TU Football Drops MSFA Mideast Opener at No. 23 Siena Heights
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ADRIAN, Mich. – Taylor opened its Mid-States Football Association Mideast League schedule on Saturday with a game at No. 23 Siena Heights. The Trojans fell in an early hole and had to wait out a delay of nearly three hours in the eventual 40-13 setback.
The Saints (5-0, 2-0 MSFA) jumped TU early, capitalizing on a pair of Trojan turnovers and bolting to a 30-6 cushion by the intermission. The deficit marked the fourth time in five games this season that TU has trailed by double-digits in the first half.
After waiting out the lengthy weather delay, Taylor could not find a spark in the final 30 minutes, as its lone score came on a fumble recovery by the defense in the SHU end zone after TJ Swore knocked the ball loose from a Saint receiver.
The score drew TU within 30-13 but would be the final points of the contest for the Trojans, as the offense failed to record a touchdown for the first time in 37 games.
Despite not finding the end zone on offense, Taylor did manage 19 first downs and 295 total yards but was hindered by three turnovers and four sacks allowed.
Spencer Crisp paced the offense with 71 yards on 11 carries and Daniel Boy caught five passes for 42 yards.
Austin Gunderson accounted for seven points, drilling field goals from 23 and 35 yards, while also converting TU’s lone extra-point attempt of the contest. Grant Gerig joined Gunderson with solid special teams play, averaging 14.4 yards per kickoff return, highlighted by a 42-yard run back.
Swore led the defense with seven solo stops among his nine tackles, while adding two hits for lost yardage and the forced fumble that led to TU’s lone touchdown. Jackson Bronkema followed with eight tackles and Matt Nguyen finished with six.
Taylor (2-3, 0-1 MSFA) will host No. 3 Marian (5-0, 1-0 MSFA) on October 13 in a 1:00 pm start inside Turner Stadium, as the Trojans celebrate their 2018 Homecoming and Family Weekend.
