Anderson, South Carolina, September 1, 2025
News Summary
The Anderson University football team secured a dominant 34-7 victory against Shorter University, showcasing their strength in their season opener. After falling behind in the second quarter, Anderson rallied with 34 unanswered points. Senior quarterback Tyler Wesley was pivotal, contributing four total touchdowns, while the defense excelled with seven sacks. This win marks a significant achievement in the program’s second year, as they look forward to their upcoming home game against Erskine College.
Anderson, South Carolina – The Anderson University football team opened their season with an impressive 34-7 victory over Shorter University, improving their record to 1-0 while Shorter fell to 0-1. The game, a highly anticipated contest for both teams, saw Anderson recover after trailing early in the second quarter.
Just 24 seconds into the second quarter, Anderson found themselves down by a touchdown. However, the Trojans quickly reversed their fortunes, scoring 34 unanswered points throughout the remainder of the game. This victory marks an important milestone for Anderson, maintaining their streak of winning their opening game in just the program’s second year.
Statistically, the Trojans dominated most aspects of the game, except for time of possession and third-down conversions. Senior quarterback Tyler Wesley led the offense with a significant contribution, recording four total touchdowns — two passing and two rushing. He completed 9 of 14 passes for 88 yards and gained 81 rushing yards, showcasing his versatility on the field.
Key rushing support came from redshirt-sophomore Bryson James, who led the backfield with 14 carries for 65 yards. Additionally, both freshman Cameran Loyd and senior Wesley Beckett caught touchdown passes, one from Wesley, while redshirt-sophomore Zaidon Gunn capped off the scoring with a nine-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Defensively, Anderson put up a strong performance with a total of seven sacks and nine tackles for loss. The defense was highlighted by redshirt-senior Jerrod Woods and redshirt-sophomore Josiah Jeffrey, each contributing five tackles, while Woods also recorded two tackles for loss. A total of 23 different Trojans were involved in the tackle count, showcasing a defensive unit working cohesively. Additionally, graduate Roc Clemson succeeded in securing the only interception of the game.
Describing the game flow, Anderson’s first drive resulted in a three-and-out, despite a strong field position resulting from the game’s opening kickoff. Shorter University managed their longest drive of the day, consuming 12:24 of the clock before scoring their only touchdown to take the lead. However, Anderson answered back just before halftime with a six-yard touchdown run from Wesley, tying the game 7-7.
In the second half, Anderson capitalized on a turnover with Wesley connecting a three-yard touchdown pass to Beckett, pushing the score to 14-7. Wesley then added to the lead with another rushing touchdown, making it 20-7. Following another three-and-out by Shorter, Wesley threw a touchdown pass to Loyd, solidifying their dominance. Gunn’s final touchdown run capped the scoring at 34-7 for the Trojans.
Anderson’s defense held firm, denying Shorter on a crucial fourth-down attempt late in the game. Looking forward, the Trojans will host the Flying Fleet of Erskine College next weekend for their home opener, which is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium.
FAQ
What was the final score of the Anderson vs. Shorter football game?
Anderson University won the game with a score of 34-7 against Shorter University.
Who scored the touchdowns for Anderson?
Tyler Wesley scored two rushing touchdowns and threw two touchdown passes, while Zaidon Gunn also scored a rushing touchdown. Cameran Loyd and Wesley Beckett each caught a touchdown pass.
What standout performances did the Anderson defense have?
The Anderson defense had seven sacks, recorded nine tackles for loss, and a total of 23 players registered a tackle. Jerrod Woods and Josiah Jeffrey each contributed five tackles, with Woods leading the team with two tackles for loss.
Key Features of the Game
| Statistic | Anderson Trojans | Shorter Hawks |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 34 | 7 |
| Touchdowns Scored | 5 | 1 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 2 | 0 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 3 | 1 |
| Sacks | 7 | 0 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 0 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Injuries Impact South Carolina High School Football Games
Lander University Honors College Celebrates Graduates
Lander University Celebrates Graduating Seniors at Honors Ceremony
Blake Bishop Appointed as District Three Director for PSTA
Weather and Academic Highlights for February 9, 2025
Additional Resources
- FloFootball: Anderson University Football Schedule 2025
- Wikipedia: Anderson, South Carolina
- FloFootball: How to Watch Anderson University Football 2025
- Google Search: Anderson University Football
- WYFF4: Trojans Declaw Hawks 34-7 in 2025 Season Opener
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- LR Bears: Bears Face the Trojans for the First Time Ever
- Google News: 2025 College Football
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
