Everything Wrong With US Media Coverage

The Scoffayette

Everything Wrong With US Media Coverage

The Scoffayette

Everything Wrong With US Media Coverage

The Scoffayette

Lafayette football ends two game skid with 20-10 win at Yale

By Michael Kelley ’14

Photos by Kate Cherney ’15 and Ally Hill ’14

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The Lafayette defense returned to their turnover-happy ways and intercepted four passes to lead the Leopards to a 20-10 victory against Yale (1-4) this afternoon. The win ended a two game losing streak for Lafayette (4-2, 1-0 PL) and was Frank Tavani’s 70thcareervictory as head coach.

Quarterback Andrew Shoop ‘13 returned from concussion symptoms and completed 20 of 33 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Mark Ross ‘14 had eight catches for 105 yards and one touchdown, extending his streak of 100-yard receiving games to three.

But the real story of the day belonged to the defense, as they repeatedly halted Yale drives with interceptions and stops, especially in a tight fourth quarter.

With 5:11 left in the game and the score 14-10 in Lafayette’s favor, Yale attempted a fourth down from the Leopards’ 28 yard line that was quickly stopped in the backfield by linebacker Chris Brockman‘16.

Taking over possession, Shoop and the offense then marched 70 yards to score the game-sealing touchdown. On the first play of the drive, Ross Scheuerman ‘15 rushed for 38 yards down the far sideline to put Lafayette in Yale territory. But a sack on third down set up fourth and 12 on the Yale 34-yard line. After a timeout, Tavanidecided to go for it and was rewarded on his gamble as Shoop connected with Ross on a 32-yard pass to extend the drive. Two plays later, Scheuerman finished what he started and ran into the end zone untouched.

On Yale’s ensuing drive, Brockman intercepted Eric Williams ‘16 for the defense’s 15th this season, allowing Lafayette to kneel the ball and run out the clock.

Once again, it was a tale of two halves as Lafayette dominated the second half, but struggled throughout most of the first.

Five of their seven first half drives ended in punts, and one ended after Jamel Smith ‘16 fumbled on their 24-yard line. But despite constant outstanding field position, Yale could only score 10 points, as the Lafayette defense repeatedly made stops to prevent scores, including two interceptions, one from Jared Roberts ‘15 and another from Shane Black ‘15.

Trailing 10-7 after halftime, Shoop capped off a 78-yard drive early in the third quarter with a 10-yard TD pass to Ross off a post route. The lead was Lafayette’s first since they defeated Bucknell three weeks ago.

On the drive, Shoop converted a long third down with a 25-yard pass to “Reliable” Rodney Gould ‘13. Gould caught the ball in the middle of the Yale zone defense to extend the drive.

Late in the third quarter, Yale had an opportunity to cut the lead to one, but Yale’s kicker missed a 48-yard field goal wide right.

Just looking at the stat sheet, one would have thought Yale won the game. The Bulldogs controlled the time of possession (34:00-26:00), first downs (26-14), rushing yards (183-72), and total offensive yards (392-315). But in the ever-important category of turnovers, Lafayette dominated four to one.

Lafayette returns to Patriot League action next Saturday when they play Holy Cross at Fisher Stadium on Homecoming. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

Ben Brown ‘14 contributed reporting.

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