A slow start for No. 8 Ravens Football turned into a 35-0 home win against the William Penn University Statesmen on Saturday.
A scoreless first quarter gave way to a quick, one-two punch in the second quarter to give Benedictine a 14-0 lead at the half. The Ravens scored three more times in the third quarter to put the game away as the defense kept the Statesmen off the scoreboard.
After the previous two Ravens offensive drives ended with punts, the offense got clicking in the second quarter. Taking over at their own 15-yard line, the Ravens drove 85 yards in 15 plays, with Marquis Stewart capping off the long drive with a one-yard touchdown run.
Benedictine wasted little time in getting the ball back, forcing a fumble on the ensuing kickoff. The Ravens recovered at the 13-yard line. Three plays later, Stewart found the end zone once again to put Benedictine up 14-0.
William Penn had a chance to score late in the second quarter, but Tyler Wood's pass was intercepted by the Ravens Matt McCullough – who finished with two interceptions in the game.
The Ravens forced another Statesmen fumble on the first drive of the second half. The Benedictine ground game found success again as Zach Renfro punched in for a score from four-yards out to give the Ravens a 21-0 lead.
After McCullough's second interception, the Ravens offense covered 60 yards in two plays; Stewart blew past the Statesmen defense for a 40-yard touchdown run.
The final score of the game again came after a strong defensive effort. Benedictine held Penn on a fourth-down attempt which led to a Shaefer Schuetz to Aaron Jackson touchdown pass, and a 35-0 lead.
The Ravens defense kept the Statesmen option attack in check the entire game. Penn rushed 64 times for 253 yards, holding the Statesmen to just under four yards per carry. Penn only covered 25 yards in the air.
Benedictine had 214 rushing yards on 35 carries; Stewart accounted for 153 yards on 18 rushes. Schuetz threw for 120 yards with 32 yards going to Jackson.
The Ravens defense forced four turnovers – two fumbles and two interceptions – and denied Penn on three fourth-down attempts.
Demaria Walters had six solo tackles for the Ravens, plus a fumble recovery, and Brett Shepardson had five tackles.
Benedictine improves to 8-1 on the season and are 3-0 in the Heart North Division. Next up is an away game in Des Moines, Iowa, against the Grand View Vikings on Saturday, Nov. 3. No. 4 Grand View is also 3-0 in the Heart North.
