BEREA, Ohio - The Mount St. Joseph University football team got off to a high-flying start to the 2023 season, taking down Baldwin Wallace on the road 46-33. The Lions did so behind a defensive effort that forced six Yellow Jacket turnovers and an unbeleivable performance from
Josh Taylor and
Joey Newton. Taylor was 27-of-51 passing for 420 yards and 6 touchdowns, Newton caught six of those balls for 147 yards and two long touchdown receptions.
The Lions opened the scoring in this one after trailing to BW early in last seasons contest. The teams each failed to score on their first possessions, the Mount was forced to punt while BW turned the ball over on downs. On the Lions second drive of the game the found the endzone as Taylor found Newton for a 58 yard score. After a blocked extra point the Lions led 6-0.
The Yellow Jackets answered with a touchdown drive of their own taking a 7-6 lead. This would be the only time the Lions trailed all game, they answered with another Taylor touchdown pass this time he found
Kadin Pollard on a 7-yard score. They then attempted a two-point conversion which was intercepted but Taylor made a valiant effort to stop the BW attempt at a two-point play.
The Lions extended their lead with another score as Taylor connected with
Omar Porter Jr. from 16-yards out. Baldwin Wallace scored once more before the half and the Mount carried a 19-14 lead into the break.
The Lions scored 10 unanswered point to open the second half as
Kyle Farfsing connected for a 24-yard field goal, then Taylor found
Austin Brock for an 18-yard touchdown pass.
Baldwin Wallace stayed within striking distance the rest of the second half, getting the ball back down just six with 3:27 to play. The Lions defense stood up though and forced a big three and out. They got the ball back to their offense, and on a big 3rd and 9 with the game hanging in the balance Taylor found Newton over the middle and the wide receiver raced 60-yards to the endzone to put the game away.
The defense then forced their final of six turnovers on the final BW drive of the game as
Brady Pierce secured his first career interception.
STANDOUTS:
Offensive-
Josh Taylor - 27-for-51 passing for 420 yards and 6 touchdowns
Joey Newton - 6 catches for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns
Omar Porter Jr. - 6 catches for 99 yards and a touchdown
Kadin Pollard - 3 catches for 54 yards and 2 touchdowns
Defensive -
Austin Price - 10 tackles, 1 TFL
Jack Tucker - 9 tackles , 2 TFL, 1 Sack
Brady Pierce - 8 tackles, INT, Fumble recovery
Decklan Brophy - 7 tackles, 2 TFL, 1.5 Sacks
DeShawn Starks - 7 tackles, INT
Devon Donawerth - 4 tackles, forced fumble, INT
UP NEXT:
The Lions (1-0, 0-0 HCAC) will welcome the Hiram Terriers to Delhi next weekend for their home opener. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 12:00 PM
