The “Black Hats” dropped its season opener on the road yesterday against Division II opponent the University of Virginia-Wise, falling 41-9 at Carl Smith Field.

The Panthers forced a fumble on UVA-Wise’s first drive of the game, which Rah’Quan Payne recovered. The Panthers were unable to create points on the ensuing drive. Jae Gillespie scored all three of his rushing touchdowns, (51, 20, 4) in the first quarter to take an early 21-0 lead.

The Cavaliers tacked on 10 more points in the second quarter, from a Lendon Redwine touchdown pass and a Kellan Dalton field goal, to take a 31-0 lead at half.

Dalton kicked a 50 yard field goal to extend the lead to 34-0 in the third quarter for UVA-Wise.

Ferrum broke the shutout after Brayden Hawkins connected with Daniel Lamb for a nine yard touchdown pass. The conversion failed.

Julian Edwards extended the lead with a 33 yard touchdown run for the Cavaliers.

Seth Deaton nailed a 39-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to make the score 41-9.

For the game, Hawkins was 15-34 for 181 yards and a touchdown; Sincere Adams had 3 tackles, 0.5 TFL

Panther Coach Cleive Adams’ team will host Muskingum University Sat., Sept. 10, at 1 p.m. in the non-conference season opener at W.B. Adams Stadium