The Georgia Southern Football Team ended their season finale with a 13-6 win over the Citadel Bulldogs. As the last game of the season, the Eagles wanted to leave with momentum and set the tone before the start of next season. “You always want to finish positive,” said J.B. Shippy. Shippy, who returned from an AC joint and knee injury, finished the night with seven tackles. Shippy’s aggressive attitude was a gift to the seniors who played their last down at Paulson Stadium. “It was their last time on this field and I was going to send them out with a victory,” said Shippy.

The Citadel started from their 30 yard line, but gained just six yards. Cass Couey’s 52 yard punt landed in the hands of Mitch Williford, who handed it off to Laron Scott for a 41 yard gain. Lee Chapple returned as the man under center for the Eagles. Chapple completed a screen pass to wide receiver Jonathan Bryant who broke a few tackles and made a 22 yard run. The Eagles couldn’t find a way into the end zone, so they relied on Adrian Mora to put the first points on the board.

The Citadel began their drive at their own 29. Citadel quarterback Tommy Edwards completed a 37 yard pass to Andre Roberts. On the next play, Darius Eubanks caused and recovered a fumble at the GSU 28.

The Eagles began to struggle a little bit offensively, but midway through the first quarter Chapple found Brandon Nolley for a 20 yard gain. Chapple then rushed for eight yards, but would eventually turn the ball over.

Edwards’ middle pass was intercepted by Terrione Benefield at the Citadel 43. A personal foul penalty against the Eagles set them back 15 yards, putting the ball at the GSU 42.

Once again the Eagles failed to take advantage of the hard work done by the defense. Luckily, the Bulldogs couldn’t convert on first down and the Eagles took over at their own 46 yard line. Mora came in to save the day with a 25 yard field goal for the Eagles. Chapple was surprised that the offense wasn’t able to connect as well. “I feel like we made some mistakes and the good things about those is that they are correctable,” said Chapple.

Towards the end of the first half, Edwards’ crossing pass was intercepted by Tavaris Williams, who then returned it 36 yards to the Citadel 32 yard line.

With less than a minute remaining in the first half, Mitch Williford caught a ten yard pass in the end zone for a touchdown, bringing the score to 13-0.

The Eagles began the third quarter with possession. Chapple led his offense slowly but surely down the field, but the Eagles got stuck in the red zone and couldn’t find a way to score. Mora’s 34 yard field goal attempt was no good.

The second half was a contest between both defenses. The Bulldogs held the Eagles scoreless, while GSU’s momentum slipped away late in the fourth, allowing the Citadel to add six points in what was a potential blow out for the Eagle defense. Brent Russell blocked the extra point for the Bulldogs. Benefield recorded his fourth career interception. The last time GSU held an opponent scoreless through three quarters came September 2006 when the Eagles held Western Carolina scoreless through three in a 24-14 win in Cullowhee, N.C. Eubanks led the pack with eight sacks.

Georgia Southern begins the 2010 season with a home game against Savannah State on September 4.