North Manchester, Ind—It was a bittersweet end to this long spring football season for the Lions. The Mount St. Joseph University Football program traveled to North Manchester Indiana to take on the Manchester University Spartans. This game ended up being a nail bitter, but the Lions were able to escape with a 44-42 win.
The Lions got off to a quick start. The defense came out and got a quick stop, followed by a Lions touchdown, coming off of a Paul Minor touchdown catch from Josh Taylor. Following this early score the defense once again force Manchester off the field in just three plays, giving the offense another opportunity to score in just four plays. This drive was started on the Lions 20 yards, but Taylor was able to connect with wide-reciever Joey Newton for a 71 yard gain, then just a play later Taylor ran 4 yards for a touchdown, effectively ending the 1st quarter of play 14-0. The Spartans finally found the end-zone for the first time of the game on their opening drive of the 2nd quarter, then their defense turned around and forced a three and out. Anthony Wright was able to quickly get the Lions back on the field, forcing an interception, setting up the second Taylor to Newton connection of the day. However Manchester's offense responded with another scoring drive of their own keeping the game close at 21-14. The Spartans offense was unable to make another stop, as the Lions passing attack was on fire, Taylor was able to find Freshman Cam York for a 25 yard catch and his first touchdown of his MSJ career. Going into the halftime break the Lions were leading 28-14.
The second half was one of the most interesting halves of football for the Lions this season. Receiving the opening kick the Lions were unable to find the end-zone on an 11 play drive, paving the way for kicker Kyle Farfsing to hit a 36 yard field goal. The defense once again made a huge stop, with Andrew Pierce picking off Manchester. The Pierce stop started a Lions 12 play drive, in which they drove the ball to the Manchester one yard line before getting stuffed, and a missed field goal. After several drives in which both offenses got stopped, Manchester had a very impressive drive, going 12 plays for 91 yards, this drive seemingly shifted the momentum to Manchester early in the 4th, as the score was now 37-21. Several drives later the Lions were able to put together their final scoring drive going 9 plays and 80 yards, capped off by a Wyatt Rutgesron touchdown catch. After this score Manchester went on three straight scoring drives, with a chance to tie things up, but ultimately being stopped on their two point conversion. This allowed the Lions to sneak away with a 44-42 win.
The Lions Offense put on a well balanced attack today post 573 yards of total offense, thanks to 169 yards rushing and 404 yards passing. Taylor had a phenomenal performance, accounting for all 404 yards passing and 4 touchdowns in the air, while running for 62 yards and another touchdown. Trevor Thome had a huge game on the ground running for 92 yards and a touchdown in his final game of his career. Additionally Joey Newton had a career game leading the time with 6 catches, for 145 yards and a touchdown.
On the Defensive side of the ball the Lions had several great performances. Linebacker Julius Fisher accounted for 10 total tackles, including a sack and made the game winning stop on Manchester's attempted 2-point conversion. Anthony Wright played a key role in this win, with his timely interception along with five tackles, one of which being for a loss. Defensive Linemen Noah Hammond, was in the backfield constantly, recording 1.5 sacks and an impressive 6 total tackles.
This game served as the end of the Lions spring football season. Continue to follow msjlions.com for the fall football schedule release and any Mount Athletics news.
