ROME, Ga. – Facing a tough NCAA Division II opponent in Shorter University, the Fighting Tigers faced an uphill climb and unfortunately fell to the Hawks, 65-6, in their season opener.

Coming into Saturday's matchup, fans knew this would be a battle between two fierce rushing offenses as Shorter ranked among Conference Carolinas' best in run production the previous season. The Hawks used an efficient rushing attack to open up their passing game, finishing the contest with 127 yards on the ground while averaging 4.2 yards per carry on 30 rushing attempts.

Andrew unfortunately finished with minus-23 rushing yards on the day, but the Fighting Tigers were able to find some success through the air as they produced 114 passing yards. Quarterback Jaques Thompson led the Fighting Tigers through the air, completing 11 of 16 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. Jerry Bolton was his primary target, hauling in four receptions for 66 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown reception for Andrew's lone score of the afternoon.

The Fighting Tigers also saw several bright spots on the ground despite their struggles as a team. E. Coleman led Andrew with 21 yards on just two carries, averaging 10.5 yards per attempt, while J. Reese added 16 yards on two carries.

Despite a few bright spots, the Fighting Tigers' defense was unable to slow down a fierce passing attack from the Hawks. Shorter finished with 304 passing yards and completed 19 of its 25 pass attempts. Hawks quarterback J. Walls completed 16 of 19 passes for 245 yards and four touchdowns, helping lead Shorter to its first win of the season.

The Fighting Tigers return to action Saturday, Sept. 5, as they face Georgetown College out of Kentucky for their first home game of the season. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.

Located in Cuthbert, Georgia, Andrew College is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The Fighting Tigers sponsor 16 sports and compete in the Southern States Athletic Conference.