter Tristan Allen, who averaged 44.2 yards per kick, including a 63-yarder, while pinning three inside the opponent's 20.
1st Quarter
Highlighting the opening quarter for the Wildcats was an Amare Hill interception, which halted a lengthy opening drive for the Keydets. Quarterback Luke Durkin also connected with Brody Reina for 34 yards to move Davidson into VMI territory before being forced to punt.
2nd Quarter
Late in the quarter, VMI put the first points on the board and took a 6-0 advantage with a 14-yard touchdown run by Grant Swinehart, capping a 6-play, 55-yard drive. Davidson's defense continued its strong play in the second as Darryn Kindles recorded a sack and Sabin McLaughlin forced a fumble.
3rd Quarter
After forcing a three-and-out to start the second half, Davidson marched down the field with a 16-play, 75-yard drive highlighted by a Durkin 24-yard touchdown pass to Christian Barry that put the 'Cats up, 7-6. In addition to taking 9:42 off the game clock, the Wildcats converted multiple fourth downs en route to taking their first lead of the game.
4th Quarter
Neither team was able to put together lengthy possessions in the final 15 minutes until VMI's game-winning drive that lasted 12 plays for a total of 85 yards.
Up Next
Davidson will open its final season in Richardson Stadium next Saturday when Barton College visits for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Team Stats
DAV
VMI
Total Yards
184
412
Pass Yards
83
239
Rushing Yards
101
173
Penalty Yards
5
54
1st Downs
8
22
3rd Downs
2
6
4th Downs
2
0
TOP
27:48
32:12
2nd Quarter
DAV 0, VMI 6
VMI - Swinehart,Grant 14 yd run (), 6 plays, 55 yards, TOP 02:35
3rd Quarter
DAV 7, VMI 6
DAV - Berry,Christian 24 yd pass from Durkin,Luke (Zouagui,Adam kick) 16 plays, 75 yards, TOP 09:42
4th Quarter
DAV 7, VMI 12
VMI - Johnson,VJ 25 yd pass from Ironside,Collin () 12 plays, 85 yards, TOP 03:28
Game Leaders
Passing Leaders
CMP
6
TD
1
YDS
83
INT
1
Players Mentioned
CB
/ Football
S
/ FootballQB
/ Football
CB
/ Football
DL
/ Football
LB
/ Football
DL
/ Football
WR
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