DETROIT, Mich. — Davenport defeated Wayne State 49-14 on Saturday afternoon at Adams Field to snap a two-game skid and improve to 3-3 overall and 2-2 in the GLIAC. Davenport's ground attack proved dominant with five rushing touchdowns, while the defense stood strong, recording two interceptions. The Warriors managed to score once in the second quarter and once in the final quarter but could not match Davenport's offensive production with a season-high 544 yards.
Davenport scored touchdowns on their first four drives of the game. WSU went for it for 4
th-and-1 at their own 44-yard line to start the game and did not pick it up. The Panthers drove 44 yards in seven plays as
Cephus Harris scored on the ground from nine yards for a 7-0 lead. After a three-and-out, DU took over at their own 20-yard line.
D'Wan Mathis found
Keonta Nixon on a 40-yard catch on the third play of the drive and then the Warriors jumped offside and gave DU a free play. Mathis aired it out downfield and
Dom Grguric caught his first touchdown of the season from 35 yards to make it 14-0 with 5:40 left in the first quarter.
Davenport opened the second quarter with a methodical drive after
Nick Pulley recorded an interception. DU drove 65 yards in 11 plays and Harris capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown run (10
th of the season), extending Davenport's lead. Following a successful extra point by
Ian Jenkins, the score stood at 21-0.
On the ensuing drive, Davenport's defense held the Warriors to minimal yardage, highlighted by a sack from
Kennedy Nelson, forcing a punt. Davenport regained possession and quickly marched down the field, with Harris adding his third touchdown (one-yard score) to increase the lead to 28-0 after Jenkins' extra point.
The Warriors responded with a defensive highlight late in the quarter when Luke Johnson intercepted a pass from Mathis and returned it for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 28-7 following a successful extra point by Griffin Nowak. Despite this setback, Davenport maintained control, ending the half with a 28-7 advantage.
Davenport opened the third quarter with a strong offensive effort, as Mathis connected with Nixon for a 50-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead. Jenkins successfully added the extra point, bringing the score to 35-7. Davenport's defense then held the Warriors to a missed 41-yard field goal, maintaining the momentum.
Davenport continued to pressure offensively with Harris scoring a nine-yard rushing touchdown later in the period with 4:18 remaining. Jenkins converted the extra point, solidifying the lead at 42-7. The quarter concluded with Davenport's defense effectively containing the Warriors' offense, preserving the substantial advantage as the quarter ended.
The Warriors opened the fourth quarter with a scoring drive, culminating in a one-yard touchdown run by XaVior Tyus, cutting into Davenport's lead and bringing the score to 42-14. Davenport responded promptly with
Grant Thwaites at quarterback.
Asher Gregory had a 24-yard rush on the drive and a 30-yard pass from Thwaites to
Michael Young set up the score. This drive was capped by a four-yard touchdown run by
Jeremiah Sterling, Jr.., against his former team, pushing the lead to 49-14.
The Warriors took over the ball with 4:11 to play and the highlight was
Jackson Reisbig's first career interception with a 29-yard return.
J.T. Hartman got some time at running back and
Christian Johnson saw action at quarterback for the first time this season.
Mathis completed 18-of-25 passes for 285 yards and two touchdowns, highlighting his performance in the game. Harris dominated on the ground with 133 rushing yards on 20 carries and found the end zone four times.
Jeremiah Sterling Jr. contributed a rushing touchdown over five carries, adding 27 yards. On defense,
Xavier Marquez led the squad with five tackles.
Jermaine Young had a 14-yard sack and forced a fumble.
Looking ahead, Davenport will face Roosevelt on Saturday, October 25, in Caledonia, Mich. Kickoff is set for noon.
Game Notes:
-
Cephus Harris tied the single-game school record with four rushing touchdowns.
- Harris set the new single-season rushing TD record at Davenport (12)
-
D'Wan Mathis threw for a season-high 285 yards
- Davenport beat the Warriors for the fourth straight time and are 3-0 in Detroit
