WALESKA, Ga. - Faulkner (0-1) took an early lead on the road against No. 10 Reinhardt (1-0), but the opposing Eagles were too much in the season opener as Faulkner fell 36-3 Thursday evening at Ken White Field.
Just two plays into the game,
Jailen Clemons picked off Stephen Craig and seemed to have scored, but under the first year of replay, it was overturned and the Helena-McRae, Ga. native was ruled down at the one. However, Faulkner could not punch it in as Reinhardt's defense stood tall on its first series of the year, forcing Faulkner back five yards over the next three plays. However,
Caden Davis cashed in the first three points of the season with a 23 yard field goal.
After that, it was all Reinhardt though. The hosts drove 59 yards on 11 plays over 6:37 capping it off with a 10-yard touchdown run from Craig to score what would prove to be the game-winning touchdown. Reinhardt pulled away with 14 points in the second before icing the game with 15 in the fourth.
Faulkner only crossed midfield twice the rest of the game as Reinhardt's defense was a tough customer for freshman quarterback
Nehemiah Broussard to face. The Houston native became the first true freshman to start the first game of the season for the Eagles since Joe Scott in 2009. Broussard would end the night with eight completions for 61 yards and two picks while also leading the team in rushing yards with 19.
T.J. Hall led the receivers with two catches for 21 yards.
The defense had a tall task, defending 67 plays in the afternoon.
Jailen Clemons led the defensive effort with a pair of picks to add to four tackles.
Samaj Washington led the tackling category with seven.
Jerrell Williamson forced a fourth quarter fumble that
Avian Morgan scooped up.
Caden Davis totaled 272 yards punting on eight attempts.
The Eagles will have a week off before heading up to Kentucky to take on Pikeville to open Mid-South Conference play.
