Victory! LC Football Stops Framingham State, 24-21

Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2025

For specific information on the upcoming Berry College game view our GAME DAY INFORMATION.

 

The LaGrange College football team won 24-21 at Framingham State University in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Bowditch Field in Framingham, Massachusetts. With the win, the Panthers reach the second round of the playoffs for the first time while likewise cracking double-digit wins total for the first time.

After exchanging punts on the first few series, the Panthers went for it on fourth-and-five from the Rams' 30 and LaGrange junior quarterback Henry Brodnax hit senior wide receiver Ashton Bryant for a nine-yard completion. Four plays later, senior kicker Landon Eaker hit a 37-yard field goal to get LaGrange on the board, 3-0.

As the second quarter began, the Rams drove into Panther territory on their next drive, but as they had all season, the LaGrange defense would make the big play as sophomore defensive back Messiah Scandrett intercepted a pass on third down to give the ball to the Panthers.

After a turnover on downs by LaGrange, the Framingham offense heated up, as they drove 72 yards capped off with a 37-yard touchdown run from sophomore running back Jaheim Daniels to give the Rams a 7-3 lead.

On their ensuing drive, the Panthers drove to the Rams 27 before once again flaming out, turning it over on downs.

Back with the ball, Framingham State reached the LaGrange 44 before the Panther defense solidified with LaGrange junior defensive end Matthew Moore making the hurry on third down to force the Rams to punt.

With two minutes left and the ball in their hands, the Panthers started to rediscover the big plays that had won them the USA South Conference Championship and a place in the NCAA Tournament. Brodnax hit sophomore tight end Mychal Stillwell for a 30-yard completion, then two plays later found junior running back Kolby Crawford for a 32-yard gain to take them to the Rams' two. Freshman quarterback Kirk Scott, the 2025 USA South Offensive Rookie of the Year, then punched it in on the ground, giving LaGrange the lead back as they went into halftime leading 10-7.     

In the third quarter, the Panthers started cooking on both sides of the ball. The Rams went three-and-out on their opening possession with LaGrange junior linebacker Dezmond Jones breaking up the pass on third down. On the very next play, sophomore Jace Black blocked the punt, setting LC up with amazing field position at the Framingham 24. Two plays later, junior running back Tacaris Bozeman busted through for a 24-yard touchdown, putting the Panthers up 17-7.

The Rams went three-and-out on their next drive, with sophomore defensive back Brandon Brooks making the tackle on the third down to force the punt.

Later in the third quarter, FSU reached LC's 15-yard line after a big gain. The Panthers nearly escaped after forcing incompletions on first and second down before Framingham freshman quarterback Michael Marcucella hit sophomore wide receiver Adrian Sarrette for a 15-yard touchdown, pulling the Rams back to within three at 17-14. The third quarter came to an end with the game still undecided.

The fourth quarter saw the two teams continue to trade the ball back and forth, neither able to break the other's defense until the closing minutes of the game when the Panthers committed entirely to their running game, as they rushed on eight of nine possessions of the drive, finally punching it in off a two-yard run from Bozeman with 3:15 to go. LaGrange took a 24-14 lead.

With their season on the line, the Rams went on a ten-play drive, scoring off two yard rush from Marcucella with 23 seconds left. Just like that, it was a one-score game.

Framingham State attempted the on-side kick, but LaGrange recovered. The Panthers took a knee as the sideline erupted in celebration.

Up next

LaGrange is back on the field on Saturday, Nov. 29, when they travel to Berry College (Rome, Georgia), in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. 

 

Game day information

Admission

• Everyone is required to pay that is not on the approved credential list.
• 58 in uniform student athletes
• 25 out of uniform student athletes on sidelines
• 25 staff (coaches, athletic training, media, managers, etc.)

All additional football student athletes or staff must pay and sit in stands.

There is no pass list for anyone.

Ticket Prices

• $15 for Adults
• $10 for Seniors (65yrs & above)
• $10 for Students (with school ID)
• $10 for Children ages 3-12
• $0 for Children 2 and under

Ticket Sales

• Multiple tents will be set up besides the standard ticket booth. Utilize any line. Credit and/or debit card only.
• Ticket sales start at 10:00 AM
• Gates open following Viking Walk about 10:30 AM
• Attendees at NCAA tournament games are not allowed to bring in any noisemaking devices (i.e. horns, bells, etc.)

Tailgating

• LaGrange fans will have access to a tailgating area directly in front of the Cage Center. Restrooms are available inside on the Cage Center.
• Berry College is a dry campus, and any alcohol will be confiscated and disposed of.
• No outside food or beverage will be allowed into Valhalla Stadium.
•  A pipe underground busted, and a portion of the tailgate area is roped off.
• Do not remove the rope as it is unsafe inside the area, but no other area is affected. There is still more than enough room for the regular tailgating.

Additional Information

• The game will be streamed on ESPN+, and you must have a subscription to watch online.
• There will be a cooling off period at the end of the game. Time will be placed on the clock, and no one is permitted onto the field prior to the conclusion of the cooling off period.

 

Category: College, Events, Students

Keywords: Athletics, Tournament