They often say it's not how you start, it's how you finish.
But, for the Walsh Cavaliers in their game against Tiffin University, two quick scores in the first quarter proved to be enough, as the Dragons (2-6, 1-6 GLIAC) managed just 3 points in the game despite dominating the stat sheet in falling 27-3.
Walsh got scores on two of their first three drives, hooking up on a 25 yard TD pass and busting in a one-yard run after recovering a Dragons fumble to make it 14-0 at the 7:25 mark of the first quarter.
The Dragons defense tightened up after that, not allowing another Walsh point until the 5:45 mark of the final quarter. Tiffin's offense also started to make strides but could not get the ball into the end zone.
After returning from the halftime lockerroom down 14-0, the Dragons finally got on the board when Seth Pekoe hit a 27 yard field goal with 9:03 to play in the third quarter.
The Dragons threatened to score again early in the fourth quarter, as Pekoe again attempted a 47 yard field goal that would have brought TU to within one touchdown. But the kick was blocked and the Cavaliers recovered, taking the ensuing possession down and scoring on a one-yard run with 5:45 to play. Suddenly the score was 20-3, Walsh.
TU tried to get the offense in gear for a last minute run, but Dan Pitts's pass was picked off and returned for a 37 yard interception return that made the final score 27-3.
Tiffin outgained Walsh 340-234 in total offense, including a 326-45 edge through the air. The Dragons had 22 first downs to Walsh's 11. Walsh did control the ground game 189-14 but it was the Cavaliers' defense that did the job, sacking TU 8 times while also scoring on Tiffin's 2 turnovers.
Pitts connected on 34 of 52 passes with 1 interception for 326 yards. Obadiah Dykes led the attack with 8 catches for 73 yards while Tyler Jones also had a nice day with 6 catches for 81 yards. Marcus Beaurem had 47 yards receiving on 5 catches.
Defensively Brandon Person led the way with 13 tackles while Logan Kaminski had 8 stops. Bryon McCorkle registered 5 tackles with a forced fumble, while Josh Pribble and Joseph Collard also had 5 tackles.
