GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Tusculum's Corey Russell accounted for six of his team's eight touchdowns as the Pioneers defeated visiting Brevard 55-42 Saturday afternoon in South Atlantic Conference football action at Pioneer Field. Russell passed for four touchdowns and rushed for two more as the Pioneers (5-2, 2-1 SAC) won its ninth straight game at home, setting a new school record.

Tusculum tied a school record with five fumble recoveries, which the Pioneers converted into three scores. Two of those touchdowns came in the opening period as TC led 28-7 after the first quarter.

It was an offensive slugfest as the two teams combined for almost 900 yards (TC 479, BC 394).

Russell went 22-for-29 for 328 passing yards in three quarters of play. He also rushed for 73 yards on seven carries, including TD runs of 12 and 31 yards. For Russell, it is his fifth straight game passing for 300 yards, as he completed his first eight passes.

Brevard quarterback Trey Wilborn had a sensational outing rushing for a game-high 116 yards on 14 attempts and a touchdown. Wilborn guided a ground attack that churned out 356 yards and five touchdowns. Wilburn also went 1-for-4 in the air for three yards, that coming on a TD toss to Desmond Wilson in the final minute of the contest.

Cameron Hamler led all players with a career-best 18 tackles, while senior Justin Scott posted 14 stops. Scott also posted his seventh career fumble recovery to set a new school record.

Michael Gist led Brevard on defense with eight tackles and an interception, while Justin Jefferson and Chase Waldo finished with five tackles each in the loss.

TC's Ryan Tallent hauled in a game-high six catches for 63 yards and two touchdowns, while Michael Rodriquez made five receptions for 51 yards. Rashaad Carter and Kurt Napier also finished with a TD catch each.

Tusculum took the opening possession and marched 83 yards in four plays, capped off by Russell's 15-yard TD toss to Tallent at the 13:33 mark of the first quarter. Gareth Rowlands' kick made it 7-0.

On the ensuing kickoff, Wilborn returned the kick 48 yards to the TC 45. Eight plays later, Donald Hudson ran in from one yard out. Chase Henry tied the game with his extra point at the 8:56 mark.

Tusculum returns to action next week when they travel to Salisbury, N.C. to face Catawba for a 1:30 p.m. SAC battle. Brevard will also be on the road next week to face league foe Mars Hill.

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