BUENA VISTA, Va. - The Apprentice School football team fell in the 2025 season opener Saturday night at the hands of Southern Virginia, 27-6.

The Builders lose their second season opener in the last three years, and with the loss, the all-time series with the Knights is now tied at 8-8.

Southern Virginia took the opening kickoff and drove right down the field to open their season with an emphatic touchdown as Henry Audette caught a 7-yard pass from Devin Watson to take the early 7-0 lead.

Apprentice answered early in the second quarter, capping off an 11-play, 67-yard drive with a Tyreon Taylor rushing score from three yards out to cut the lead to 7-6 after the PAT was blocked.

The defense forced a three-and-out, but the Knight defense responded with a 37-yard pick-six at the 9:03 mark of the second quarter, pushing the SVU lead back out to 13-6 after the Builders disrupted the PAT attempt.

The score remained there until the Knights got the ball with their first drive of the second half, going seven plays to score on a 27-yard pass from Watson to Cintez Gibson. The Knights scored again late in the third on a Crew Sage 9-yard rumble.

The Builders had their opportunities to answer, but three second half fumbles put the Apprentice offense at a stand still.

Chase Gayness led the defense with nine tackles, while Fredarico Staton had an interception. Offensively, T.K. Petty led the way with five catches for 75 yards.

Apprentice will look to rebound next week when they open up the home slate with a 1 p.m matchup against N.C. Wesleyan. Tickets and tailgating spots are on sale now at GoBuilders.com/ticketing.