CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Adrian College football team fell to Mount St. Joseph Saturday afternoon, marking the Bulldogs' first loss of the season.
Seeking their third straight win, the Bulldogs headed to Cincinnati to take on the Lions of Mount St. Joseph. Both teams entered today 2-0 on the young campaign.
Adrian had a short drive to start the game, picking up one first down before punting the ball away. Mount St. Joseph's first drive was methodical, wearing out an Adrian defense that has been great all season. The Lions' six-minute drive resulted in a touchdown, giving Mount St. Joseph an early lead.
The Bulldogs' hope of scoring a touchdown of their own was quickly erased after an interception on the first play of the next drive, giving the Lions the ball on their own 43-yard line.
Mount St. Joseph couldn't capitalize on their next drive after Michael Brown forced and recovered a fumble. Adrian took over at their own 33-yard line, down 7-0.
Adrian's drive was stifled as they struggled to move the ball on the ground, resulting in another punt.
The Lions took advantage on offense. A ten-play, 87-yard drive resulted in another touchdown. Five plays later, Adrian had the punt team back on the field. Cooper Tracy's punt put the Lions at their own 11-yard line.
Again, Mount St. Joseph found a groove on offense, finding themselves at the Adrian 31-yard line. Needing a stop, Julienne Brandt intercepted a Lion pass, giving the Bulldogs the ball back.
Jake Wright led the Bulldogs offense into the Lions' red zone for the first time in the game. Looking at a fourth and goal from the Mount St. Joseph seven-yard line, the offense stayed on the field. Jake Wright found Braiden Whitaker in the end zone for the touchdown, cutting the lead in half.
Adrian's defense kept the momentum rolling, forcing a quick three-and-out from the Lions offense. With less than two minutes left in the first half, Adrian's offense marched down the field. Wright found Easton Srebnik for six, David Galligan's extra point was good, and we were tied at 14.
Both teams exchanged punts to start the second half. The Lions broke the tie on a two-play drive, courtesy of a 43-yard touchdown pass.
Adrian punted on their next drive, giving Mount St. Joseph the ball at their own 19-yard line. Seven minutes and 81 yards later, the Lions had added another touchdown to their lead.
The Bulldogs offense needed points on their next drive. Although they found themselves in the red zone, they had to settle for a field goal.
Mount St. Joseph had to punt the ball back to Adrian, but a Bulldog fumble on the ensuing drive gave the Lions the ball right back. Mount St. Joseph's offense was too much for the defense, finding the end zone for the fifth time, giving the Lions a 35-17 lead.
Trey Brueggemann found the end zone on the next drive, but it was too little too late as Adrian fell 35-24 to the Lions.
Up Next
Adrian will look to bounce back next week as they start MIAA play against Alma College. The game is scheduled to kick off at 2 PM in Alma, Mich.
