Clinton, South Carolina, September 5, 2025
News Summary
The Presbyterian College football team made history by defeating the #11 Mercer Bears 15-10 in a stunning season opener. This victory marks the first time Presbyterian has won against a ranked opponent in 11 years and their first-ever triumph over a top-15 team on the road. Senior running back Zach Switzer scored the game-winning touchdown, while the defense successfully defended against Mercer’s last-ditch efforts. The win halts Mercer’s 10-game home winning streak and signifies a pivotal moment for the Blue Hose as they aim for more achievements this season.
Clinton, South Carolina – The Presbyterian College football team made history on Saturday by defeating the #11 Mercer Bears, achieving a stunning victory of 15-10 in their 2025 season opener. This win not only marks the highest-ranked victory in the program’s history but also represents a significant milestone, as it is their first-ever triumph over a top-15 team in a road game and the first win against a ranked opponent in 11 years.
Senior running back Zach Switzer delivered the game-winning touchdown with only 56 seconds left to play, showcasing the resilience of the Blue Hose. The defense played a pivotal role in the closing moments, batting down a last-second pass attempt from Mercer, sealing the victory as time expired.
The entire game was characterized by narrow margins, with both teams trading leads, but Presbyterian managed to take their first lead in the critical concluding minutes. This victory is especially notable given that the previous season saw Mercer overpower Presbyterian with a score of 63-10 during their season opener.
Head coach Steve Englehart led the Blue Hose to an impressive offensive display, amassing a total of 416 yards against Mercer’s highly regarded defense. Quarterback Collin Hurst, who was named PFL Offensive Freshman of the Year last season, completed 25 passes for 303 yards. Top receiver Dominic Kibby also made history, becoming the program’s career touchdown leader in the Division I era and setting a new benchmark with over 2,304 all-time receiving yards. Kibby registered a personal best of nine receptions, including a crucial 14-yard fourth-down conversion that helped set up Switzer’s decisive touchdown.
This remarkable victory not only ended Mercer’s 10-game home winning streak but also put an end to a 35-game losing streak for teams within the Pioneer Football League (PFL) against FCS top-25 teams. The PFL has recorded only four wins against FCS top-25 opponents since 2010, with Butler’s win over Youngstown State in 2018 being the last before Presbyterian’s achievement. Additionally, it marked the first time a PFL member team beat a Southern Conference team, following a no contest for Mercer a week earlier against #7 UC Davis due to adverse weather conditions.
Throughout the matchup, Presbyterian controlled possession for nearly 36 minutes, outgaining Mercer by a total of 175 yards. Athletics Director Dee Nichols praised the team for their excellent preparation, unwavering belief, and relentless effort, which contributed to this historic upset. The significance of this win extends beyond mere numbers; it represents a turning point for the Presbyterian College football team as they strive for greater accomplishments this season.
This season opener is a strong indicator of the team’s potential under Coach Englehart’s leadership, as he has now achieved two wins against Southern Conference teams, including a previous victory at Wofford. As the Blue Hose prepare for their upcoming games, the focus will undoubtedly remain on building upon this impressive momentum.
Key Game Statistics
- Total Yards: Presbyterian College (416) – Mercer (241)
- Time of Possession: Presbyterian College (35:58) – Mercer (24:02)
- Zach Switzer Touchdowns: 1
- Collin Hurst Pass Completions: 25
- Dominic Kibby Receptions: 9
Background Information
The game not only illustrates the growing competitiveness of Presbyterian College’s football program but also reflects a shift in momentum within the Pioneer Football League. Prior to this victory, PFL teams had struggled in encounters against ranked opponents. With this pivotal win, Presbyterian looks forward to building on its success and increasing its competitiveness in future seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Presbyterian College 15, Mercer 10.
Who scored the game-winning touchdown?
Zach Switzer scored the game-winning touchdown on a 16-yard run.
How many total yards did Presbyterian College accumulate?
Presbyterian College accumulated a total of 416 yards during the game.
What historical significance does this win hold for Presbyterian College?
This victory marks Presbyterian College’s first-ever win over a top-15 team on the road and their first win against a ranked opponent in 11 years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Voting Open for GoLaurens.com Athlete of the Week
Jaydon Glenn Shines as Player of the Week
Laurens Academy’s Nathan Bell Named Player of the Week
Laurens County Touchdown Club Announces Meeting Schedule
New Tiny Home Community for Adults Over 45 in Laurens
D.W. Daniel High School Football Coach Reinstated Amid Investigation
17-Year-Old Shot at Graduation Party in Clinton, SC
Shooting Incident in Clinton SC Results in One Fatality
Rising Concerns Over Youth Sports Conduct Following Assaults
Shooting in Clinton SC Leaves One Dead, Suspect Arrested
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina
- Wikipedia: College Football
- ESPN
- Google Search: Presbyterian College football
- Go Blue Hose
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
