Statesmen Open New Season, Stadium with 42-7 Pounding of Iowa Wesleyan
William Penn Football defeats Iowa Wesleyan in it's first ever game at the new stadium
Oskaloosa–Despite experiencing a scoring drought of over 20 minutes, the William Penn football squad christened its new stadium with a big 42-7 victory over Iowa Wesleyan in Midwest League play Saturday.
The #8 nationally-ranked Statesmen (1-0, 1-0 MWL) dropped the Tigers for the 12th consecutive time, but the visitors did not make it easy for big chunks of the night.
In front of a nearly packed house, the hosts lost the first-ever coin toss and kicked off to Iowa Wesleyan. After stopping the Tigers on a three-and-out, William Penn took advantage of great field position (the IWC 47) to score on its opening drive.
On the ninth play from scrimmage, Taylor Parsons (So., The Woodlands, Texas, College Park HS), who had a school-record 20 touchdowns last year, crossed the white line from two yards out to make it 7-0 just 5:53 into the contest.
After another Tiger three-and-out, William Penn went 53 on seven plays to double the edge at 14-0.
Corey Ketchum (Sr., El Dorado Springs, Mo., El Dorado Springs HS) used a nice stiff arm and cutback to avoid tacklers and put the ball in on a five-yard run.
A few poor possessions ensued before the Statesmen got back in the endzone, this time courtesy of a 26-yard dash via Shawn Davis (So., Hamersville, Ohio, Western Brown HS). The sophomore carried the ball 13 times for a game-high 100 yards, while Parsons was just one yard behind him at 99 yards, also on 13 runs.
William Penn FB breaks tackles in the home opener against Iowa Wesleyan
Iowa Wesleyan (0-1, 0-1 MWL) answered only 59 seconds later with its lone touchdown to cut the deficit back to 14 at 21-7.
The scoring trains then derailed for a long stretch until P.J. Perry (Sr., Orlando, Fla., East Ridge HS) finally re-energized the home crowd with a nine-yard rushing touchdown with 13 seconds left in the third quarter.
A quick defensive stop and the Statesmen were on the move once more, putting the game out of reach with a Parsons’ ten-yard romp at the 11:27 point of the fourth quarter. The senior ended the evening’s scoring with a 46-yard scamper with 5:47 remaining.
Parsons’ three-touchdown showing is the sixth of his 12-game career, including two four-TD games.
Ketchum added 53 yards, while Perry managed 51 as William Penn rolled up 396 yards on the ground. The home team outgained Iowa Wesleyan 412-223 in the season opener. The Tigers did most of their damage through the air with 183 yards on 22-of-28 passing by Kevin McConnell.
Rushawn Stewart (Sr., Houston, Texas, Eisenhower HS) topped the navy and gold defensive unit with ten tackles and a sack.
Brandon Dunbar (Jr., Houston, Texas, Booker T. Washington HS) also had a big night with seven stops, two sacks, and a fumble recovery. Nick DiMarco (Fr., St. Charles, Mo., Francis Howell North HS) intercepted a pass deep in William Penn territory to stop a late first-half drive.
“This was a great atmosphere tonight and I am so happy for everyone that we were able to come away with a win in our first game in this new, beautiful stadium,” Statesmen Head Coach Todd Hafner said.
Next: William Penn is back at home next Saturday to host Bethel (Kan.) in non-conference action at 1 p.m.
