Story and photo courtesy of Wayne State Athletics
CANTON, Ohio - The 21st-ranked Wayne State University football team (2-1 overall, 2-1 GLIAC) scored touchdowns on four of its five first-half possessions in recording a 38-14 triumph at Malone University (0-3 overall, 0-3 GLIAC).
It only took the Warriors 1:47 to strike first as junior running back Toney Davis (Muskegon Heights, Mich. / Muskegon) rumbled in from seven yards out on the fourth play of a 70-yard touchdown drive. The big play was a 50-yard pass completion from senior quarterback Mickey Mohner (Painesville, Ohio / Harvey) to senior wide receiver Steve Conway (Roseville, Mich. / St. Clair Shores Lakeview) on a second-and-one.
The Pioneers went three-and-out on their first series with WSU beginning its second drive at its own 40. Wayne State drove 60 yards in 6:03 with Jessie Johnson (Monroe, Mich.) scoring on a one-yard plunge on the 12th play of the drive. Freshman tight end Trent Brodbeck (Toledo, Ohio / St. John's Jesuit) had a 13-yard reception on the play preceeding the TD run.
Malone drove into Warrior territory on the ensuing drive, but linebacker Steve O'Shell (Sterling Heights, Mich. / Warren De La Salle) intercepted a third-down pass making a sliding pick for his first career interception, and WSU's first of the season.
Wayne State was unable to convert a fourth-down play on the next possession, and the Pioneers went 60 yards in seven plays to cut the Warrior lead to 14-7.
WSU's Stefan Terleckyj (Warren, Mich. / Warren Mott) connected on a 47-yard field goal attempt but Malone was offsides on the play giving the Warriors a first down. Four plays later James Jackson (Grand Ledge, Mich.) hauled in a 16-yard scoring toss from Mohner on a third-and-11.
After a 12-yard punt return by Jackson gave WSU the ball at Malone's 38. On the third play, Jackson caught a pass in the back of the end zone on third-and-10 for a 38-yard scoring play.
Malone went three-and-out to start the second half. Wayne State put together a 10-play drive which used 4:44 on the clock with Davis scoring on a one-yard run around the right end.
The next three drives ended in punts, before Terleckyj connected on a 41-yard field goal pushing WSU's lead to 38-7.
Malone scored a late touchdown to complete the scoring.
Wayne State rushed for 170 yards with Davis leading the way as he gained 83 yards on 17 carries. Jay Hayes (Goodell, Mich. / Memphis) contributed 34 yards on seven attempts. Malik Felton led Malone with 53 yards on 12 rushes.
Mohner completed 10-of-18 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns, both going to Jackson. Brodbeck had a team-high three receptions.
Will Szpor completed 9-fo-17 passes for the Pioneers for 94 yards.
Nick Thomas (Akron, Ohio / St. Vincent-St. Mary) led the Warrior defense with seven tackles.
WSU had a 343-238 advantage in total offense.
Wayne State will play its third road game of the season next Saturday at Northwood with kickoff slated for noon.