OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Lebanon Valley football team gave head coach J.R. Drake his first career victory on Saturday afternoon, as they defeated Stevenson University 45-38 at Mustang Stadium in Stevenson's home opener.
This game was delayed with 5:54 remaining in the fourth quarter due to storms and lightning in the area before being called two hours later based on Middle Atlantic Conference delay rules. Lebanon Valley (1-1, 1-0 MAC) and the Mustangs (1-1, 0-1 MAC) went back-and-forth throughout the entire game, trading the lead four times. This game was a scoreboard showcase, as the programs combined for 83 points. The Dutchmen trailed by three entering halftime, but the team never looked back after outscoring the Mustangs 17-0 in the third quarter.
The Mustangs struck first in this one, taking a 7–0 lead on a two-yard touchdown rush with 5:52 remaining in the first quarter. The Dutchmen answered right back just 1:16 later, evening the score at 7-7. Junior quarterback Braden Bohannon got the team on the board by completing a 30-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Alex Vassallo. Junior Tim Kissinger followed the two play, 79-yard drive by sending the extra point through the uprights.
Stevenson reclaimed its lead just six seconds into the second quarter, making it a 14-7 ballgame on another two-yard rushing touchdown. Lebanon Valley got these points back with 9:50 left in the first half, tying the game at 14-14. Kissinger appeared as if he was going to attempt a field goal on fourth and two, but senior Jeremy Bours Jr. took the snap and tossed a seven-yard touchdown to senior tight end Gabe Iacavone in the left corner of the end zone, for the fake. Kissinger then converted the PAT.
The Flying Dutchmen went ahead just 1:05 later, taking a 21-14 lead over the Mustangs. Stevenson was facing second and 25 at its own 19-yard line, when the team's pass was intercepted by senior Brent Moody and returned to the end zone for a 41-yard pick-six. But the Mustangs tied the game at 21-21 18 seconds later, on a 57-yard touchdown pass. Stevenson capped off the second frame by making a 41-yard field goal as time expired, taking a 24-21 advantage into halftime.
Lebanon Valley didn't waste any time getting on the board when the second half began, taking a 28-24 lead with 11:08 to go in the third quarter. Bohannon put the team back in front with a 16-yard touchdown pass to sophomore Dion Bryant. Kissinger followed this with a successful extra point try. The Dutchmen then added a few more with 3:49 to play in the third, as Kissinger powered a 50-yard field goal through the uprights to give LVC a 31-24 advantage. But Lebanon Valley wasn't done yet in the third frame, making it a 38-24 game with 2:51 to go. Senior Nick Morder intercepted a pass by Stevenson and ran it back 45 yards for the squad's second pick-six of the afternoon.
The Mustangs made a dent in their deficit just 37 seconds into the fourth quarter, advancing the score to 38-31 on a three-yard touchdown run. The Dutchmen took these seven tallies back with 8:44 remaining in the fourth, as Bohannon ran six yards into the end zone for the touchdown. Kissinger then converted the PAT to give LVC a 45-31 advantage.
Stevenson responded just 31 seconds later, narrowing Lebanon Valley's lead to 45-38 on a 22-yard touchdown pass. The Dutchmen responded and were driving the ball down the field when a storm and lightning forced a delay with 5:54 on the clock. After a lengthy delay the game was finally called by the officials giving the Dutchmen their first win of the year.
Inside the Box
- J.R. Drake picked up his first win as the head coach for Lebanon Valley.
- The Dutchmen recorded 243 passing yards and 83 rushing yards.
- Bohannon threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns. He also logged a rushing touchdown for LVC.
- Iacavone scored his first career touchdown in the second quarter.
- Bryant and Vassallo also caught touchdown passes during the contest.
- Junior linebacker Jacob Horton led the Dutchmen with nine total tackles. He also recorded a sack.
- Moody and Morder recorded interceptions and returned the passes for touchdowns. This was the first career touchdown for both of the seniors on LVC's defense.
- Kissinger converted a 50-yard field goal in the third quarter. The field goal was the second-longest in program history. He was also successful on each of his six PAT attempts.
Up Next
Lebanon Valley's next matchup is set for 1 p.m. next Saturday, as the Dutchmen will host Misericordia University at Arnold Field in week three of the season.
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