Parker’s Trio of Touchdowns Powers TU to Bounceback Win
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JOLIET, Ill. – RV Taylor rebounded from a gut-wrenching overtime loss in its season-opener to secure a resounding, 45-28, road win at RV Saint Francis (IL) on Saturday afternoon.
TU blitzed the hosts for 42 points before the half and secured its first win over a team ranked or receiving votes in the NAIA Top-25 Poll since 2016. Saturday also marked Taylor’s first road win over a team in the rankings since November 16 of 2013 when it scored a 30-20 win, also over USF.
Despite being outgained by the Saints (0-1) in the contest by a 468 to 441 margin, Taylor took full advantage of six turnovers from the hosts. The Trojans forced four fumbles and hauled in two interceptions to repeatedly keep USF at bay.
After an interception thrown by Taylor on the second play from scrimmage led to a quick, 7-0, deficit for the Trojans, TU got a jolt with a 58-yard burst from Jedidiah Galvin that set up a short touchdown run from Kyle Turanchick to draw even.
A pair of forced punts followed by TU scores moved the margin to 21-7 in favor of the Trojans. Nathan Parker ignited the go-ahead drive with a 35-yard run, before finishing it with a two-yard touchdown, while the next possession ended with a 27-yard connection from Damon Hockett to Luke Etchsion.
The first two of USF’s eventual six turnovers happened on its ensuing two possessions, and a 26-yard touchdown scamper from Parker extended Taylor’s lead out to 28-7 midway through the second quarter.
Touchdowns from Parker and Jack D’Arcy pushed the gap out to 42-14 by the intermission and three-straight turnovers to open the second half spoiled any Saint Francis comeback hopes.
Parker led the offense once again with 108 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries, while Turanchick added a rushing score and Galvin ended with 75 yards on three touches.
D’Arcy paced the passing attack with four catches for 92 yards and the one touchdown, with Etchison’s lone touch resulting in a score.
Lucas Shilts chipped in nine points with a 24-yard field goal and six extra-points without a miscue.
Dawson Scally paced the defense with eight tackles, with Owen Frasure registering two sacks and Grady Stanley adding six stops, one tackle for lost yardage, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Reese Pinckney was also active, finishing with four tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and two pass breakups.
RV Taylor (1-1) will return to action on Saturday, September 13, with a 4:00 pm start against Kentucky Christian (1-0) inside Turner Stadium.
