The Hampden-Sydney College (H-SC) football team dropped its first game of the season 33-14 to host Averett University on Sunday afternoon.

The action started out back and forth, but the Cougars managed 21 unanswered points that began with a 100-yard kickoff return in the second quarter to clinch the victory.

The Tigers scored first and led 7-6 midway through the first quarter before Averett capitalized on a H-SC fumble and took a 12-7 lead three plays later.

It looked like the Cougars were going to extend their lead, but the Tiger defense forced a fumble right in front of the goal line to prevent the score and get the ball back.

Senior quarterback Alec Cobb led the Tigers on a 75-yard drive that he capped with a five-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Major Morgan.

But then Averett returned the ensuing kickoff to go ahead for good. It also scored on a 49-yard touchdown pass before halftime and added a 41-yard interception return for a score in the second half.

Offensively, the Tigers gained 400 yards — 356 passing and 44 rushing. Cobb went 33-for-53 passing for 330 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Morgan led all receivers with ten catches for 153 yards and a touchdown.

H-SC (0-1) hosts Christopher Newport University on Saturday at 1 p.m.