Cincinnati, Ohio—Coming off of a tough week one loss, the Lions were ready to rebound with a home game against Alfred University. Alfred also entered this game with an 0-1 record, after falling to Hobart College in their week one match-up.
The game opened up with the Lions defense taking the field. Senior Julius Fisher made a huge stop, coming up with his first interception of the season, giving the offense great field position. Quarterback Josh Taylor led the drive completing three consecutive passes and finishing off the drive on an exciting seven yard touchdown run, giving the Lions their first lead of the game.
The defense took the field following the first score of the game and quickly forced a three and out, thanks to a sack by Andrew Pierce. After a muffed punt the Lions defense remained on the field, once again shutting down the Alfred offense with another sack by Brady Buller. After several back and forth punts from both teams the Lions began a drive at their own one yard line. The duo of Taylor and Running-back Mariano McKenzie helped chunk the offense past mid-field. Then Taylor was able to find Austin Brock for a 15 yard completion, followed by Freshman receiver Zykeem Hunley pulling down a 30 yard touchdown reception. This allowed the Lions to enter the half with a 13-0 lead.
Opening the second half the Lions offense was unable to move the ball, resulting in a Lions three and out. However the Lions defense continued to hold strong, forcing another three and out. In the second drive of the half the offense made quick work finding the end-zone. Taylor completed his first passing attempt of the drive to Jake Ayler for 12 yards, followed by a 30 yard touchdown strike to Joey Newton, giving the Lions a 19-0 lead. On the ensuing Alfred drive, Buller came up with another huge play, recovering a fumble at the 18 yard line. The offense struggled moving the ball on the first two plays of the drive, but kept the chains moving on third down and seven when Taylor was able to connect with Ayler once again for a gain of 8 yards. The third down conversion was followed by Freshman Running-back Ari Tunner punching it in from the seven yard line for his first career touchdown.
Alfred took the field in their final drive of the third quarter. After moving the chains, once, Troy Speakman pulled down an interception, to give the offense the ball at the Mount 25 yard line. At this point the Lions put together a long, 15 play drive, ending in a five yard touchdown run by McKenzie. This gave the Lions a 33-0 and their final score of the game. All being told the game when the game ended the Lions came away with their first win of the season 33-14.
The Lions defense had a great game only allowing 7 completions for 33 yards, while forcing two interceptions. Fisher and Speakman each accounted for an interception each. Finally Buller was a dominant force for the defensive line, registering four tackles, 2.5 of those being for a loss, a sack and a fumble recovery. Finally, Jonathan Finn gathered five total tackles, including a tackle for a 14 yard loss and a huge sack.
On offense the Lions put together a well balanced attack, passing for 205 yards and totaling 203 yards rushing. Taylor completed 15 passes on 20 attempts for 169 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 113 yards and adding another touchdown on the ground. McKenzie ran for 71 yards on 15 carries and one touchdown. Several Wide Receivers had great games. Jake Ayler led the Lions in receiving with 6 catches for 61 total yards. Newton had three catches for 37 yards and a touchdown. Hunley also pulled in two catches for 48 yards and a touchdown.
Next week the Lions will travel to Trine University for their first road game of the season. This game is set for September 18, with kickoff scheduled for 1PM. For continued coverage of this Football season and all other Mount Athletics, continue to follow msjlions.com
