Box Score Anderson, Indiana—The Mount St. Joseph University Football program took back to the road after hosting two home games in back to back weeks. In this match-up the Lions were able to return home with their fourth win in as many games after defeating the Anderson Ravens in a well fought game, 49-30.
This game saw both teams get off to a slow start, with both offenses getting shut down on their opening drives. After another Lions defensive stop, the offense was able to put together their first of many scores on the game. This drive was a 9 play 79 yard drive that saw Trevor Thome score on a 1 yard rush. Following the first score of the game the defense made their third consecutive stop, allowing the offense to continue their dominance as Josh Taylor scored his first of 6 touchdowns, with a 58 yard rush. This gave the Lions a 14 -0 lead. In the next Anderson drive they finally found the end-zone for their first score, ending the first quarter 14-6. The second quarter was tightly contested. In the first drive on the second the Mount offense drove 6 plays spanning 71 yards, that featured quarterback Kyle Proffitt find Chandler Kinhalt on back to back passes of 15 and 18 yards. After the great passing display from Proffitt, the drive was capped off by another Taylor touchdown. However the Ravens were able to respond with another touchdown. After a break in the scoring action for both teams the Ravens found the end-zone yet again to shorten the Lions lead to the smallest margin of the game at 28-18.
The Lions received the opening kickoff of the second half and put together an outstanding drive, as the offense put the ball on the ground for three straight plays. Late in the opening drive Taylor found Joey Newton for a 48 yard touchdown, allowing the team to take a 35-18 lead. In the following drive the Lions defense was able to make a great 4th down stop. This gave the offense great starting position for another scoring drive, that featured two Lions running backs make big plays. Armarte Rice had 3 carries for 32 yards, including a physical 22 yard rush through the heart of the Anderson defense. To go along with this Mariano McKenzie caught an eight yard touchdown to cap off the drive. In the ensuing Anderson drive, they were able to score another touchdown, making the score 42-24. Several drives later the Lions defense made a huge stop, coming off of a Rashun Newbolt strip sack, allowing the offense to take over the ball at their own five. This allowed the Lions to punch their final touchdown of the game into the end-zone on one play, thanks to Taylor's forth rushing touchdown.
All and all the Mount had a great all around showing on offense. Taylor yet again led the way for the offense, throwing for 2 touchdowns and 198 yards while adding 169 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground. Additionally the running back combo of Thome and Rice had great games, with Thome rushing for 51 yards on just 8 carries and a touchdown, while Rice was able to total 48 yards on 7 rushes. Wideouts Kinhalt and Newton had great performances. Newton lead the Lions in receiving yards thanks to 3 catches, totaling 98 yards and a touchdown. Kinhalt added 50 yards on 4 catches. These standout performances allowed for the offense to total 504 total yards, including 270 yards on the ground in their win.
On the defensive side of the ball the Lions were able to hold the top ranked offense in the conference well below their average scoring. Additionally the Lions were able to force one turnover and three sacks, thanks to great defensive line play. Hayden McMullen led the Lions defense with 1.5 sacks. Newbolt finished the game with 1 sack, a forced fumble and 2 tackles for a loss. Along with these two performances the lead tackler for the defense, came from defensive end Noah Hammond, who racked up 9 total tackles, with one of those being for a loss.
The Lions will be on the road for their final game of the season, when they travel to Manchester University. This game is set for Saturday, April 17 with kickoff at 3PM. For a preview of this upcoming game and all other Mount Athletics continue to follow msjlions.com
