Venue & Logistics
Location: TowneBank Stadium, Fayetteville, North Carolina (home of Methodist University Monarchs)
Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT)
Conference Context:
Apprentice School – Independent (non-NCAA conference affiliate, but competes against NCAA DIII programs)
Methodist University – USA South / Division III (regular NCAA DIII member)
Context: A non-conference matchup between two programs looking to build momentum after early-season struggles.
Weather Forecast (Fayetteville, NC)
Temperature: ~78°F (26°C) at kickoff
Conditions: Mostly sunny with scattered clouds
Winds: 6–10 mph from the southwest
Precipitation: ~10% chance of rain
Impact: Excellent early fall football weather, no major disruptions expected
Injury Report (as of latest updates)
Apprentice School Builders: No major reported injuries; offensive line depth remains a concern after back-to-back losses.
Methodist Monarchs: No confirmed long-term absences; QB rotation continues after early-season struggles.
(Note: DIII and independent programs often release limited injury details, so official confirmations may be sparse.)
Key Player Matchups
Quarterback Play:
Apprentice: QB has struggled with turnovers, including multiple interceptions in a 49–16 loss to NC Wesleyan (Sept 13, 2025).
Methodist: QB rotation between Declan McCarthy and RJ Hart has been inconsistent, with both throwing interceptions in a 42–40 loss to Guilford (Sept 14, 2025).
Running Game:
Apprentice: Ground game has been limited, averaging under 100 yards per game.
Methodist: RB corps has been more effective, producing multiple TDs in their narrow loss to Guilford.
Defensive Edge:
Apprentice: Defense has been porous, conceding 40+ points in consecutive games.
Methodist: Defense has struggled as well, giving up 42 to Guilford and 25 to Shenandoah, but has shown flashes of playmaking ability.
Recent Team Form
Apprentice School Builders (0–2 in 2025)
L 0–76 @ Southern Virginia (Sept 7)
L 16–49 @ NC Wesleyan (Sept 13)
Struggles: Offense averaging just 8 points per game, defense conceding 62.5 per game
Methodist Monarchs (0–3 in 2025)
L 10–25 @ Shenandoah (Aug 31)
L 40–42 vs. Guilford (Sept 14)
L 12–14 vs. Greensboro (Sept 20)
Mixed form: Offense capable of scoring, but defense unable to close out games
Series History
All-time head-to-head: No prior recorded meetings between Apprentice and Methodist.
Trend: This is the first-ever matchup, adding intrigue as both teams seek their first win of 2025.
Betting Trends
Apprentice is 0–2 ATS (against the spread) in 2025
Methodist is 1–2 ATS this season
The Over has hit in 2 of Methodist’s 3 games
Apprentice has failed to cover in 5 straight games dating back to 2024
Methodist has covered in 3 of its last 6 home games
Historical Betting Results
2024 (Apprentice): Lost 62–0 to Randolph-Macon, ATS loss (Total: Over hit)
2024 (Methodist): Closed season with a 26–3 loss to Belhaven, ATS loss (Total: Under hit)
Totals: Both teams have trended toward high-scoring Overs when facing stronger opponents due to defensive struggles
Game Odds
Apprentice School Builders 54
Methodist Monarchs – 13.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 26, 2025
