CLINTON (S.C.) -- Ren Hefley, a Michigan transfer, set a new record in his first start at Presbyterian. He threw an FCS record 10 touchdowns as the Blue Hose won an 84-43 victory over NAIA member St. Andrews.
Head coach Kevin Kelly was his first college coaching job, and Presbyterian was the winner. Kelly, who had led Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas to nine state championships, and 216 wins over the course of 18 years, was chosen for this job.
The Blue Hose, which moved up to Division I play last year, also had two TD passes by backup quarterback Tyler Huff. This broke the record of 11 touchdowns for a team, set in 1990 by David Klingler (and the Houston Cougars) in a victory over Eastern Washington. Hefley broke Willie Totten's FCS record of nine. He was joined by Jerry Rice, a wide receiver, to create the Satellite Express in 1984. Drew Hubel, Portland State's quarterback, tied the record in 2007.
Hefley completed 38 out of 50 passes for 538 yard. Hefley also threw his 10th touchdown pass on the first play in the fourth quarter. He then took a seat. He didn't throw an interception. Huff completed 7 out 9 passes for 63 yards. Jalyn Witcher, a freshman, had five receptions for 156 yards and three touchdowns -- all in halftime -- for Presbyterian. This set a school record of points scored. Matthew Rivera had eight receptions of 137 yards and two TDs.
Seven other receivers also caught one TD pass. Hefley's touchdown passes were -- in order -- 1,622, 79, 36. 9, 25, 5, 1, 49, and 6.
Andrew Fowler completed nine of twenty passes for 99 yards with a touchdown and rushed for 40 yards for the Knights. He hails from North Carolina. D'Vonte Alley carried seven times for 86 yard and two scores.
