WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - In a matchup between the fifth-ranked team in the nation and a team playing just its second game ever, William Woods (0-2) turned in a solid effort, scoring its first-ever touchdown in a 54-6 loss to Grand View University.
Troy Oliver had the historic moment for Woods, escaping a pair of tackles for a 21-yard reception from
Gabe Serri.
"We have to be able to see the growth from game one to game two," said head coach
Julian Mendez. "Our defense played their butts off and really fought hard to force turnovers and give us a chance. Offensively, we've got the weight off our backs by scoring but we're not there yet. We need to be able to support our defense and put points on the board from those turnovers."
After falling behind 9-0 early in the first quarter on a touchdown and safety, the Woods defense stepped up to make a statement with the first of three forced fumbles on the night.
Darrias Butler stripped the ball from Dalton Van Pelt at the 35-yard line, and
Sovereign Morton dove on the loose ball to recover.
Woods was able to answer a Grand View field goal with a 75-yard touchdown drive that saw Oliver involved on both ends. He opened the drive with a 55-yard completion to
Jalen Becerra after reversing on a pitch from Serri. A 12-yard completion to Becerra was offset by a 13-yard sack by University of Iowa transfer Jackson Filer, but the Owls shrugged off the setback on the next play as Serri found Oliver at the 5-yard line.
Oliver shook off Krishawn Butler and Daviere Jones and stretched to put the ball in the end zone with 1:54 left in the first period.
The Owls forced a pair of turnovers in the second quarter but weren't able to capitalize on either of the free possessions.
Jaylen Wiley Scruggs outjumped Zane Johnson and wrestled an interception away with 11:19 on the clock, and
Carter Holloway stripped Jackson Waring as he sacked the Viking quarterback with 48 seconds left.
Woods is set to make its historic debut at the North Campus Athletic Complex on Saturday, Sept. 14, hosting fellow Heart newcomer Saint Ambrose University in a 5:30 p.m. kickoff. The Owls will celebrate the City of Fulton's half birthday in a special halftime ceremony.
