Chris Yingling | Echo
The Taylor University football team fought hard but fell short against the dominant run game of No. 25 William Penn on Saturday, 21-10.
The first quarter was dominated by Taylor. The defense was stout against the Statesmen, not allowing them to cross into Trojan territory. While the Trojan offense had no problems moving the ball downfield, a missed field goal left the game scoreless going into the second quarter.
Taylor started where it left off, driving down the field to prepare for a short field goal from the 4-yard line. The kick was blocked by WPU's Nick DiMarco and was immediately returned 89 yards to put the Statesmen up 7-0.
It didn't take long for Taylor's offense to respond. Freshman quarterback Justice Odom led the offense down the field quickly. Odom found sophomore receiver Michael Miller on his way to the end zone to tie it up 7-7.
After a quick three-and-out by William Penn, the Trojans took momentum at the end of the half with them, scoring a quick field goal from sophomore Alec Eickert to make it 10-7 before halftime.
While the Taylor defense dominated in the first half, it was an entirely different story in the second half.
WPU running back Shaun Davis lit up, and the power back provided a new energy for a team void of any offense in the first half. Along with quarterback Tyler Hafner, the Statesman were able to turn the score into a 14-10 lead and never looked back.
William Penn's defense stiffened against the offensive unit, not allowing much yardage and making timely stops on third down. The inability to stop the dominant run game of the Statesmen led to a 21-10 lead late in the fourth quarter. With some good defense, William Penn managed the rest of the game and came out with the win.
The defensive front seven, led by senior linebacker Isaac McGaughey, gained two sacks as well as two forced fumbles.
The Taylor football team will return to action at home against Concordia on October 12 at 1:00 p.m.
Photography by Timothy P. Riethmiller
