ANNVILLE, Pa. – The Stevenson University football team held off a late push from Lebanon Valley to secure a 27-24 victory in Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) action on Saturday afternoon at Arnold Field. The Mustangs (4-1, 3-1 MAC) built a 10-point lead in the second half and answered a late Flying Dutchmen touchdown with a defensive stop on fourth down to preserve the conference win.
After a scoreless opening quarter, Stevenson opened the scoring with 14:54 remaining in the second quarter when
Jailen Knight connected with
Khari Walker for a 26-yard touchdown.
Mohammad Butt added the extra point to give the Mustangs a 7-0 advantage.
Lebanon Valley responded with a 25-yard field goal before taking a 10-7 lead on a 20-yard touchdown pass with 2:34 remaining in the half. Stevenson answered with a quick scoring drive, as Knight found
Noah Robinson for a 26-yard touchdown with 1:04 left before halftime. Butt's extra point put the Mustangs back in front, 14-10.
Stevenson extended its advantage late in the third quarter when Knight connected with
Stephen Tatum for a seven-yard touchdown with 16 seconds remaining. Although the extra point was blocked, the Mustangs carried a 20-10 lead into the fourth quarter.
Lebanon Valley cut the deficit to three with a touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter, but Stevenson responded with a lengthy scoring drive to regain control. The Mustangs marched 71 yards on 11 plays, with Knight finding Robinson for a 30-yard touchdown with 5:13 remaining. Butt's extra point extended the lead to 27-17.
The Flying Dutchmen answered with a 12-yard touchdown pass with 1:50 remaining, trimming the Stevenson advantage to 27-24. Lebanon Valley attempted an onside kick, which the Mustangs recovered, allowing Stevenson to run valuable time off the clock. After a punt pinned the Flying Dutchmen at their own five-yard line, the Stevenson defense delivered the decisive stop, forcing a turnover on downs with 30 seconds remaining to secure the three-point victory.
Offensively, Stevenson totaled 408 yards, including 175 rushing yards and 233 passing yards.
Edward Emmens led the ground attack with 130 yards on 22 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per attempt. Knight completed 13 of 22 passes for 233 yards and four touchdowns, connecting with Robinson for two scores. Robinson finished with four receptions for 84 yards and two touchdowns, while Walker added four catches for 73 yards and a touchdown.
Cordell Bair contributed two receptions for 44 yards.
Defensively, the Mustangs limited Lebanon Valley to 96 rushing yards while recording four tackles for loss and a sack.
Matthew Berry and
Darius Jones led Stevenson with eight total tackles apiece.
Melijah Cobbs added seven tackles and a pass breakup, while
Brandon Adler recorded six tackles, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble.
Nickyi Green added a five-yard sack as Stevenson held on for the conference victory.
Stevenson will return home on Saturday, October 17, to host Delaware Valley for MAC action during Homecoming. Kickoff at Mustang Stadium is set for 1 p.m.ction during Homecoming. Kickoff at Mustang Stadium is set for 1 p.m.
