BALTIMORE, Md.. -- The Washington and Lee Football Team opened their season Saturday with a 31-14 loss against the Blue Jays (1-0) of Johns Hopkins. The Generals (0-1) proved a worthy competitor, outgaining the Blue Jays 412-373 in total yards. W&L had numerous opportunities to close the gap on Hopkins, but two interceptions inside the 15 yard line proved costly, ending scoring drives.

Junior running back Marc Watson (Marietta, Ga./Walton) led the Generals in rushing with 108 yards on 24 carries. Senior quarterback Christian Batcheller (Stuart, Va./Patrick County) passed for 255 yards while completing 23 of his 34 pass attempts. Senior wide receiver J.T. Malatesta (Washington D.C./Landon) led the Generals in receiving with 108 yards on eight receptions.

Watson got the Generals on the board as time ran out in the first quarter when he scampered into the endzone from 24 yards out. Sophomore kicker Brad Wiginton (Plano, Texas/Plano) added the extra point to bring W&L within a 10-7 score. Hopkins eventually extended the lead to 24-7 at the midpoint of the third quarter. Senior fullback Scott Moses (Johnstown, Pa./Westmont Hilltop) then added the Generals' second touchdown on a seven yard run.

On the defensive side of the ball, Washington and Lee was led by junior linebacker Jayson Lipsey (Longwood, Fla./Lake Brantley) with 12 tackles. Sophomore defensive tackle Jeff McIntyre (Montgomery Ala./St. James) added eight tackles and a quarterback sack.

The Generals return to action next week against the Guilford Quakers in Lexington. The game against Guilford will mark W&L's first game against an ODAC opponent this season. Game time is set for 1:00 pm.

--GENERALS--