Yesterday’s football game against Wesley College while eventful, the outcome was as bitter as the wind. The weather put a downer on the entire game and made sitting in the bleachers uncomfortable. Because of the rain people were sitting on wet bleachers out in the cold and were shivering! While it hadn’t rained during the game there was a misty drizzle every now and again. The wind was fierce and pierced through your bones; it was deadly up in the bleachers! Had me wishing the game took place in an indoor stadium.
Before coming into this game Rowan University was undefeated at home, and was hoping to continue the streak against a very good Wesley College football team. Unfortunately, Rowan didn’t start the game off strong. It didn’t help that the Profs started off the game with an offensive fumble. Wesley took advantage of the fumble, and scored on their next possession. Running back Jamar Baynard rushed 15 yards into the end zone easily making the score 7-0 with 8:12 minutes left in the first quarter.
Sadly, Rowan wasn’t able to tie the game following Wesley’s touchdown, but the Profs came out of the drive with three points. Kicker, Tyler Knighton kicked a 32-yard field goal making the score 7-3 with 5:52 minutes left in the first quarter. Rowan’s defense wasn’t able to stop the Wolverine’s offense in the first half of the game, and the offence wasn’t able to muster up points to take the lead early in the game. Wesley took advantage of that, and quarterback Dan Kesack ran into the end zone in the second quarter for seven yards, increasing their lead 14-3 with 8:50 minutes left in the second quarter. The Profs offense led by quarterback Dante Pinckney go three-and-out on their next procession which gave Wesley an opportunity to get away with the game. Quarterback Dan Kesack threw deep to wide receiver Alex Kemp for 62 yards making the fans at Richard Wackar Stadium even more frustrated about the game. The touchdown increased the Wolverine’s lead 21-3 with 6:07 minutes left in the second quarter. The only other points scored in the first half were from Wesley before the half ended. The Wolverine’s kicked a field goal of their own, and made the score 24-3 at half time.
“I think we came out flat and we really didn’t play our brand of football. I think we needed to come out with a little more confidence and a little fireier”, said quarterback Dante Pinckney after the game.
Wesley’s offense came out of the half strong, trying to bury the Profs with more points, but it was Rowan’s defense to the rescue. Defensive back Travelle Curry intercepted the pass initiating a comeback with 12:43 minutes left in the third quarter. Rowan didn’t add points to the board until the third quarter was practically over. Running back Anthony Diorio went to the house for five yards scoring their first touchdown of the game.
The score was 24-10 with 56 seconds left in the third quarter. The Wolverine’s fumbled on their next procession giving the Prof’s a chance to try to do something with 17 seconds left in the third quarter. Rowan couldn’t take advantage of the fumble because of their own issue of turning the ball over, which was a major problem throughout the game.
“I just don’t think I was on the same page as the receivers in the first half, and a couple of times in the second half. That results in turnovers”, said quarterback Dante Pinckney after the game.
Rowan’s next score was sadly their last chance of getting points in the game. Quarterback Dante Pinckney handed the ball off to running back Gawain Bragg who ran it in for a yard. Turning the score of the game 17-24 with 10:08 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Not even after blocking a Wesley field goal was enough to give Rowan an opportunity to tie the game. Rowan’s offensive struggles haunted them at the end, and they gave the ball back to Wesley with less than two minutes left on the clock. Wesley depleted the remaining time ruining Rowan’s chance for a late quarter score. The final score was 24-17 Wesley, giving Rowan their first defeat at home this season.
“I just thought the speed that they play with. Their a team that likes to get right back on the ball as soon as the play is over. They don’t like to wait for defense to get set up. I would just say the tempo of the game, and the speed which they play with. At times we were a little confused as to what coverage we were in. The speed really affected our communication. I would just say their tempo was the biggest challenge today”, said defensive back Bobby Barbieri after the game.
"Prof Nation" 
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