The Malone University football team lost its Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) opener Saturday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, falling to Ohio Dominican University 20-3. Although the Pioneer offense struggled to put points on the board, it racked up nearly 400 yards of total offense. The Pioneer defense, meanwhile, allowed the fewest points in a game since shutting out Concordia (MI) in 2011.
 
Recap
Ohio Dominican opened the scoring early in the first quarter on a 73-yard pass reception by David Turner. Following four straight punts between the two squads, the Panthers scored again in the early moments of the second quarter, finding the end zone on a seven-yard reception by Cory Contini. A failed two-point conversion try kept the score at 13-0.
 
After an interception and a punt on their next two possessions, the Pioneers were able to generate their only scoring drive of the game just before halftime. Taking over at their own 14-yard line with just 1:38 left to play, the Pioneers marched 80 yards to Panthers' six. A 34-yard pass connection from quarterback John Iacucci to receiver James Jackson set up first and goal. With the clock winding down, Malone settled for a 24-yard field goal by Marcus Moeller just before the break.
 
The Pioneers continued to move the football in the third quarter, but were twice forced to punt inside their opponents' 40. Following the first punt, ODU needed just two plays, an 85-yard run by EJ Colson and a 5-yard touchdown scamper by quarterback Grant Russell, to go 90 yards for another score that made it 20-3. Following the second punt, though, Malone senior cornerback Jordan Johnson intercepted Russell in the endzone to keep the Panthers caged. The interception was the first in five games this season for Russell.
 
Using a number of short gainers, Malone continued to move the sticks on the next drive, but a costly holding penalty at the ODU 11-yard line and an interception in the endzone kept Malone off the board. The Pioneers never seriously threatened again, however, as Ohio Dominican held on for the win and improved to 2-0 in the G-MAC and 2-3 overall. Malone dropped to 0-4 on the season.
 
Game Highlights
-The Pioneers registered a season-high 24 first downs in the contest, including 17 through the air.
-Malone outgained the Panthers 288-187 in passing yards, but ODU held a 240-100 edge on the ground.
-In total, Ohio Dominican piled up 427 yards to Malone's 388, despite running 22 fewer plays (83-61).
-The Pioneers were 2-for-3 on fourth downs.
-Malone downed four punts inside the Panthers' 20
 
Malone Individual Highlights
-John Iacucci set career-highs in completions (31) and attempts (50) but was picked off three times.
-Ashton Dulin caught a team-high nine passes for 68 yards. He also ran for 25 yards on three carries.
-Fellow receiver Eian Elsass hauled in six balls for 55 yards.
-Freshman tailback Jayvon Hilton piled up 74 yards of total offense (33 rushing, 41 receiving) on 18 touches (11 carries, 7 catches).
-Senior linebacker Josh Correll led the Malone defense with nine tackles.
-Along with his sixth career interception, Jordan Johnson totaled eight tackles.
 
Ohio Dominican Individual Highlights
-EJ Colson ran for 150 yards on just 12 carries (12.5 avg)
-David Turner caught five passes for 110 yards and the score.
-Russell finished 16-of-23 for 187 and two touchdowns
-Freshman corner Shyoun Petteway led the Panthers with 10 tackles and 3 pass breakups, including an interception
 
Up Next
Malone will travel to Alderson Broaddus next Saturday, October 7th at 1:30 pm.