Defensive back Jared Stephens runs for first down. Vanguard Photo | Brandon Hull
The Cardinals traveled to Detroit over the weekend to face off against the Wayne State Warriors in their second GLIAC game of the season.
Despite a late comeback, they were ultimately unable to secure the win, leading to their first loss this fall with a final score of 24-20.
The Warriors wasted no time in scoring off their opening drive. This put them on the board with 10:43 left in the first quarter. SVSU fumbled its first play, and the Warriors team took over at the two-yard line, increasing their lead three more points with a field goal.
The first quarter ended with a WSU lead of 17-0, after Leon Eggleston of the Warriors picked off a pass and returned it nine yards for a touchdown.
SVSU defensive back Nick Whiteside picked off a WSU pass to set up kicker Connor Luksic for the first score by SVSU. Luksic’s 38 yard field goal came with 5:13 in the second quarter, and he followed it up with another 34 seconds before halftime to make the score 17-6.
The Cardinals began to turn things around by the first play of the third quarter. Running back Nate McCrary took a rush around the left edge and down the sideline 83 yards for a touchdown, followed by the extra point from Luksic. McCrary was later named Meijer Player of the Game, for rushing 15 times, setting a career-best of 156 yards and a touchdown.
Moments later, the Warriors matched the score with one of their own, increasing their lead to 24-13.
At the start of the final quarter, quarterback Ryan Conklin ran in one more touchdown from two yards out to cap off an 11-play, 76 yard drive for the Cardinals’ last score.
Wayne State blocked an SVSU field goal attempt and with 4:32 remaining, they retook the ball to stall until the game finished.
SVSU will be back in action for the homecoming game against Northwood at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5.
