Turnovers Costly As Loggers Drop Opener At Sewanee
SEWANEE, Tenn. – Four turnovers proved to be costly for the Puget Sound football team as it fell 30-7 in the 2012 season opener at Sewanee on Saturday. The Loggers (0-1) totaled 267 yards of offense but turned the ball over four times and allowed the Tigers (1-0) to gain 469 yards of offense in the defeat.
"Although we put forth a good effort, our lack of execution took us out of several chances to make it a game," said head coach Jeff Thomas. "We are looking forward to getting back in the practice field this week and correcting our mistakes to be much improved for Chapman next week."
The Loggers looked to be off to a good start when they halted a Tigers drive on the 18-yard line to force a field goal. On the ensuing possession, Braden Foley found Adam Kniffin for a 32-yard touchdown strike.
The TD pass capped a seven play, 63 yard drive that gave the Loggers a 7-3 lead. However, the Loggers would not see the end zone again as the Tigers defense snagged four interceptions and forced a trio of punts on the Loggers next seven possessions.
While the defense seemed to have the Loggers number, the Tiger running game heated up as well. Nine different Tigers carried the ball with Sergio Acosta leading the charge with 113 yards and a touchdown. Jase Brooks found the end zone twice on 61 yards rushing.
After Kniffin's TD grab gave the Loggers a 7-3 lead early in the game, Brooks scored both of his TDs in the second quarter put the Tigers back in control. With 14 minutes left in the half, Brooks broke in from three yards out. He scored again with 2:32 remaining from five yards out.
The Loggers were not without their chances as well as both of Foley's interceptions in the second half came deep in Tiger territory. On the day, Foley was 19-of-39 for 208 yards and four picks. Sewanee turned one of those interceptions into a six-play, 75 yard scoring drive to break open the game to 23-7.
Foley did find seven different receivers in the game and Kupono Park had 70 yards rushing on 16 attempts.
Defensively, the Loggers came up with eight tackles for loss, including three sacks, but could find an answer for the Tigers triple-option offense. Ryan Gilbert led the Loggers with 14 tackles while Ryan Guzman had a pair of TFLs.
The Loggers will travel again next week as they head down to Orange, Calif. for a 7 p.m. game at Chapman.
