Geneva Ends on Wrong Side of PAC Barnburner
Beaver Falls, Pa. – Six lead changes dealt Geneva a bitter 31-27 loss against Saint Vincent in the program's conference opener. The Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) barnburner lowers Geneva's overall record to 1-2, 0-1 in the PAC, raising the visiting Bearcats' record to 2-1, 1-0 in the PAC.
Both teams held no secrets, as Saint Vincent's offense took to the air for 362 yards while Geneva rushed for 362 yards. The Golden Tornadoes rallied for 21 first downs, 423 total offensive yards. The Bearcats tallied 17 first downs, 419 total offensive yards.
Collin Kendrick's 38 yard catch leveled the scoreboard at seven points apiece with 6:25 remaining in the first quarter. Saint Vincent reclaimed the lead two minutes later with a 13-yard run (14-7). Saint Vincent added to its advantage with a good 20 yard field goal to open the second quarter. The 17-7 lead would be the largest gap allotted throughout the night.
Bryan Stafford and nationally known rusher
Trewon Marshall each broke into the end zone to retake the lead at 20-17. Saint Vincent answered quickly. With 3:07 left in the third quarter, Bearcat quarterback Michael Navarro connected with DJ Oceant-Kelly for a 73 yard touchdown (24-20).
Stafford showcased his second touchdown three minutes into the fourth quarter to hand the lead back into the hands of Geneva College (27-24).
Jared Hogue highlighted an interception deep into Geneva territory. Unfortunately, Geneva was unable to move the chains, surrendering a fourth down punt. The next drive Saint Vincent scored, what would be the game winning touchdown, off a one-yard rush.
Geneva's last drive beckoned fans to their feet as Stafford connected with Marshall a 4-10 23 yard catch to keep the Golden Tornadoes hopes alive. Saint Vincent's defense proved unbreakable handing Geneva its second home loss of the early season.
Geneva will look to continue its success on the road at Thiel on Saturday, September 23 as the program kicks off its first afternoon contest at 1:00 p.m. The Golden Tornadoes will be welcomed back to Reeves Field during the school's Homecoming on Saturday, October 7 at 3:00 p.m.
