DURHAM, N.C. — Ferrum College’s Flag Football team completed a strong postseason run with a runner-up finish in the 2026 Conference Carolinas Championship after advancing through a dominant quarterfinal win and a hard-fought semifinal victory.
The Panthers opened tournament play with a 72-0 win over Mount Olive in the quarterfinals. Ferrum controlled the game from the opening drive, using an efficient passing attack and a defense that kept the Trojans from finding any offensive rhythm.
The shutout victory set the tone for the Panthers’ postseason run and sent them into the semifinals with confidence.
Ferrum carried that momentum into a 27-20 semifinal win over Lees-McRae to secure a spot in the championship game. Quarterback Payson Shreeve, first-year, led the offense with 318 passing yards and four touchdowns, spreading the ball effectively throughout the game.
First-Year, Jaden Hiers was the top receiving threat, finishing with 136 yards and multiple touchdowns, providing key plays in critical moments, and First-Year Student, Macy Taylor added two touchdowns on offense while also contributing defensively.
Samantha Pitzer, a first-year, was active in the passing game and helped slow opposing receivers on defense, while the two first-years, Jordan Snell and Anastasia Rogers, contributed on both sides of the ball, making key tackles and coverage stops to preserve the win.
In the championship game against Wingate, Ferrum struck first to take a 7-0 lead and looked poised to challenge the top seed early. Wingate responded in the second quarter with two touchdowns to take control and entered halftime with a 14-7 lead. The Bulldogs maintained momentum in the second half, extending their advantage with a balanced offensive attack while limiting Ferrum’s scoring opportunities.
Ferrum added a touchdown late but could not close the gap as Wingate secured a 32-14 victory to claim the Conference Carolinas title.
The Panthers finished the season 17-4 overall after reaching the championship game in the conference’s first year of flag football competition. Ferrum’s postseason included a shutout win, a comeback semifinal victory, and a competitive championship appearance, establishing the program as an early contender in the league.
