Furman opened the season with an impressive 47-22 victory over Virginia Military Institute Saturday in Lexington, Va.<\/p>\n
Though the season is in its infancy, the match-up pitted two top Division II teams in the country. Last year, Furman finished the 15s season ranked 6th in the nation while VMI was tabbed 8th.<\/p>\n
The friendly contest consisted of three 30-minute halves. Both squads agreed to put newer players on the pitch during the second half.<\/p>\n
The first half was very competitive with Furman holding a 18-15 lead. The Paladins had multiple penalties and unforced knock-ons during the period as the team worked to iron out first game jitters. The Paladins won the second and third halves running way 25-7 and 29-7 respectively. The team’s ball movement and quick pace off-loading kept the Keydets off balance.<\/p>\n
Freshmen Jeffrey Rein, Austin Willis, Thomas Trankle and John Williams had exceptional games. Willis and Williams scored two trys each.<\/p>\n
“Our defense was suspect at times and VMI counter rucked well, but we improved as the game progressed,” said Furman Coach John Roberts. “Our new players really emerged.”<\/p>\n
This year, Furman players reported to school early. So, the Paladins had 9 practices under their belt before the first game.<\/p>\n
“The preparation really helped us,” said Roberts. “We are much further along now than we were this time last year.”<\/p>\n
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