BEAVER FALLS, Pa. – The Geneva College football team faced its toughest test of the season on Saturday during Homecoming when first place and nationally ranked Grove City came to town, and after a close first quarter, the Wolverines used a big second quarter to send Grove City on to victory, 48-21. Geneva dropped to 1-4 overall, while #23 Grove City improved to 6-0.
Grove City got on the board first when quarterback Logan Pfeuffer hit Scott Fraser for a 62-yard touchdown pass on the Wolverines' third play from scrimmage.
The team exchanged empty possessions before Geneva answered back, receiving a big passing play, 39 yards, from junior Brutus Ogilvie to senior Hilton McClain Jr. That was the key play on a drive that was capped off with a one-yard touchdown run from junior Darin Myers, pulling the Golden Tornadoes even at 7-7.
The Geneva defense forced a quick three-and-out, but a roughing the kicker penalty on the Grove City punt allowed the Wolverines to continue their drive, and Grove City eventually took advantage with another long touchdown pass, this one 44 yards from Pfeuffer to Daniel Sullivan, to retake the lead.
That touchdown was the start of 34 straight points by Grove City over two quarters of action, giving the Wolverines control of the game. Geneva's offense struggled to generate much offense, missing leading rusher Josh Syster, while Grove City found success through the air.
Geneva got back on the board late in the third quarter on a seven-yard touchdown run by sophomore Logan Kent. Sophomore Dom Allegretto wrapped up the scoring for the Golden Tornadoes when stepped in front of a Pfeuffer pass at midfield and returned the interception 50 yards for a touchdown.
The Geneva rushing attack could never get on track in the game without Syster, finishing with just 79 yards on the ground. Kent gained 60 of those yards. Ogilvie supplied more of the offense through the air, passing for 134 yards, giving the Golden Tornadoes a total of 213 yards of offense. Grove City finished with 483 yards.
Senior Derrick Sneed led the defense with a career-high 16 tackles. Sophomore Luke Blasko and freshman Coltin Hill each added nine tackles.
Geneva will try to rebound next Saturday when the Golden Tornadoes travel to Thiel for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff.
Through purposeful learning in a community reflecting the full spectrum of God's kingdom, a Geneva College experience inspires students to discover a faith-life calling in service to God and neighbor. Offering 195+ traditional undergraduate majors and programs, fully online Adult Degree Programs and high-demand graduate degrees, Geneva's programs are recognized for their high quality and affordability. Geneva was founded and is governed by the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA) and is a founding member of both the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and the International Association for Christian Education (IACE).
