MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

Sports

Discussion

September 16, 2012

RiverHawks drop nail-biter to No. 9 Washburn

NSU media relations

— TOPEKA, Kan. – The Northeastern State football team fell 24-20 Saturday night to No. 9-ranked Washburn University at Yager Stadium.

The RiverHawks (0-3, 0-3 MIAA) racked up a season-high 423 yards of offense to just 286 for the Ichabods (3-0, 3-0 MIAA). NSU held Washburn to just 93 total yards in the second half.

NSU was led by sophomore running back Joel Rockmore, who recorded a career-high 176 rushing yards on just 15 carries.  Fellow sophomore back Terrance Dixon recorded 61 yards on 16 carries, helping the road team outgain Washburn on the ground, 251-119. Of those 251 rushing yards, 199 came in the second half as the RiverHawks began to control the line of scrimmage.

Sophomore quarterback Johnny Deaton was 17-for-39 passing for 172 yards, one touchdown and two crucial interceptions. Senior wide receiver Jermaine Sherman of Wagoner recorded six catches for 84 yards.

NSU got on the board first following a 46-yard field goal from junior kicker Drew Patton on the team’s first possession. The field goal was the first this season for the RiverHawks.

The Ichabods responded on their opening drive when Mitch Buhler found Tore’ Hurst for a nine-yard score with 7:37  left in the first quarter.

NSU answered 2:34 later when Deaton hit Sherman in stride for a 46-yard touchdown, giving NSU  a 10-7 lead.

Washburn regained the lead on the first play of the second quarter when Devon Connors blocked a punt by sophomore Dylan Beers and returned it for a touchdown.

WU kicker Jeremy Linn added to the lead at the 5:53 mark, converting a 26-yard field goal. The Ichabods entered halftime with a 24-10 advantage after Kameron Stewart scored on a one-yard rush with 32 seconds left in the half. This play followed an interception throw from Deaton five plays earlier.

NSU moved the ball well in the second half, and they had two possessions to take the lead. However, a Rockmore fumble and a Deaton interception sealed NSU’s fate and ended the upset bid.

Text Only
Sports