UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University football team returned home after three straight on the road to host No. 8 Grand Valley State University in the Battle of the Valleys Saturday at Wickes Stadium.
The Lakers used a fast start, including an interception return for a touchdown and a blocked kick returned for another score to pull ahead in the first half. Down 28-3, SVSU built some momentum with a 34-yard touchdown strike on the final play of the first half to cut into the deficit. GVSU regained control in the third and took the game 49-17.
The loss drops SVSU to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
First Quarter:
The Lakers started the scoring on their first drive of the game, going 95 yards in four plays, capped by a 28-yard touchdown run from Bryce Young-Walls. Reigning GLIAC Special Teams Player of the Week Connor Luksic made it 7-3 with a 37-yard field goal for SVSU with 2:49 left in the first.
On the next SVSU possession, Abe Swanson picked off a pass for GVSU and returned it 45 yards for a score.
Second Quarter:
The Laker lead was extended to 21-3 after a Luksic field goal was blocked and returned 55 yards by Allante Leapheart for a score. GVSU added a 37-yard touchdown pass from Cade Peterson to Kyle Nott late in the second.
The half looked to be over, but a roughing the passer penalty on GVSU gave one last play to the Cardinal offense. Matt Considine hit Casey Williams across the middle. He sprinted to the pylon and across the goal line for the touchdown with no time remaining on the clock.
Third Quarter:
GVSU regained the momentum in the third with an 11-play, 80-yard drive that chewed up nearly six minutes of game time. The drive was closed by a 1-yard touchdown run by Peterson.
Fourth Quarter:
GVSU put the game away early in the fourth with a six-yard touchdown pass from Peterson to Scott Cooper.
SVSU backup quarterback Colby Newburg entered the game late for the Cardinals and drove SVSU 75 yards in 10 plays, hitting Isaiah Johnson-Mack (The Meijer Player of the Game) for a 26-yard touchdown pass.
The Lakers found the endzone one last time, as GVSU backup quarterback Cal Endicott hit Cody Tierney for a 45-yard touchdown on the first play after an onside kick.
Inside the Box Score:
- GVSU outgained SVSU 400-340 in total offense.
- Tommy Scott finished with 19 carries for 97 yards on the ground
- Matt Considine was 11-of-20 passing for 139 yards, 1 TD, and 2 INTs
- Isaiah Johnson-Mack had a team-high 7 receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown
- Derrick Hinton Jr. returned two punts for a average of 31.5 yards with a long of 47 yards
- Victor Abraham led the defense with 10 total tackles, including 6 solo
NOTES: The Cardinal Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2020, which was inducted on Friday night, was honored at the half. SVSU won the Battle of the Valleys charity contest, raising over $31,000.
Postgame interview with Ryan Brady Below:
