Mercer Bears kick off the 2021 football season with a 69-0 win

Football opened up their season at home against the Point University Skyhawks and did it in spectacular fashion.

Not only did the Bears dominate the scoreboard, but they gained a total of 778 yards, 539 of which were rushing. They broke the school record for total yards gained and the record for rushing yards in a game.

The Bear’s defense let up only 115 total yards and DJ McDaniel recorded an interception.

Quarterback Carter Peevy went 9-for-12, passing for 139 passing yards before being relieved by junior Dylan Fromm after the first half. Fromm went 5-for-7 passing for 46 passing yards before he too was substituted for junior Fred Peyton. Payton went 4-for-6 with 54 passing yards.

The first touchdown of the night came early in the first quarter after running back Brandon Marshall made a 4-yard run into the end zone. The second touchdown of the first quarter was a 15-yard pass from Peyton to sophomore Ethan Dirrim.

Peevy kicked off the second quarter with a 47-yard touchdown pass to receiver Ty James. Receiver Devron Harper went for a 25-yard run into the end zone for another Mercer touchdown.

Running back Fred Davis completed two back-to-back touchdowns, one a 6-yard run and the other a 2-yard run. The impressive two quarters left the bears up 42-0 at the half.

Even with the big lead, the Bears did not let up on offense.

Fromm connected with Tayshaun Shipp less than a minute into the second half, then Nakendrick Clark made a 4-yard run to end the third quarter. Tommy Pollack finished off the game with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The first was a 1-yard run and the second a 42-yard run.

Devin Folser made all 10 extra-point attempts and Caleb Dowden attempted a field goal kick in the fourth quarter, but missed right. The game ended 69-0.

The Bears head on the road next week to face the Alabama Crimson Tide on Sept 11.