Alliance, Ohio -- The Hocking College football team (1-1) fell to Mount Union’s junior varsity team on Sunday afternoon (September 8) at Mount Union Stadium.
Hocking, which was coming off a road upset over Erie Community College, was ready for the challenge. Mount Union is a powerhouse in NCAA Division Ill and a well-known name across the college football landscape.
The game started off on a bad note. After forcing a three-and-out on the first drive of the game, Mount Union (1-0) would punt and pin Hocking at their own one-yard line. On Hocking’s first offensive play Jayvzon Wager was then tackled in the endzone for a safety. By the end of the first quarter Hocking was down, 15-0. Things would improve as Hocking would score on a 20-yard run by Wager to bring the score to 15-7. Hocking was able to outgain the Purple Raiders in the first half. In the second half, the game went back and forth, and it was a one possession game heading into the fourth quarter, 28-20.
Hocking was slightly outgained in total yards by Mount Union, 304 -290. Hocking passed the ball for 127 yards, while Mount Union ran for 216 yards. Hocking would commit nine penalties for 95 yards compared to Mount Union’s five penalties for 35 yards.
Quarterback Tony White lll led Hocking in both passing and rushing for the second straight game. White lll was 12-of-24 for 127 yards passing while rushing for 70 yards on 11 carries.
Wager would rush for 61 yards on 10 attempts and two scores despite the safety on his first carry of the game.
Trenton Bridenthal led the Hawks in receiving with four catches for 49 yards.
On defense, the Hawks were led by Jameel Jones with four tackles.The Hawks as a team recorded 39 tackles, three sacks and six tackles-for-loss.
The Purple Raiders punted for 249 yards on six punts for an average distance of 41.5 yards per punt. On defense they recorded 47 tackles, three sacks, seven tackles-for-loss, an interception and a safety.
Hocking returns home on Saturday, Sept. 14, to host the Georgia Prep Knights in the home opener. Kickoff from Nelsonville-York HS is set for 1pm.