Game Summary
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Davenport won their second game in a row as the defeated Notre Dame 24-18. After a low scoring first half the score was just 13-6 in favor of Davenport. Despite Notre Dame's physical play, the Panthers were able to hold off the Fighting Irish in the second half. ND doubled their scoring efforts in the second half but Davenport was able to score just enough to hold on for the victory. The Panthers are back in action next Saturday at home against Arkansas State. DU looks to avenge their loss to ASU earlier in the year.
The first half was a low scoring, defensive battle. Davenport struck first with a
Nick Glocke try but shortly after, Notre Dame answered with a penalty conversion making the score 5-3.
Brady Gent was doing the kicking again for the Panthers and converted on a penalty kick, extending the Panther lead to five. Notre Dame answered with a penalty kick of their own but
Brandon Bokhart scored last in the first half with a try and the Panthers took a 13-6 lead into the half.
Brady Gent started the scoring in the second half with a penalty kick, which increased the Panther lead to 10 but Notre Dame answered with a try and conversion making the score 16-13.
Davenport looked to put the game away as they scored eight straight points with a try by
Angus MacLellan and a penalty kick by Gent putting their lead at 11 and then fought off a furious Irish rally to claim the 24-18 win.
When asked what made the difference in the game, Coach Van Biljon said, “Composure and mental toughness sealed it today. Notre Dame was very physical and brought aggressiveness the whole game.”
Gent took over the kicking duties as JP Eloff was sidelined for the second straight game with an injury. He went 3-of-3 on penalty kicks, scoring nine total points.
Davenport improves to 3-2 on the season with back to back wins over Michigan and Notre Dame. The Panthers will turn their attention back to conference play when they host Arkansas State on Saturday at 1 p.m. The team will also celebrate senior day as well.
