By Tyler Fennell
Staff Writer
After a slow start with their first two games, the Lions had a week to rest and start fresh going into game three. The College marched into Juniata looking for their first win of the season and they walked out of Juniata with a blowout 35-7 victory.
The first quarter opened with a scoreless drive from Juniata. The College responded with an 80 yard drive that resulted in a rushing touchdown scored by junior Michael Strachan.
The College showcased their ability to chew the clock and play a physical run game to exhaust the defense. This was the same strategy they used last year that led them to their 6-4 record.
The second quarter opened with another scoreless drive from Juniata. The Lions responded with a drive that saw freshman running back Sam Dech break out for a 26-yard rush followed by a 5-yard rushing touchdown.
On the first play of Juniata’s responding drive, junior linebacker Matt Cassidy intercepted Juniata quarterback Zachary Grande and returned it for 17 yards. This set up a first and goal for the College’s offense. Senior Ryan Mendes punished the turnover with a two yard touchdown.
The Lions defense held strong and got another scoreless drive from Juniata. Dech rushed for an 80-yard touchdown to make the score 28-0. Juniata made their situation worse after throwing another interception, this time to junior defensive back Sam Kuhns.
The Lions marched all the way down to the goal line, but were stuffed at one yard line on fourth down. There was not enough time for Juniata to respond, however, as the first half came to a close.
The College began the second half with another rushing touchdown from Strachan. Juniata woke up and responded to get themselves on the board with a rushing touchdown of their own.
On the second play of the fourth quarter the College would fumble and Juniata would recover it. Unfortunately for Juniata, it would prove to be too late for them to attempt a comeback. The Lions defense held strong and forced a punt from Juniata.
The College would fumble again, but would recover it to prevent any further Juniata momentum. To seal the game, junior linebacker Noah Croutch and sophomore Remy Feniello would combine for a sack on Juniata quarterback Ethan Eisenberg.
The game was undoubtedly highlighted by the College’s run game. Dech rushed for 130 yards with only five attempts recording two touchdowns. Junior running back Jordan Morrell played the workhorse role with 18 attempts for 80 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. The majority of the offense came from their ground game, with the team combining for 347 rushing yards.
The College returns to Lions Stadium Saturday, Oct. 3 against the No. 13 ranked Salisbury. It also marks the start of New Jersey Athletic Conference play for the team.
