Penalties, Turnovers Spoil Allegheny Senior Day in 14-13 Loss
MEADVILLE, Pa. – Zachary Kisley intercepted Allegheny quarterback Jordan Fowler along the near sideline with less than two minutes remaining in regulation, and despite being statistically dominated through much of Saturday's action, Oberlin spoiled the Gators' senior day festivities with a 14-13 victory at Frank B. Fuhrer Field.
The Gators out-gained the Yeomen, 324-186, and delivered a smothering defensive stand against the Oberlin ground game, but Allegheny was hampered by big penalties all afternoon. Although Allegheny held Oberlin to -23 yards rushing, the Gators made up for it as they were uncharacteristically whistled for 11 penalties totaling 120 yards.
Allegheny held the opposition to its lowest run total since establishing a school record against Kenyon during the 1998 campaign. The Gators also limited the Yeomen to 3-of-13 on third down conversions, and dominated time of possession by holding the ball for nearly 38 minutes.
After being held to just two first downs the entire first half, the Yeomen erased a 13-0 deficit with back-to-back touchdowns midway through the third quarter that combined to cover six plays and less than 90 seconds of game time. The first touchdown ended with a blocked PAT, while Oberlin quarterback Josh Mandel connected with Drew Mixter on a successful two-point try for the go-ahead score with seven minutes left in the third following the second touchdown.
The Gators scored the only points of the opening half on a pair of field goals by Ryan Zipf. Allegheny's senior kicker opened the scoring with a 44-yard boot midway through the first frame while adding a 43-yard field goal midway through the second.
Allegheny manufactured its best drive of the day early in the third as the team moved 54 yards on eight plays en route to its lone touchdown of the day. Fowler connected with tight end Max Kauert from six yards out to give the Gators what appeared to be a comfortable advantage.
After starting their next possession in great field position courtesy of an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty leveled against Allegheny, Oberlin answered right back as Mandel covered 43 yards on three completions, including a 15-yard touchdown toss to Robin Witjes.
A sack-fumble by the Allegheny offense on its next series gave the ball back to the Yeomen deep in Gator territory. Two plays later, the Blue and Gold was called for pass interference in the end zone, which gave Oberlin first-and-goal inside the 10-yard line. On the next play, Mandel connected with Adam Niec on a fade route in the far corner of the end zone.
The Gators had several chances to re-take the lead, but Zipf missed field goal attempts from 39 and 37 yards.
Fowler finished the game 26-of-44 for 206 yards. Seven plays caught at least two passes, including Derrick Emigh and Sean Griffin, who each had five receptions. Brian Tamburlin led all rushers with 71 yards on 24 carries.
