Misty rain was coming down just before kickoff at Mustang Stadium as the Stevenson University Mustangs hosted the Alvernia University Golden Wolves in a battle between two MAC teams. Heading into the game, Stevenson was riding high after last week’s upset win against Delaware Valley.
“When you win, it’s all three phases. It’s hard to pinpoint one area where we had success. It’s a team effort for sure,” head coach Ed Hottle said.
The Golden Wolves were looking to build a late fourth quarter comeback when they scored two touchdowns late in the game. They lined up for an onside kick with 1:39 left to play. As they kicked it, the ball bounced high up in the air, going out of bounds, resulting in a penalty with Stevenson gaining possession of the ball. The Mustangs ran the clock down and finished the game in victory formation for the second straight week.
Stevenson started off hot, scoring first, thanks to their stellar defense. On first down, the Golden Wolves threw a pass that would be caught, but third-year safety Amari Fleming-Powell ripped the ball out, which was recovered by third-year cornerback Bryan Kelly. Three plays later, first-year running back LJ Blackwell rushed five yards for the first score of the game.
On their next drive, Mustangs kept their foot on the gas. On third and three from their own 46, third-year running back Kirk Reed rushed for a gain of 36-yards, putting the Mustangs at the Golden Wolves 10-yard line. On the next play, first-year running back Edward Emmens pushed his way through for a 10-yard touchdown, increasing the lead to 14-0 in the first quarter.
The Mustang defense held their own, ending Alvernia’s first chance of scoring a point in the contest. The drive started off with a 27-yard run by Alvernia and then a pass interference penalty on Stevenson, setting the Golden Wolves up with good field position. The Golden Wolves came as close to the Mustang four-yard line where they were stopped. On fourth down, the Golden Wolves threw a pass to the endzone that was broken up by fourth-year middle linebacker Clarence Travis.
In the second quarter, Alvernia was marching down field once more until tragedy struck. On third and three from the Stevenson three-yard line, Travis made the big play, forcing a fumble that was recovered by fourth-year outside linebacker Kidduse Kebede.
On the Golden Wolves’ second drive, they threw a ball deep on first down that would be picked off by Fleming-Powell and returned to the Alvernia 48-yard line.
“We want to put our men in the best position to succeed at all times, and for me and my guys to do that, I couldn’t be happier,” Fleming-Powell said.
Fleming-Powell finished the game with three total tackles, an interception and a forced fumble. Both turnovers that he forced led to points for the Mustangs.
On the Mustang’s ensuing drive, they slowly marched their way into the redzone. On second and six, third-year quarterback Jordan Adams threw a bubble screen pass to second-year Dillon Johnson, where he broke a tackle and ran his way into the endzone for a 14-yard touchdown.
The Mustang’s went into halftime up 21-0.
Alvernia would start the second half with the ball where they were faced with a quick fourth down. On play, the quarterback went to run the ball up the middle but only to fumble. The loose ball was recovered by third-year defensive tackle Tommy Fisher.
The Mustang offense set up shop at the Alvernia 39-yard line, luckily for them they wouldn’t be on the field for long. On first down, Adams dropped back and uncorked a deep pass to second-year wide receiver Deion Richardson for a 38-yard completion. Two plays later, Reed forced his way into the endzone for a one-yard touchdown, making it 27-0.
Alvernia finally got their first points of the game late in the third quarter. The Golden Wolves intercepted a Jordan Adams pass and returned it to the Mustang 10-yard line. Alvernia, having good field position, was soon forced to fourth and six but caught a break from a defensive holding, giving them a new set of downs. On second down, the Golden Wolves forced their way into the endzone on a two-yard touchdown run, making it 27-7.
The Golden Wolves were showing a sign of fight as they sacked Jordan Adams on fourth down in the redzone. On their ensuing drive, Alvernia made a big play down the sideline, a 63-yard catch and run taking them down to the Stevenson 20. On first down, the Golden Wolves powered their way to the endzone on a 20-yard touchdown run. On the point after attempt, the kick would be blocked by third-year defensive tackle Mamadou Sall, as they cut the lead down 27-13.
On the next Mustang drive, Adams and the offense were faced with a third and nine attempt. Adams looked down field and hit third-year wide receiver Makhi Walker for a gain of 30-yards. Later in the drive, Stevenson would face fourth and one and luckily for them, Emmons was in the back field and bulldozed his way through for a gain of five. With the new set of downs, Stevenson faced another fourth down, but this time Adams threw a beautiful pass to Richardson in the back of the endzone for a 7-yard touchdown, advancing the lead 34-13.
The Golden Wolves answered back quickly as they scored in five plays, only taking one minute off the clock. The Golden Wolves scored on a 14-yard pass down the seam. The lead was cut to 34-20 making it a two-possession game.
After Alvernia scored their final touchdown, they lined up to go for an onside kick and did not get the ball back.
The Mustang offense overpowered the Golden Wolves defense as they tallied 34 points in the win. The offense produced 402 total yards, 221 rushing yards and 181 passing yards. First-year running back Edward Emmens led the charge on the ground. Emmens had 20 carries for 118 yards and a touchdown, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. At the helm for the offense was third-year quarterback Jordan Adams making his second start of the season. Adams went 12-22 with 181 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and threw two interceptions. Adams finished with a 54.5% completion percentage and a QB rating of 135.5.
The Mustang defense showed up big for the second straight week, holding the Golden Wolves to 253-yards total and adding three fumbles and an interception. On top of that, the defense held the Golden Wolves to zero-of-two on fourth down and two-of-nine on third down. The defense was led by third-year cornerback Bryan Kelly who led the team in tackles with six and had three pass break ups. Another notable player in the game is fourth-year defensive-end Gordon Hoover who recorded three total tackles and two sacks.
“We look tired going into the bye. It will be nice to get some guys some rest and hopefully get healthy,” coach Hottle said.
The Mustangs are heading into the bye-week at 2-2 on the season and 2-1 in the MAC. Their next game is October 12, at 1 p.m. at Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania.
