Furman rallies against Coastal, to host C of C Saturday

Turner Morsches scored a try as time expired to cap a furious comeback as the Paladins defeated Coastal Carolina 25-24 to open fall matrix play.

Furman held a  15-5 lead early in the second half but surrendered three consecutive trys to the hard- charging Chanticleers over  a bleak 20-minute period. Trailing 24-15 in the 39th minute of the second half, winger Ryan Conlogue found a seam and broke away for a try to cut Coastal’s lead to 24-20.

Receiving the kick-off, Furman moved the ball methodically downfield and took advantage of several off-side penalties before Morsches, a senior, barreled into the tryzone on a quick tap play that caught the Chanticleers off-guard.

With the win, Furman moved to 3-0 on the young season, including wins in abbreviated games against sides from the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech.

“Coastal is a rival game and a very strong team. So beating them at their place is particularly gratifying,” said Furman Coach John Roberts. “That said, we had some defensive lapses and left some scores on the field. We need to work on putting together a complete game.”

Furman will host the College of Charleston 1 p.m. Saturday in the Paladin’s home opener. C of C defeated Lander last week 50-5.