On Friday, September 12, the Warriors faced the Trojans of Mount Union for an ICC North Division matchup. During the opening coin flip, the Warriors won the toss, electing to defer until the second half.
Mount Union started the game off with a bang, as quarterback Maddox Hobbs completed a 68-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Caizon Scott.
The Warriors got the ball at the 20-yard line after a touchback and struggled to move the ball early, resulting in a four-and-out. Coby Kephart’s punt was then blocked by the Trojans, giving them excellent field position.
A few plays later, Trojan running back Nassir Collins ran it in from 9 yards out. The Warriors got the ball back when Frankie Leskovansky plowed his way to the 50-yard line. The Warriors found themselves in a third-and-short situation when Kephart had a 28-yard gain, which put the ball inside the 15-yard line.
The Warriors found themselves in a tough situation yet again at fourth and short. Warrior quarterback Conner Danko dropped back to pass and was quickly met by the Trojan defenders but managed to get the pass off to Kephart, who scored from 8-yards out. The point-after attempt was unsuccessful.
The score was now 13-6 Mount Union with 37 seconds left to play in the first quarter. The Trojans got the ball back, and on the opening play of the drive, they took it to the four yard line. The game was then delayed for about half an hour due to a medical emergency for a Mount Union player.
On that same play, Danko was helped off the field, and after being checked by the athletic trainer, he did not return for the remainder of the game. Backup quarterback Payton Kephart entered the game, having big shoes to fill.
The Trojans scored three more times to end the first half, extending their lead to 34-6.
The Warriors received the ball in the second half, hoping to turn things around. After a few hard runs by Coby Kephart and Gavin Dunlap, Payton Kephart completed a 19-yard pass to Justin Esposti. On the very next play, he completed another pass to Hansen Lannen for 23 yards. The Warriors then turned the ball over on downs.
It didn’t take long for the Trojans to heat up in the second half, as Collins ran 88 yards to the end zone, making the score 41-6. In the fourth quarter, the Trojans punched in yet another touchdown, making the final score 48-6. “Despite the circumstances, our linemen showed strength and courage, giving us chances, and proving that toughness can’t always be measured on the scoreboard. We just need to be better as a team,” stated senior offensive and defensive lineman Toby Mebs.
Coby Kephart finished the game with 22 carries for 85 yards and the lone Warrior touchdown. Justin Esposti added 39 receiving yards, and Payton Kephart finished with 62 total passing yards.
The Warriors will return to L.T. Drivas Memorial Field this Friday to take on the Hornets of Juniata Valley for Homecoming.
