Mercer football outlasts Reinhardt, 45-42

MACON, Ga. (MERCER ATHLETICS RELEASE) – The Mercer University football team defeated Reinhardt, 45-42, on Thursday night at Mercer University Stadium to open the 2014 season. The Bears were led by sophomore quarterback John Russ, who completed 15-of-21 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns to go along with 51 rushing yards.

The Bears (1-0) tallied 492 yards of total offense and the Eagles (0-1) notched 469 offensive yards in the shootout. Reinhardt missed two field goals, a 39-yard attempt in the first quarter and a 43-yard attempt with three seconds remaining on the clock, which ultimately decided the game.

Sophomore Robert Brown made four catches for 67 yards and junior JT Palmer pulled down four passes for 60 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Mercer was led by sophomore Tyler Ward, who made 13 tackles, including six solo and two for a loss. Junior Alex Avant and Sophomore Tripp Patterson each added six tackles of their own.

Next up, Mercer hosts Furman at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, to kick off the Bears’ first season in the Southern Conference.