Harbison scores twice in 2019 season opener

LEXINGTON, Va. - The Mars Hill football team (0-1) fell to VMI (1-1) by a score of 63-21 in their 2019 season opener.  Javon Harbison scored two touchdowns for the Lions.

The Keydets jumped out to a 21-0 lead after 15 minutes of play.  Javeon Lara caught a 26-yard touchdown pass from Reece Udinski less than three minutes into the contest.  Alex Ramsey's eight-yard run with 6:35 in the first frame doubled VMI's lead and three minutes later, Leroy Thomas' seven-yard touchdown reception put the Keydets up by three scores entering the second.

Mars Hill was able to break the shutout bid as Jimmy Urzua connected with Harbison for his first touchdown of the game just 1:05 into the second quarter.  Urzua threw his second touchdown pass of the day to Craig Rucker just over three minutes later to pull Mars Hill within seven points.  VMI was able to answer just 2:30 later as Jakob Herres pulled down a 36-yard touchdown pass from Udinski to reestablish a 14-point lead.  In the dying seconds of the half, VMI missed a field goal wide right.

Receiving the ball to start the second half, the Keydets' offense was led by the dominant drive of Alex Ramsey.  Accountable for all 65 yards of the four play drive, Ramsey was able to score on a six-yard run to go up 35-14 just 1:04 into the second half.  The Keydets added two more scores in the frame, outscoring Mars Hill 22-0 in the third quarter to go up 50-14 with 15 minutes left to play.

Sandwiched between two Keydets' rushing touchdowns, Cody Boynton threw his first collegiate touchdown as he connected with Harbison on a 65-yard play-action pass.

Urzua completed 13 of his 25 passes with two touchdowns and 156 yards.  Harbison pulled down seven receptions for 131 yards to lead all players.  In his collegiate debut, Rolous Frazier led the Lions run game with 48 yards.  Leading the way defensively was Carl Robertgeau with eight tackles (five solo) followed by Cameron Wrice with six tackles.

The Lions will host St. Augustine's on Saturday, September 14th at 1 p.m. on Local Lion Day.  Fans are encouraged to "Fill the Hill" as children up to eighth grade in Madison, Yancey and Buncombe counties are granted free admission.  Accompanying adults of the children will receive half-off the normally priced $14 dollar ticket.