FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Methodist pulled away for a 34-17 over LaGrange in a USA South game Saturday at Monarchs Stadium. The Panthers dropped to 1-4 overall and 1-2 in conference play.

LC took a 7-3 lead in the first quarter. Shedrick Lindsey finished an eight-play, 80-yard drive with a 2-yard toss to De'queze Fryer. The Panthers benefitted from a pass interference call that wiped out a Monarchs' interception return for a TD. On a third and 15, Lindsey hooked up with LJ Flint for 63 yards to the Methodist 2-yard line. Lindsey found Fryer on the next play for the TD.

It was Fryer's fifth straight game with a TD reception. He finished the game with eight catches for 80 yards.

Methodist came back with 24 unanswered points in the second quarter and into the third quarter to open up a 27-7 lead.

Brandon Bullins threw two TD passes during the span, the second a 92-yard, back-breaking score to Kobe Praylow. It was the longest play from scrimmage ever by a Panther opponent. Bullins finished the day with 229 yards passing and three TDs.

The Panthers answered with 10 straight points of their own. Damione Ward guided the Panthers on a nine-play, 76-yard scoring drive, accounting for 72 yards himself. He ran for 14 yards for a first down to the Methodist 17. Three plays later, he found Jashari Anderson for a 13-yard score to make it 27-14.

The defense forced a turnover on Methodist's next possession. Aaron Belt recovered a fumble to stop the Monarchs at the LC 10-yard line. Ward ripped off a 15-yard run to start the drive. Fryer hauled in receptions of 31 and 14 yards to get the Panthers inside the Methodist 20. After the drive stalled, Alex Rivera booted a 32-yard field goal to get the Panthers within 10, 27-17, heading to the fourth quarter.

Ward was 15-of-22 passing for 161 yards and a TD. He had 44 yards rushing on six attempts, averaging 7.3 yards per attempt.

Bullins and Praylow connected for the second time to close out the scoring in the fourth quarter. Praylow's 18-yard TD catch capped a quick four-play, 50-yard drive for the final 34-17 margin.

Isaiah Screen led the defense with 13 total tackles.

The Panthers host Brevard in a USA South game next Saturday at Callaway Stadium. Kickoff is 4 p.m. 

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