Late Push Not Enough as Wheeling Falls to Notre Dame
Wheeling, W. Va. - The Wheeling University Football team (0-2) had a late push in their game against Notre Dame Thursday bight, but it wasn't enough as they fell 31-15. They outscored Notre Dame in the second half of the game 15-14, but it wasn't enough to bring them back.
After heading to halftime with Notre Dame leading 17-0, Wheeling started to drive the ball more in the second half. I'm their first drive of the quarter, Wheeling relied heavily on running backSy Alli IVas they drove down into Falcon territory. Unfortunately, the drive ended with a turnover on downs on an incomplete pass inside the Notre Dame 35 yard line. Note Dame would respond with their third touchdown of the day and led 24-0 halfway through the third.
Wheeling needed a comeback, and they got one as QuarterbackTrent Jacksondrove his team down the field. He went 3-4 on the drive for 61 yards and capped it off with a seven-yard touchdown lass toTristan Ballardto make it 24-7. Wheeling's defense responded with a big stop, and the third quarter would end with Wheeling trailing by just three scores.
The defenses traded stops to begin the fourth quarter before Notre Dame found the end zone again to make it 31-7 with 9:16 to play. They again needed a drive, and it would come courtesy of running backElijah Young. Wheeling would put together a 13-play, 76 yards, drive where Young would rush for 52 of those yards and scored on a seven-yard touchdown run. Jackson would find receiver Ryan LaFollette for the two-point conversion bringing the score to 31-15 with 3:38 to play
However, that is all Wheeling got as the Falcons ran out the clock to end the game at 31-15. Alli and Young combined to rush for 132 yards in the game on 25 carries to lead a run-heavy attack. Jackson finished his night going 14-28 for 114 yards and a touchdown but threw three interceptions in the game. Jaqian Davidson was the leading receiver for the second week in a row, with five catches for 60 yards.
The Wheeling defense went to work early in the game and held a high-powered Notre Dane offense to no points in the first quarter. The lone score came on a scoop and score that Antoine Holloway took 20 yards back for the touchdown. Note Dame was held in check for the rest of the half, notching just another touchdown and field goal before halftime.
The defensive unit was led by a strong performance from linebacker Dalton Hoover. He led the team with 11 total tackles, including nine solo tackles. CornerbackRich White IIIpicked up his first interception of the season in the loss and finished with six tackles and one tackle for loss.
The Wheeling University Football team (0-2) returns to Bishop Schmitt Field next Saturday when they take on Alderson Broaddus at 1 PM