Football Drops Season Opener to Albion 36-20

CINCINNATI, Ohio - The Mount St. Joseph University football program opened the 2021 season on Saturday. They did so by welcoming the preseason favorite in the MIAA to Schueler Field, the Britons of Albion. The Lions battled hard but eventually fell 36-20 in a game that was much closer than the final score!

Albion got on the board first scoring the games first touchdown on a 14-yard catch and run, after which they missed the extra point attempt. The Lions would answer back on their next possession, with Josh Taylor finding Austin Brock for their first of three touchdown connections on the day! For the second time in a row the extra-point try would be eventful, the Lions attempt was blocked and returned all the way for the 2-point conversion. 

The Britons pushed their lead out to 15-6 with another touchdown pass, and again the Lions answered back quickly. Taylor once again found Brock for the score, this time from 18 yards out. Taylor then ran the ball in for the two-point conversion getting the Lions within one at 15-14.

That where the teams would sit as they entered the half-time break.

The teams would exchange turnovers on the first three drives of the second half, on Albion's opening possession Deshawn Starks picked up the first of his two interceptions in the game. The Lions then returned the ball after fumbling on their first play of the next drive. The turnovers continued on the next drive with Anthony Wright forcing a Briton fumble to get the ball back. 

With the score at 15-14, Albion would go on to score 15 unanswered points to give themselves a comfortable lead. In the fourth quarter the Lions would answer back and again it was the Taylor to Brock connection, this time from 33 yards out. 

With the Lions threatening to get back into the game, Albion would go on their most sustained drive of the game capping of the drive with a two-yard td run. 

All told the Lions outgained the Britons on both the ground and through the air, they also won the time of possession battle. But they just could not overcome their special teams mistakes. 

STANDOUTS: 
Offensive
Quarterback Josh Taylor led the Lions offense going 22-for-32 passing for 218 yards and three touchdowns, adding 18 carries for 104 yards

Wide receiver Austin Brock had a career-high 11 catches for 118 yards and three touchdowns

Defensive
Linebacker Anthony Wright led the way with 11 tackles (8 solo), a tackle for loss, and a forced fumble.

Cornerback Deshawn Starks picked off two passes 

UP NEXT:
The Lions will again be at home next Saturday, welcoming Alfred College to The Mount for another non-conference matchup. The game will kickoff at 12:00 PM.