Sep 12, 2021
Muskingum junior linebacker Tristan Howell's interception late in the fourth quarter set up Muskingum's game-winning drive that culminated with sophomore kicker Hunter Albers' 23-yard field goal to propel Muskingum to a 33-31 electrifying win against Ohio Athletic Conference foe Ohio Northern on Saturday night.
Highlights
- The win was the first against Ohio Northern since the 2011 season.
- The victory marks Muskingum's first 2-0 start since the 2011 season.
- Muskingum erupted for a season-high 469 yards of offense and averaged seven yards per play.
- The Muskies ended the outing going 5-for-5 in the red zone.
- Muskingum was 2-for-2 on fourth-down conversions.
- Muskingum notched 23 first downs.
- The Wally's Pizza Players of the Game were Muskingum senior quarterback Jordan Garrett and junior linebacker Tristan Howell.
Notes
- Muskingum held a moment of silence before the start of the game to commemorate 9/11.
- The contest marked the Muskingum Student-Athlete Advisory Committee's Muskie Pride Game.
- The game was promoted as a REDOUT.
The Basics
- Records: Muskingum (2-0, 1-0 OAC), Ohio Northern (1-1, 0-1 OAC)
- Location: Zanesville High School - Sulsberger Stadium
- Attendance: 845
How it Happened
- With Ohio Northern clinging to a 31-30 lead and driving late in the game, Howell intercepted a Brody Hahn pass at the Muskingum 45-yard line with 3:45 on the clock.
- Following the turnover, Muskingum orchestrated an eight-play, 49-yard drive that culminated with Albers booting a 23-yard game-winning field goal with 27 seconds on the clock. The field goal marked Albers second of the contest (23 yards, 22 yards).
- Senior quarterback Jordan Garrett led the Muskies on an opening drive 13-play, 88-yard drive that ended with Garrett scoring on a three-yard run. Garrett ended the outing going 25-of-36 for 336 yards and one score. He also added 32 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
- Ohio Northern tied the game on an eight-play, 65-yard drive that resulted in Brock Martin scooting in from four yards out. Martin rushed for a game-high 75 yards on 19 carries.
- Muskingum responded with a 49-yard touchdown pass from sophomore tight end Gannon Unger to sophomore receiver Travis Roberson to give the Muskies a 14-7 edge at the end of the first quarter. Roberson had six grabs for 73 yards.
- Ohio Northern scored the next 10 points to take a 17-14 lead with 6:17 left in the half.
- Muskingum answered with a six-play, 60-yard drive that saw Garrett hit sophomore receiver Travanti Keitt with a four-yard score to give Muskingum a 20-17 lead heading into the break. The extra-point attempt was blocked.
- ONU took a 24-20 lead early in the third quarter on Hahn's seven-yard scamper. Hahn ended the game going 23-of-39 for 327 yards and one touchdown, and one interception. He also added 51 yards rushing and two scores.
- Muskingum tallied the next 10 points in the third frame to take a 30-24 lead. Garrett scored on a two-yard plunge, and Albers connected on a 22-yard field goal.
- Ohio Northern pieced together one final drive that covered 70 yards in 14 plays that ended with Hahn finding Chase Rose for a 10-yard score to give the Polar Bears a 31-30 lead with 10:50 to play.
- Ohio Northern was near midfield and facing a third-and-eight when Howell intercepted Hahn's pass at Muskingum's 45-yard line to set up the game-winning drive. Howell ended the game with seven tackles and one interception.
Inside the Numbers
- Freshman Azarious Williams led the Muskies with a game-high 10 stops.
- Senior defensive back Brian Brown added eight hits.
- Junior receiver Zuri Edmondson had a team-high 108 yards receiving on five receptions.
- Sophomore punter Collin Scozzafava had three punts - all inside the 20.
- Junior running back Donny Wilkinson had 43 yards rushing on 12 carries and four receptions for 32 yards.
- Austin Eick led Ohio Northern with 14 grabs for 193 yards.
- Jevon Taylor had seven tackles to lead the Polar Bears, while Johnny Rupp added six stops.
Up Next
- Muskingum next travels to rival Marietta on Saturday, September 18. The annual Shriner Game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.