Newport News, VA – They say home is where the heart is, and if that is the case then the Apprentice Football program has had several homes since September.  Their first 7 games of the season have been to the west of Hampton Roads, but today they were finally at their real home at Builder Field in Newport News.  Not only were they at home, but it was a day to honor the two Builders Seniors, Blake Brasure and Isiah Washington, who were playing their final game in the home uniform.  Today they would welcome in ODAC member Hampden-Sydney, who was entering the game with a record of 3-4.  Apprentice would look to field of the energy of a home crowd and while trying to slow down the Tigers passing attack.

Hampden-Sydney wasted no time establishing their offense, by driving down the field on a 10-play 53-yard drive that resulted in a FG, given them the early 3-0 lead.  The Tigers were able to put together another long drive, this time scoring a TD to increase the advantage to 10-0.  However, QB Grant Swanger and the Builders offense came alive in the second quarter and would get on the board with a Keshaun Williams 2-yard TD run, cutting the Hampden-Sydney lead to 10-7.  On the ensuing kickoff, the Tigers fumbled the return and it was recovered Apprentice's Xavier "Buck" Hunter at the Hampden-Sydney 30-yard line.  Swanger quickly capitalized on the turnover finishing a 4-play drive with a 9-yard TD run, giving the Builders their first lead of the game, 14-10.  As the half came to an end, Apprentice found themselves with the lead for only the second time all season.

The Builders started the second half with the ball, but were unable to increase their lead.  Hampden-Sydney was able to take advantage of that and scored four straight TD's to take a 38-14 lead.  As the game progressed Apprentice continued to try to push the ball down field, but they would be victims to turnovers, which would stall any momentum they tried to gain.  However, as Coach Brown has preached all season, the Builders would fight through adversity and put together a scoring drive towards the end of the game, with Swanger finding the endzone for a second time on the day.  Unfortunately, there was not enough time on the clock to put together another drive and the Tigers would come away with the win, 38-21.

While the outcome was not what Apprentice had hoped for in their first and only home game of the season, they showed again that they have the foundation that can compete with some of the top teams in Division III.  Paul Massey, Jr. led the Builders with 14 total tackles and Isiah Washington had a solid game in his final time on Builders Field, recording 6 tackles.  QB Grant Swanger rushed for 2 TD's and RB Keshaun Williams found the endzone once.  Apprentice is back on the road next Saturday for their final game of the season, as they travel to Shenandoah University for a 1:00pm kickoff.  Stay tuned to www.gobuilders.com and social media for Coach's Corner with Head Coach Vince Brown for a complete recap of today's game.