ANNVILLE, Pa. – Braden Bohannon was responsible for three touchdowns and over 250 yards of total offense to lead the Lebanon Valley College football team to a 24-19 victory over visiting Wilkes University on Saturday afternoon on Arnold Field in Annville.
The Dutchmen (2-2, 2-0 MAC) won the 50th meeting with the Colonels and last as conference opponents with a huge game from their sophomore quarterback and strong defense. Wilkes (2-1, 1-1 MAC) were handed their first loss of the year and had their three-game winning streak against the Dutchmen snapped.
LVC got the scoring started in the first quarter as Bohannon found Ian Murhon opened along the sideline for a 38-yard touchdown reception. The Dutchmen scored again in the second quarter as Bohannon passed for another touchdown, this time to Jay Sisko for seven yards. The Colonels cut into the lead a little before halftime as Isaiah Rodriguez found Zane Grover opener for a 56-yard touchdown reception. Wilkes attempted a fake on the extra point attempt but was snuffed out by the Dutchmen defense to make it 14-6 at the half.
Wilkes made it a two-point game with their first offensive possession of the third quarter on an Elijah Jules four-yard run to cap a 10-play 55-yard drive. The Colonels attempted a two-point attempt that was successful but called back because of holding. Their extra point attempt missed keeping the score 14-12. LVC drove the ball right down the field on their next drive going 72 yards in 4:00 ending with a Bohannon rush up the middle for one yard to take a 21-12 lead.
Lebanon Valley had easily the longest drive of the game leading to their final three points. The Dutchmen started with the ball on their own 25 following a Wilkes punt with 1:50 remaining in the third. They used 16 plays to drive the ball 65 yards and 9:10 of clock time before Devin Crone kicked a 27-yard field goal with 7:40 left to give the Dutchmen a 24-12 advantage. Wilkes responded with a quick seven plays in 1:14 going 75 yards ending with a 17-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead down to five at 24-19. The Colonels had one more shot in the game to take the lead but the Dutchmen defense came up big driving the Colonels back five yards and forcing a turnover on downs with just over 90 seconds left.
Inside the Box Score
- Bohannon threw for 173 yards and two touchdowns. He completed 17 of his 26 attempts with a long of 38. On the ground, he rushed 23 times for 99 yards and a score.
- Tim Ervey also rushed the ball 23 times and had 70 yards.
- Sisko was the top target with six receptions for 54 yards and one touchdown. Murhon finished with three receptions for 48 yards and a score.
- The Dutchmen defense limited Wilkes to just 218 yards of total offense and 13 first downs. The LVC offense had 362 yards of total offense with 189 yards on the ground, 173 in the air and 28 first downs. The Dutchmen dominated time of possession 40:11-19:49.
- Noah Caldani led the defense with seven total tackles including 1.5 tackles for a loss and a sack. He also forced a fumble and had a pass breakup.
- Dillon Estes also had a big day for the defense with six tackles including 1.5 tackles for a loss and a quarterback hurry.
- The Dutchmen were especially good on third downs going 10 of 16 and punting just twice in the game. LVC got into the red zone five times and scored on three of the trips.
Up Next
The Dutchmen will be on the road the next two weekends starting with a trip to Reading and Alvernia University next Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. against the Golden Wolves.
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