CANTON, Ohio — For some reason, Marietta couldn't find its mojo Saturday night.
Despite outgaining Westminster by more than 180 yards, the Titans handed the Pioneers a 27-13 loss in the inaugural Extra Points Bowl at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. The loss dropped Marietta to 8-3.
"We're disappointed in the way it went and disappointed in the way we played," said Marietta coach Andy Waddle, whose squad ran 36 more offensive plays than the Titans. "We did some things that were uncharacteristic for what got us to 8-0 and got us to be right in the game with Mount Union. But credit also goes to Westminster. They played an outstanding game and they brought it."
Westminster (8-3) didn't waste any time getting on the scoreboard.
Following a three-and-out on the game's first possession, Westminster's Cayetano West blocked Aiden Bailey's punt and it was scooped up by Gavin Greaves who returned it 14 yards for a touchdown.
"We started out the game with a blocked punt and it was a very simple error," Waddle said. "We had a couple other three and outs and I think we started pressing and field position was huge. Westminster average starting field position was better than ours."
The Titans extended their lead to 13-3 when Ryan Gomes rumbled into the end zone from seven yards out. The scored capped a four-play, 51-yard drive in the first quarter.
Marietta's offense got going with a long drive that stalled at the Westminster 12. Derek Cline's 29-yard field goal cut the deficit to 13-6 late in the first quarter. Cline also made a 34-yard field goal earlier in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Hodges fumbled after a 13-yard gain giving Westminster great field position at the Marietta 28. However, the Pioneer defense stiffened and held the Titans to a field goal, but Marietta trailed 16-6.
The Pioneers only scored one touchdown on a 1-yard run by Vanté Hodges with 8:13 remaining in the third quarter which pulled Marietta to within three at 16-13. Marietta drove the ball 53 yards on 10 plays, including 22 rushing yards on five carries by Hodges.
Marietta had opportunities, but couldn't find the endzone.
Down 19-13, the Pioneers got the ball back with 2:37 to play at their own 17. Despite their struggles, Waddle believed his squad could put together a defining drive and pull out the win. However, senior quarterback Connor Vierstra's screen pass was intercepted by Westminster's Jean Garry Joseph and returned 11 yards for a touchdown that secured the win.
"I don't know if we played our best," Waddle said. "Some of that was us and some of that was them. Westminster was ready to play."
Hodges led all rushers with 64 yards on 11 carries, while Taz Morris was the game's top receiver with seven catches for 67 yards. Vierstra finished 25 of 51 for 248 yards, but he also had three interceptions.
Senior Dawson Snyder had six catches for 71 yards and Evan Gandee had five catches for 49 yards. Marietta also had four turnovers to Westminster's one.
Junior Harley Hopkins paced the Pioneers on defense with 12 tackles, while Brady Panucci and Brady McManaway each had seven tackles. Senior Chance Knight, who had six tackles, reflected a bit about his time as a Pioneer.
"Eight wins each season is good, but what you take away from each season is watching your friends and family grow," he said. "The whole team is your family and to see them progress throughout each season is impressive. Today was a tough game and through the tough games you see what you are made of. I was proud of our defense for not hanging their heads after some mistakes."
Dylan Sleva led the Titans with 16 tackles and a sack, while Brice Butler, Aiden Fletcher and Ricky Cooper each had seven tackles.
Gomes rushed for 55 yards on 21 carries, while Jalen Washington had five receptions for 58 yards for the Titans.
At quarterback, Billy Levak and Ty McGowan combined to go 9 of 16 with 92 yards.
Marietta's senior class finishes with a four-year record of 26-15.
Marietta falls to Westminster in inaugural Extra Points Bowl
/seasons/2024/boxscores/20241123_zld3.xml
2024
Westminster (Pa.)
27
Marietta
13
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westminster (Pa.) (8-3) | 13 | 3 | 0 | 11 | 27 |
| Marietta (8-3) | 6 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 13 |
Nov 23, 2024