The Stevenson University Mustangs traveled to Chester, Pennsylvania in a battle against MAC opponent Widener University. Heading into this game, Stevenson had the upper edge as they were 7-5 against Widener in the past.
This game was a battle between two strong defenses, but the Mustangs came out on top.
“The plan was to stop RPOs (run, pass, option) and make them run the ball, making them one-dimensional helps the entire defense,” said third-year defensive-back Bryan Kelly.
The Mustangs did just that, they limited the Pride to 159 passing yards and only 78 rushing yards. On top of that, the Mustangs tallied four sacks, held them 1-of-9 on third down conversions, forced four turnovers and blocked a field goal.
Stevenson’s first points of the game came off a one-yard touchdown run by first-year running back LJ Blackwell. The touchdown was set up by a beautiful 54-yard throw from fourth-year quarterback Nyaire Wilson, who made his first start of the season, connecting with second-year wide receiver Deion Richardson.
Late in the first quarter, Widener was down 7-3 and looked to keep momentum rolling after kicking a field goal on their opening possession. This time, Widener lined up to kick a 33-yard field goal to cut the Mustangs lead to one. On the ensuing play, second-year defensive back Prescott Bumbrey came flying off the edge, blocking the field goal.
That was it for Widener and turning the ball over started to become a big factor in the game for them as they went on to turn it over four times.
“I give credit to the coaches for preparing us so well during the week and installing game plans that put me in the position to make play,” fourth-year defensive end Gordon Hoover said.
Hoover came up big for the Mustangs in the contest. On second down, Widener was looking to score as they were on the doorstep of the redzone, until Hoover came off the edge and got the sack, forcing a fumble which was recovered by fourth-year linebacker Clarence Travis.
Early in the third quarter, the Pride once again found themselves in the Mustang redzone looking to score until third-year defensive back Amari Fleming-Powell came down with an interception in the endzone.
The Stevenson defense came up big once again. On first down from the Stevenson 42-yard line, the Pride completed a pass downfield, making the tackle on the play was Kelly who also forced the ball loose, but the runner was ruled down. After further review, the runner fumbled the ball before being down resulting in a turnover in SU’s favor.
To start the fourth quarter, second-year kicker Donnie Waitt kicked a 23-yard field goal to increase the lead 10-3.
On Widener’s final drive of the game looking to get a touchdown to send the game to overtime, fourth-year linebacker Anthony Russo made the game sealing interception to end the hopes of the Pride.
Stevenson ran the clock out for the final three plays of the game in victory formation for the third straight week.
The final score of the game was 10-3, with the Mustangs coming out victorious.
“It always feels great for us to be the superior side of the ball and to secure the win. We take great pride in our defense in the film room and on the field,” said first-year linebacker Gabriel Shanks.
Shanks led the team with five total tackles. Other notable defensive players from the game include Kelly with four tackles and forcing a fumble, Gavin Shields with four tackles and a TFL and Hoover who recorded four tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
Offensively, Wilson made his first start of the season going 14-21 with 206 passing yards and five rushing yards. Blackwell led the team with 103 rushing yards on 30 carries and a touchdown averaging 3.4 yards per carry. Richardson led the team with 125 receiving yards on four receptions, and Dillon Johnson tallied six receptions for 57 yards.
Stevenson’s next game is Saturday, October 19 at 1 p.m. They will host Albright College at Mustang Stadium for the annual Homecoming game.
