The Muskingum football team had a strong second-half effort against 10th-ranked Heidelberg on Saturday afternoon in McConagha Stadium. However, it was not enough to overcome the Student Princes who posted a 49-21 win.
Muskingum now stands at 1-6 overall and 1-5 in the Ohio Athletic Conference. The Muskies next host Ohio Northern on Saturday, November 2. Game time is slated for 1:30 p.m.
The Muskie 21-point second-half surge was highlighted by freshman defensive back Dominick Williams who electrified the crowd with a dazzling 74-yard punt return for a touchdown early in the third quarter. The score was the first of Williams' career.
Following a botched Heidelberg punt attempt, Muskingum added its second score in the third frame when sophomore running back Desmond Waden plowed in from two-yards out for the touchdown. The score was the first of the season for Waden.
Muskingum added its final tally late in the fourth quarter when sophomore quarterback Cody Williams hits senior receiver James Washington for a 28-yard touchdown.
Washington ended the outing with three receptions for 65 yards. He now stands just 22 yards shy of the all-time Muskingum career receiving yards record that is held by former Muskie standout and current Purdue University Head Coach Darrell Hazell.
Heidelberg took control of the game by scoring the opening 42 points. The 'Berg scored three touchdowns in the first quarter and added three more scores in the second quarter to take a 42-0 lead into the break.
Cartel Brooks led the Student Princes rushing for 155 yards and two scores on 19 totes. He also added two receptions for 80 yards and two scores.
Michael Mees ended the outing going 10-of-16 for 241 yards with four touchdowns.
Senior Shane Dotson led the Muskie rushing attack with 34 yards on 10 carries. Williams ended the game going 6-of-14 for 95 yards with two interceptions and one score.
Junior linebacker Damond Goggins logged a career-best 18 tackles with one interception to pace the Muskie defense.
Junior linebacker Zach Berry added 13 stops and two sacks, while freshman defensive back Tyler Lancaster had 10 stops and one interception.
Ben Poirier led the Heidelberg defense with eight tackles and one sack.
