Macalester 24, Cornell 20
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Macalester matched up with Cornell (Ia.)
for the first time in the history of the program, and in a battle
featuring five lead changes, the Scots came out on top 24-20 to
even their record at 1-1.
Macalester's defense allowed just one touchdown and after
Cornell's 69-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, did a
good job shutting down the Rams (0-2). That came against a Cornell
team which gained substantial passing yardage last weekend against
nationally-ranked North Central (Ill.).
"I was really proud of the passion our young men played with
tonight," said Macalester head coach Tony Jennison. "We
played without our two best defensive linemen, and our starting
tight end, who is a great player for us, and our starting QB had an
injury in the first half and did not return. Our players battled
against a skilled and well-coached team, and never gave up. This
win is certainly one our young team will build on."
The Scots allowed just a field goal in the second half. The Scots
enjoyed a 3-1 turnover advantage and received interceptions from
Reid Callahan and Zach Englert . Nate Sands led the team with nine
tackles, while Brandon Murphy registered a couple QB sacks. Mac
held Cornell to a 4-for-15 mark on third- and fourth-down
conversions.
"I was really proud of our defense for stepping up the way they
did," commented Jennison. "Marshall Mullenbach, our
defensive coordinator, called a great game and our young men went
out and made plays."
Trevor Mieheextended his school-record career touchdown passing
mark with his 35th in the first half and Clark Bledsoe, replacing
the injured Miehe, tossed a 52-yard bomb to Mike Snavely early in
the second half to give Mac the lead for good. Jake McDonnell led
the rushing attack with 13 carries for 58 yards.
Macalester led 14-13 in first downs and 249-237 in total yards.
The Scots extended their lead to four points with a 40-yard field
goal by Auburn Jimenez early in the fourth quarter.
Following a big fourth quarter sack by Jason Schrad, the Scots ran
the final 5:09 off the clock, not giving the Rams another shot to
win.
Macalester hosts Maranatha Baptist next Saturday (Sept. 18) at 1
p.m.
