Box Score Laurinburg, NC - The Webber International football team opened the season strong as they defeated the Saint Andrews Saints 49-14. A strong showing by starter Blake Birchler proved to be a critical contributor with three passing touchdowns and 24 rushing yards on four attempts.

The Knights won the coin toss and then deferred, giving the Warriors the ball to start the game. Webber came out strong with a quick strike 15 yard passing touchdown from Birchler to Reynald Fleurival in under five minutes. Webber would then score three more touchdowns before the Knights could respond, including one off of a blocked punt recovered by David Augustin. The Knights responded with a one-yard rushing touchdown by Jalen Dodd. In the final six minutes of the half, the Warriors, led by Birchler and Terry Weems Jr., ran down for a touchdown to make it 35-7 at the half.

St. Andrews started the second half with the ball, but the Warriors' defense was too strong, forcing a three-and-out, before a two-hour rain delay. After the delay, it was decided to reduce the last two quarters to eight minutes each. The Warriors came back out on offense ready to work. Jordan Griffin got things started with a five yard touchdown rush with under five minutes left in the game. The Knights responded quickly by moving the ball down to the Webber 17, before Kayden Hill sacked Dodd for eight yards. Cameron Stephens then sacked Dodd and forced a fumble, which was recovered by the Warriors on their own 26 yard line. 

Webber ended the third quarter on offense as Jacob Dennie got his first career reps for the Warriors. Dennie completed two passes for 11 yards, and had three rushing attempts for 24 yards. 

The fourth quarter began with a 40 yard punt by Reagan Harrell, which was returned for 16 yards, before being stopped by Josiah Everett at the Knights 47 yard line. After a failed rushing attempt, Arobson Cook then had a 49 catch and carry, before Kayden Hill forced a fumble at the three yard line, which rolled out of bounds. Nahjir Seagraves finished the possession for the Knights with a three-yard rushing touchdown. 

The Warriors' final drive started with a 21 yard return by Kenneth Davis. Trent Grotjan, who got his first college minutes, and Dennie both got reps before a 25 yard rush by Dennie had Webber in the red zone one last time. Avery Giddens caught a two-yard pass from Grotjan to seal the win for the Warriors with under two minutes to go. 

The Knights brought in Dylan O'Banks in at quarterback. O'Banks completed one pass for 12 yards to Cook before Darius Holly was got his turn. Holly finished the game for the Knights with two completed passes for one yard. 

The Warriors will be back next Saturday as they are set to host Cumberland University at 1:30 pm. Check out webberathletics.com for more information and EventBrite for tickets.