SPORTS
Wildcats Defeat Morehead State, Remain Undefeated in Conference Play
Dylan Sparks scoring a touchdown in the Wildcats win over San Diego. Sparks scored two touchdowns in the ‘Cats win over Morehead State.
MOREHEAD, Ky. – The Davidson Wildcats now sit alone atop the PFL after defeating Morehead State 29-22 on Saturday at Jayne Stadium behind a huge offensive effort and two Dylan Sparks touchdowns.
Running backs Sparks and Coy Williams had themselves a day, rushing over 100 yards on 19 carries apiece. Overall, the Wildcats rushed for a total 397 yards, compared to the Eagles’ 17 yards on 14 carries.
Morehead State’s first two scores came from a pair of Andrew Foster field goals, giving the Eagles a 6-0 lead with just under 11 minutes to go in the second quarter.
With 4:48 remaining in the second quarter, Sparks burst through the line for a 61-yard touchdown run to give Davidson its first score and lead of the afternoon. The Wildcats found their groove, and quarterback Louis Colosimo led a 10-play, 64-yard drive, before connecting with tight end Lucas Raber on an 8-yard catch for another Davidson touchdown.
Morehead State blocked the PAT, and Tyler Noble ran it back 98 yards for two extra points, but the Wildcats still had the upper hand at halftime, 13-8.
Halfway through the third quarter, the Eagles scored again and took their final lead of the game, 15-13, but not for long as Davidson kicker Caden Bonoffski notched a 35-yarder to give the Wildcats the lead for good.
Davidson kicked off the fourth quarter with two back-to-back interceptions by junior linebacker Chris Panko. Following his first pick on Morehead State’s opening fourth quarter drive, Williams scored his eleventh touchdown of the season to increase the Wildcats’ advantage to 22-15. While the ensuing two-point conversion was unsuccessful, the ‘Cats didn’t back down.
After Panko’s second grab, Davidson got the ball back and Sparks ran 14 yards to record his second touchdown with just under five minutes to go in the game.
The Eagles chipped into the lead with a late fourth quarter touchdown, but an Eli Turner Jr. fourth-and-one conversion sealed the deal for the ‘Cats.
Colosimo completed five of eight passing attempts and threw for 62 yards and a touchdown. Turner, Jr. rushed for 97 yards, and Jayden Waddell made two grabs for 28 yards. Jonathan Hammond paced the Wildcats with eight total tackles, two QB hurries, and one TFL.
Eagles quarterback Mark Pappas went 24-of-44 passing for 262 yards and two TDs. BJ Byrd made seven catches for 127 yards.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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THE COACH’S CORNER
Be sure to check out The Coach’s Corner with Scott Abell every Monday powered by Atrium Health. Coach Abell will discuss the previous week and look ahead to the upcoming opponent, giving fans an inside look at the Wildcat football program.
ON DECK
The Wildcats return home to host St. Thomas on Saturday, Nov. 6. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.