Chris Yingling | Echo
After a fourth quarter filled with big plays on both sides of the ball, the Taylor football team came out victorious on Saturday against NCAA Division II Lane College with a 27-21 rally.
Following a first quarter without much action, the Trojans were desperate for a play to kickstart the offense. The special teams crew came to the rescue by blocking a Dragons punt at the Lane 15 yard line, providing great field position for Taylor's offense. Junior running back Jake Fidler capitalized with a 13-yard run to give the Trojans an early 7-0 lead.
Lane's offense wasn't ready to give up yet, answering the Trojan's lead with a 54 yard touchdown drive to tie it up.
Sophomore kicker Alec Eickert helped get the momentum on Taylor's side, splitting the uprights with a 28 yard field goal to give the Trojans a 10-7 lead at the half.
After starting the third quarter on a high note with a quick Eickert field goal, the Dragons quickly picked up the slack with two consecutive touchdowns in a three minute period. Lane was in control by the end of the third with a 21-13 lead.
As the fourth quarter ticked down, freshman quarterback Justice Odom led the Taylor offense right back into the game with an electrifying 25 yard run for a touchdown. After a failed two-point conversion attempt, Taylor had closed the deficit to just two points, with Lane still holding a 21-19 lead.
The Taylor defense responded, forcing Lane to punt on their next possession. Odom then led a 44-yard drive completed by a 15-yard touchdown strike to sophomore wide receiver Shawn Lashbrook in the back corner of the end zone. Senior wide receiver Chris Stutzman contributed by hauling in the two-point conversion pass from Odom, giving Taylor a 27-21 lead with 56 seconds left in the game.
Lane's offense made one final push, driving down the field quickly. With three seconds and 44 yards to go, the Dragons had time to throw one jump ball in the endzone.
Sophomore wide receiver Michael Miller entered the game on defense for the first time and picked off the last pass of the game to cap Taylor's win in dramatic fashion.
The Taylor football team returns to action on Saturday against No. 20 William Penn at 1:00 p.m. at New Stadium.
Photograph by Timothy P. Riethmiller
