A History of Presbyterian College Football
Presbyterian College, located in Clinton, South Carolina, boasts a football program with a history dating back to 1913. The team, known as the Blue Hose, currently competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). While Presbyterian is a full member of the Big South Conference, its football program participates in the Pioneer Football League. Home games are played at Bailey Memorial Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 6,500. The current coach is Steve Englehart.
Early Years and the "Blue Hose" Nickname
The genesis of Presbyterian College football can be traced to the early 20th century. In 1913, the college fielded its inaugural football team. During these early years, sportswriters frequently referred to the Presbyterian College sports teams as the "Blue Stockings" due to the distinctive blue socks (or hose) worn by the players, the nickname "Blue Hose" stuck and remains to this day.
Transition to Non-Scholarship Football
A significant shift occurred in 2017 when Presbyterian began its transition to non-scholarship football. This decision led to the team's departure from Big South football after the 2019 season, although the college maintained its full membership in the Big South Conference for other sports. During the 2020-21 season, Presbyterian entered into a scheduling agreement with the Pioneer Football League.
Recent Game Highlights
The Presbyterian Blue Hose have had some remarkable games recently.
- 2023 Season: The Blue Hose started the 2023 season strong.
- Justin Montgomery rushed for three touchdowns as Presbyterian stayed undefeated with a 42-7 win over Stetson. Antonio Wright and Ty Englehart also contributed scores.
- Collin Hurst threw for 175 yards and two touchdowns, while Zach Switzer scored twice on the ground, leading Presbyterian to a 31-25 victory over Butler.
- Presbyterian rushed for 303 yards and four touchdowns in a 41-0 rout of Morehead State in their Pioneer Football League opener. Collin Hurst threw for two touchdowns and ran for one.
- Collin Hurst threw for 343 yards and three touchdowns as Presbyterian topped Erskine 42-14. Cincere Gill had four receptions for 129 yards and two touchdowns.
- Collin Hurst connected with Nathan Levicki for a touchdown in overtime, followed by a two-point conversion, to secure a 39-38 victory over Furman. Hurst threw for five touchdowns in the game.
- Zach Switzer scored the game-winning touchdown with 56 seconds remaining, capping an 80-yard drive, as Presbyterian beat Mercer 15-10.
- Previous Seasons:
- Quante Jennings rushed for 190 yards and a tiebreaking touchdown as Presbyterian defeated Butler 30-20 in a regular-season finale.
- Collin Hurst accounted for four touchdowns, throwing for three and running for one, in a 42-23 win over Marist.
- Peter Lipscombe kicked four field goals, and the defense recorded four takeaways, as Presbyterian topped Dayton 28-7. Tariq Hollinger recovered two fumbles.
- Collin Hurst passed for 297 yards, and CJ Johnson had two of Presbyterian's five rushing touchdowns in a 42-14 win over Stetson.
Coaches
Kevin Kelley was hired to lead the program on May 6, 2021, but he left at the end of the season. The current coach is Steve Englehart.
Read also: Scholarships at Presbyterian College
NAIA playoff appearances
The Blue Hose appeared in the NAIA playoffs two times.
Read also: Scholarship Guide: PCUSA
Read also: Comprehensive Ranking: Women's College Basketball
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