The Hampden-Sydney College football team took a 31-25 loss Saturday to visiting Emory & Henry College in a back-and-forth game that saw two ties and three lead changes.

The Tigers led 17-14 at the half, but two straight touchdowns by the Wasps gave Emory & Henry an 11-point fourth quarter lead. The Tigers battled back to come within six and drove into Emory & Henry territory but could not convert, with the Wasps holding on for the win.

With the loss, Hampden-Sydney drops to 2-6 on the season and 2-3 in Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) play. The Wasps, now on a three-game win streak, improve to 4-4 overall and 3-2 in the conference.

The Tigers tallied 411 yards of offense on Saturday, with 342 passing and 69 rushing. Alec Cobb (Jamestown, N.C./Ragsdale) was 26-of-51 for 342 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. Patrick Kline (New Cumberland, Pa./Trinity) had a strong outing with six catches for 76 yards. Mike DeMasi (Virginia Beach/Frank W. Cox) had five catches for 24 yards while also leading the ground attack with 55 yards on 18 carries.
Major Morgan (Onancock/Broadwater Academy) recorded four catches for 67 yards and his first career touchdown, Owen Costello (South Riding/Paul VI) had four catches for 60 yards and Cam Johnson (Dillwyn/Buckingham) caught three balls for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, the Tigers allowed 502 yards of offense, 351 passing and 151 rushing. Bender Vaught (Ashland/Patrick Henry) led the way with seven tackles, while Matt Dooley (Haymarket/Battlefield) and Tanner Ramey (Mechanicsville/Atlee) had six and five stops, respectively. Jamal Woolridge (Chester/Thomas Dale) picked off a pass, and Brian Gwaltney (Colonial Heights/Colonial Heights) recovered a fumble that Griffin Davis (Charlottesville/William and Mary) forced.

The Tigers will return to action Saturday as they travel to Winchester to face the Hornets of Shenandoah University. Kickoff is set for noon.