OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Stevenson University football team battled back from a 16-point deficit to take a third-quarter lead, but Delaware Valley responded to secure a 40-30 victory in Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) action on Saturday afternoon at Mustang Stadium. The Mustangs (4-2, 3-2 MAC) scored 16 points in the third quarter, highlighted by a 50-yard rushing touchdown from
Jailen Knight and a 29-yard touchdown pass from
Todd Lattimore to
Cordell Bair, before the Aggies regained the lead.
Delaware Valley jumped out to a 14-0 advantage in the first quarter with a pair of touchdowns. Stevenson responded with a six-play, 74-yard drive, capped by
Edward Emmens' one-yard rushing touchdown with 2:14 remaining in the opening quarter.
Mohammad Butt's extra point cut the deficit to 14-7.
The Aggies extended their lead to 23-7 in the second quarter with a field goal and a six-yard touchdown pass. Stevenson answered with an eight-play, 83-yard scoring drive. After Knight moved the chains with a 19-yard run, the Mustangs converted a fourth down when Knight connected with
Noah Robinson for a 30-yard touchdown pass with 6:27 remaining in the half. Butt's extra point brought Stevenson within nine at 23-14.
Delaware Valley added a 36-yard field goal with 14 seconds remaining in the second quarter to take a 26-14 lead into halftime.
The Mustangs came out firing in the second half. After a 71-yard scoring drive, Knight broke free for a 50-yard rushing touchdown with 12:56 remaining in the third quarter. Butt's extra point made it a 26-21 game.
Stevenson continued its momentum on the next scoring drive, marching 75 yards in six plays. Lattimore connected with Bair for a 29-yard touchdown with 7:44 remaining in the third quarter, giving the Mustangs their first lead of the afternoon at 27-26. Stevenson nearly extended its advantage, but Delaware Valley blocked a punt and returned it 20 yards for a touchdown to reclaim the lead, 33-27.
The Mustangs responded with a nine-play, 68-yard drive, as Butt connected on a 17-yard field goal with one second remaining in the third quarter to pull Stevenson within three at 33-30 heading into the final period.
Delaware Valley added a one-yard rushing touchdown with 4:26 remaining in the fourth quarter to extend its lead to 40-30. Stevenson continued to battle, moving into Aggies territory on its ensuing possession, but Delaware Valley forced a turnover on downs. The Mustangs' defense responded with a stop to give the offense another opportunity, but the Aggies held on to secure the conference victory.
Offensively, Stevenson totaled 424 yards, including 203 rushing yards and 221 passing yards. Emmens led the ground attack with 80 net yards on 16 carries and a touchdown, while Knight added 61 rushing yards, including his 50-yard scoring run. Knight completed three of four passes for 63 yards and a touchdown, while Lattimore threw for 158 yards and a touchdown. Robinson led the receiving corps with 80 yards on three receptions and a touchdown, while Bair added 47 yards on two catches and a touchdown.
Dillon Johnson contributed two receptions for 40 yards.
Defensively, the Mustangs recorded five tackles for loss and an interception while limiting Delaware Valley to 278 total yards.
Melijah Cobbs and
Ethan Marshall led Stevenson with eight tackles apiece. Cobbs added a tackle for loss, while Marshall contributed a tackle for loss and five assisted tackles.
Gabriel Shanks recorded six tackles and a tackle for loss, while
Bryan Bowen added two tackles and an interception. The Stevenson defense continued to compete throughout the afternoon, holding Delaware Valley to 114 net rushing yards.
Stevenson will return to Mustang Stadium on Saturday, October 24, to host Albright for MAC action in support of Military Appreciation. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
