FULTON, Mo. - William Woods University (1-5) hosted Heart of America South Division opponent #17 MidAmerica Nazarene University (5-0) for the first official conference game at the North Campus Athletic Complex. What began as a highly competitive battle between the two teams eventually gave way to a victory for the Pioneers by a score of 70-7.
WWU's defense showed up to play for the afternoon match. On the opening drive, MNU began the day with a rush for 10 yards and a first down. However, the high-flying Pioneer offense was stifled to just six more yards and forced to punt. An 18 yard return by
Troy Oliver set the Owls up well at their 43 yard line for a chance to strike early, but MidAmerica Nazarene's defense was ready to play as well. The Woods were held to just three plays before being forced to punt themselves. The Pioneers found their chance on this punt play, breaking through the WWU line of protection and blocking the punt, tracking the ball down around the Owls' 6 yard line. Despite excellent effort by the William Woods defense, MNU managed to find the end zone first, scoring on a three yard run on fourth down.
Another short possession by the Owls turned into another score by MidAm. With 8:02 left in the first quarter, WWU found themselves down 14-0. The Woods' next drive on offense started to look promising, though. Multiple rushes by QB
Gabe Serri granted the Owls a first down. With the ball at the the WWU's 46 yard line, Serri took it himself again on first down, racking up six more yards. The Pioneers responded with a sack on third down, placing William Woods in a difficult fourth and long situation. The offense stayed on the field, looking to draw MNU offsides and keep the drive alive. A hard-count by Serri did just that, granting the Owls a free play. Sent on a streak down the sideline was
Jalen Becerra, and Serri bombed one deep. The coverage was tight, but Becerra was able to leap up and catch the ball over his defender, shedding the tackle and outrunning a safety into the end zone from 51 yards out for WWU's sole touchdown of the night.
Despite the highlight-level play, William Woods was unable to keep momentum, and gave up 56 unanswered points to the Pioneers.
On the offensive side of the ball,
Gabe Serri led the Owls in passing, going 8-19 with 118 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
Liam Hughes also racked up 65 passing yards on 6-15 attempts. Serri was the leading rusher with 10 yards.
Jalen Becerra was had a team-high and personal season-high 122 receiving yards and a touchdown.
On the defensive side of the ball,
Carter Holloway led the team in tackles with 10.
Jaylen Wiley Scruggs and
Sean Conner each tallied 6, with Conner claiming an interception as well.
The Owls drop to 1-5 on the season and 0-2 in Heart of America South Division play. William Woods enters their bye week next, looking to refresh themselves before hosting another conference opponent in #20 Baker University on October 19 at 1 p.m.
