The Flyers fell behind 14-0 against Marist on Saturday, just as they had against Davidson last week. UD led in the second half but faltered and lost 28-17 in Poughkeepsie, NY.
“They were simply more physical,” said UD coach Rick Chamberlin. “And with their team speed, when (UD quarterback) Jack Cook scrambled, he couldn’t get away.”
Dayton trailed 14-7 at halftime after a 4-yard scoring run by Richie Warfield in the second quarter. The third quarter began better, as the Flyers forced Marist into a quick three-and-out and then scored on a 26-yard field goal by Joe Bruni.
UD then took a 17-14 lead on a pass from Jack Cook to Matt Tunnacliffe in the third quarter.
“I never felt like we had the momentum, even when we got to the lead, “ said Chamberlin.
Any chance of gaining momentum was wiped out when Mekhai Johnson returned the ensuing kickoff to the Dayton 45-yard line. Three plays later, Red Foxes quarterback Jacob Hallensack gave the lead back to Marist with a 56-yard scoring pass.
When Marist’s Brandon Miller intercepted Cook in the end zone with 1:57 to go, the Flyers’ fate was sealed.
“I told the team afterwards, we got beat” Chamberlin said. “They beat us with big plays, with physical play.”
Dayton’s Tucker Yinger rushed for 80 yards to move into second place on the career rushing list at Dayton, trailing only former teammate Connor Kacsor.
The Flyers, 2-3 and 1-1 in the Pioneer Football League, host Valparaiso on Saturday.
SATURDAY’S GAME
Valparaiso at Dayton, 1 p.m., AM 1290 and News 95.7 WHIO
About the Author