Mercer Comes Back to Knock Off Jacksonville, Bears Move to 9-1

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Mercer Bears are still undefeated at home since 1941.

In front of a crowd of 9,729 Saturday, Mercer (9-1, 5-1 Pioneer) erased an 11-point deficit in the second half and knocked off Jacksonville 45-42 to push their home record to 7-0.

The Dolphins (4-6, 3-4 Pioneer) built a 35-24 lead midway through the third quarter, but after kicker Dylan Lynch missed a 36-yard field goal try, Mercer began its comeback.

John Russ’ 46-yard pass to Robert Brown set the Bears up at the Jackonsville 26.  Later, on 4th and 5, JT Palmer caught a 16-yarder from Russ to move the chains.  JeTarii Donald’s 3-yard touchdown run with 1:21 left in the quarter brought the Bears to within four.

Alex Avant intercepted a bobbled pass on Jackonville’s next drive to put Mercer back in business.  With 10:02 left in the fourth, Russ’ 18-yard touchdown pass to Josh Jones gave the Bears a 38-35 lead.

Jacksonville punted, and Mercer’s air attack struck again.  With 6:17 left, Palmer made a beautiful catch in the back of the endzone on a 33-yard fade from Russ to put Mercer up 45-35.

Frantz Caudio’s 1-yard touchdown run with 2:40 to go pulled the Dolphins to within three, but a lost fumble on their final drive sealed the Bears’ fifth straight win.

Mercer (486) and Jacksonville (629) combined for more than 1,100 yards of offense. 

Russ completed 11 of his 23 passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns.  He also added 162 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Mercer visits Marist (7-3, 6-1 Pioneer) next Saturday. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.