Venue & Game Details
Location: Shentel Stadium – Winchester, Virginia
Kickoff: 10:00 a.m. ET
Broadcast: Shenandoah Hornets Sports Network (video), Methodist Monarchs Radio (audio), live stats via both schools’ athletics sites
Capacity: ~3,500
Weather Forecast (Winchester, VA – Kickoff)
Conditions: Mostly sunny, warm
Temperature: ~79°F (26°C) at kickoff, rising into the low 80s by the second half
Wind: SW at 5–8 mph
Precipitation: <10%
Impact: Ideal early‑season football weather; minimal wind effect on passing or kicking
Injury Report
Methodist
No major preseason injuries reported.
QB Brennan Brucato returns after throwing for 253 yards and 2 total TDs in last year’s meeting.
RB Sajari Love (51 rush yds vs. SU in 2024) healthy.
WR KJ Hicklin (65 rec yds last year) available.
OL returns three starters.
Shenandoah
No significant absences reported.
QB Steven Hugney back after 256 passing yards and 3 TDs vs. MU in 2024.
RB Bryce Buchanan (70 rush yds, 1 TD last year) healthy.
WR Broden Domenico (2 TD catches in 2024 opener) available.
Defense anchored by LB Jamir Freeman (rushing TD in 2024) and DB Guy Hayes (TD catch last year).
Team Records & 2024 Recap
Methodist: 0‑10 overall, USA South; averaged 13.4 PPG, allowed 38.6 PPG.
Shenandoah: 8‑2 overall, ODAC; averaged 33.1 PPG, allowed 18.7 PPG.
Recent Form (Last 5 Games – 2024 Season)
Methodist
L vs. Belhaven 26‑3
L @ Brevard 44‑21
L @ Maryville (TN) 48‑6
L vs. Southern Virginia 21‑17
L vs. Huntingdon 42‑0
Shenandoah
W @ Washington & Lee 28‑21
W vs. Hampden‑Sydney 35‑7
W @ Averett 41‑14
W vs. Guilford 42‑10
L @ Bridgewater (VA) 22‑21
Key Player Matchups
QB Brennan Brucato (MU) vs. Shenandoah Secondary
Brucato completed 31 of 49 passes last year but threw 2 INTs; must protect the ball against a defense that forced 3 turnovers in 2024 meeting.
WR KJ Hicklin (MU) vs. CB1 Shenandoah
Hicklin’s ability to win contested catches vs. physical coverage.
QB Steven Hugney (SU) vs. Methodist Pass Rush
Hugney’s efficiency (18‑for‑28, 3 TDs last year) vs. a front that managed just 1 sack in 2024 matchup.
WR Broden Domenico (SU) vs. MU CB2
Domenico’s vertical threat produced TDs of 35 and 15 yards last year.
RB Bryce Buchanan (SU) vs. MU Front Seven
Buchanan’s 27‑yard TD run in 2024 was a momentum‑shifter.
Series History
All-Time: Shenandoah leads 11‑4
Current Streak: Shenandoah has won 6 straight (2010–2024).
Last Meeting: Sept. 7, 2024 — Shenandoah 33, Methodist 14 in Fayetteville, NC
SU outgained MU 378‑334; Hugney threw 3 TDs, Buchanan and Freeman added rushing scores.
Largest Margin (MU win): 35‑0 (2005)
Smallest Margin (MU win): 9‑7 (2006)
Betting Trends
Methodist: Lost 10 straight in 2024; 3‑7 ATS; OVER in 6 of last 9.
Shenandoah: Won 4 of last 5; 7‑3 ATS; UNDER in 6 of last 10.
Head-to-Head: Shenandoah has covered in 5 of last 6 meetings; OVER hit in 3 of last 4.
Game Odds
Methodist Monarchs 53
Shenandoah Hornets – 16.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025
