The University’s football team continued their losing streak this weekend at Lynchburg, VA as they fell to the Big South’s Liberty Flames, 45-15.
MU’s starting quarterback for the game was a newcomer from the University of Massachusetts, Brandon Hill. “This is kind of a different offense than what I’m used to,” Hill said. “It’s pretty much the same plays; they just have different terminologies.”
The Flames took advantage of Hill’s adjusting period by taking hold of the game early on as they jumped ahead of the Hawks, 9-0. The Flames first scored via a safety within the first two minutes of the game. They followed the safety with a five play, 56-yard touchdown after a failed attempt by MU to blitz.
MU reciprocated the gesture as Liberty attempted an onside kick which was picked up by sophomore tight end, Zach Fabel. Ultimately fifth year senior tight end for MU, Mike McLafferty, was able to find the end zone marking the closest MU would be to touching the Flames at 9-6.
Liberty displayed their talent under pressure to MU as they tallied 22 points by half time. Starting off the rally was a 28 yard pass followed by a 29 yard interception return and a 85 yard touchdown.
Although MU defense did not prevail in the game, they did not go unnoticed.
Senior corner Tevrin Brandon made his first interception as a Hawk after transferring from University of Connecticut in 2011. After having to sit out last season, Brandon was more than ready to prove his worth. “You never know what it’s like until it’s taken away,” Brandon said. “Throughout the offseason, I got prepared mentally and physically to come out and help this team win some games.”
The play also marked MU’s first forced turnover of the 2013 season. MU’s offense did not take advantage of Brandon’s one handed interception forcing the defense to hardly have a break. Liberty then scored another touchdown.
Within the last ten minutes of play in the first half, Liberty scored two touchdowns bringing the score to 31-6 at half.
Due to an ineffective offense and a tired but sturdy defense, Liberty was able to blow open the score during the second half.
The third quarter opened with MU’s offense turning over the ball in the Liberty end zone. With the scoreboard reading 45-6, MU was able to score once again off a throw from senior quarterback Greg DePugh to Fabel for a 42 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good making the score 45-12.
Senior kicker, Eric Spillane made a 46 yard field goal securing the final score at 45-15. The field goal tied his career-longest and he now ranks third in all-time scoring for MU with 211 points. With the loss, the Hawks are now 0-2.
Starting quarterback, Brandon Hill finished the game 7-for-17 with one touchdown and three interceptions. DePugh completed 5-for-8 with a touchdown as well. Leading the Hawks in receiving yards was McLafferty with 75. Fifth year senior linebacker, Gary Onuekwusi accounted for nine tackles, six of which were solo while fifth year senior defensive back Clark Coe logged eight tackles.
Monmouth will next play Lehigh University (1-0) at 1:00 pm Saturday, September 14 at Kessler Field in West Long Branch, NJ.
PHOTO COURTESY of Willis Glaskow
