The Muskingum University football team fell in its home and Ohio Athletic Conference opener against top-ranked University of Mount Union on Saturday afternoon in McConagha Stadium, 37-0.
The Muskies next travel to OAC foe Baldwin Wallace University on Saturday, September 28. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. and will be broadcast live on Muskingum's flagship station WMCO 90.7 FM. The Muskies enter the fray with 499 program wins, one shy of the 500-win milestone.
The Muskies opened the ballgame with a promising opening drive that stalled out deep in Purple Raider territory. From there, Mount Union imposed their will, driving down the field and scoring on a six-yard run by junior running back Germany Woods. Woods finished with 79 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. He also contributed with a 18- yard touchdown catch.
Muskingum's offense was limited to just 69 total yards and six first downs. Leading the Muskies was sophomore quarterback C.J. Snider, who went 7-18 with 47 yards with two interceptions. Senior running back Shane Dotson led the way on the ground rushing for 22 yards on five carries. Senior tight end Wes Rataiczak had two catches for 22 yards to lead the Muskie receiving core.
Mount Union junior quarterback Kevin Burke amassed 329 yards of total offense and three touchdown passes, with 247 yards through the air and 82 on the ground. Senior receiver Sherman Wilkinson led Purple Raider's passing attack with six receptions for 87 yards and one score. Sophomore receiver Brian Gainer also had a touchdown reception.
Defensively, the Muskies were led by sophomore safety Ethan Jones and junior linebacker Damond Goggins. Jones finished with 11 tackles and one pass breakup. Goggins registered 10 tackles and also blocked an extra point try.
The Muskies were able to force five Purple Raider turnovers including three interceptions and two fumbles. Senior safety Hank Smith, sophomore safety Mason Bates, and freshman defensive back Tyler Lancaster each had one interception and junior defensive lineman Tony Moore and sophomore defensive lineman Jordan Lee each had a fumble recovery.
Junior defensive back Joshua Scott and sophomore defensive lineman Tom Lally led the Mount Union defense. Scott had three tackles and one interception, while Lally tallied six tackles.
