UTC's Xavier Borishade makes a big play.
photo by M.A. Locke
UTC quarterback Alejandro Bennifield threw four touchdowns, Derrick Craine (2 yards), Kyle Nalls (23 yards – first career TD), and Tyler Roberson (11 yards, 1 yards) had scoring runs while the Mocs defense had two fumble recoveries as Chattanooga defeated Shorter University, 66-0, Thursday night at Finley Stadium in the season opener for both teams.
Bennifield had scoring tosses to James Stovall (30 yards), Xavier Borishade (20 yards), C.J Board 9 yards) and backup quarterback Tyler Roberson (9 yards).
The Mocs led 24-0 at the end of the first quarter, 45-0 at halftime and 59-0 at the end of three.
Fast Start: Shorter QB Tyler Pullum fumbled on Shorter’s first play from scrimmage in the first quarter and UTC scored two minutes later on the 2-yard run by Craine, his 20th career rushing touchdown, followed five minutes later on a Bennifield to Stovall scoring play and the route was on.
Senior Henrique Ribeiro made all nine extra point attempts (school record is 11 in one game) plus a 37 yard field goal.
Shorter was Short Two Starters: No.1 QB Matt Williams, a junior college transfer, has not been cleared to play as the school is waiting for an updated transcript.
The Hawks’ All-American running back B.J. McCoy has an injured shoulder and did not play.
Mocs Notes
Most Points … The Mocs’ 66 points is the first time a UTC team has scored 60 or more points in the Russ Huesman Era.
Chris Miller and Kyle Nalls scored their first career touchdown tonight … Alejandro Bennifled threw four TD passes … school record is 6 in one game …
Season Opening Win: UTC is 60-48-1 all-time in season openers and 73-33-3 in home openers
UTC 66, Shorter 0
1st Quarter
UTC - Derrick Craine 2 run (Henrique Ribeiro kick), 7-0 … 5 plays, 25 yards, 2_01
UTC - James Stovall 30 pass from Alejandro Bennifield (Ribeiro kick), 14-0 … 2 plays, 39 yards, :52
UTC - Ribeiro 37 field goal, 17-0 … 5 plays, 35 yards, 1:31
UTC - Xavier Borishade 20 pass from Bennifield (Ribeiro kick), 24-0 … 6 plays, 21 yards, 3:38
2nd Quarter
UTC - C.J. Board 9 pass from Bennifield (Ribeiro kick), 31-0 … 6 plays, 54 yards, 2:54
UTC - Tyler Roberson 9 pass from Bennifield (Ribeiro kick), 38-0 … 3 plays, 27 yards, 1:12
UTC - Kyle Nalls 23 run (Ribeiro kick), 45-0 … 8 plays, 69 yards, 3:21
3rd Quarter
UTC - Chris Miller 3 run (Ribeiro kick), 52-0 … 5 plays, 39 yards, 2:24
UTc - Roberson 11 run (Ribeiro kick), 59-0 … 10 plays, 69 yards, 6:49
4th Quarter
UTC - Roberson 1 run (Ribeiro kick), 66-0 … 5 plays, 20 yards, 2:54
contact B.B. Branton at william.branton.comcast.net