Vierling steps in to help Widener stave off comeback

Widener fought off a second half comeback by host Lebanon Valley to secure a 27-21 Middle Atlantic Conference victory Saturday.

It was Widener’s second straight victory after an 0-3 start and elevated the Pride to 2-1 in conference games. And they did it with Mitchell Vierling stepping in at quarterback to throw the winning touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, a 14-yarder to Donte’ Harrell with

5:23 remaining.

The Pride never trailed after Sean McGaughey threw a 73-yard scoring pass to Ryan Gallagher in the first quarter of the game at Annville.

The Pride led, 14-6, at the intermission thanks to a 10-yard run by Harrell, who rushed for 89 yards, and a goal line stand. The Pride got a stop at their two-yard line, forcing the Dutchmen to kick a field goal.

It was 21-6 in the third quarter after McGaughey fired a 17-yard TD pass to Pat Downey.

But there was no quit in the Dutchmen.

Quarterback Kody Kegarise, who rushed for 142 yards, scored on a two-yard run 90 seconds into the fourth quarter.

Three minutes later, Zachary Adams intercepted McGaughey and rolled 45 yards for a pick-6. Kegarise tied the game at 21 with a two-point conversion run.

Vierling stepped in after McGaughey’s third pick and on the ensuing possession completed

6-of-6 passes for 50 yards, including the winner to Harrell. The march consumed 75 yards and

13 plays. The extra-point attempt was blocked.

The Dutchmen had fourth-andsix at the Widener 25-yard line with 2:02 left, only to be pushed back 20 yards on consecutive holding penalties.

Kegarise was incomplete on fourth down.

The Pride intercepted Kegarise three times and limited him to just 6 completions on 24 attempts for 67 yards

Widener outgained Lebanon Valley, 389-380. The Pride rushed for 116 yards and was flagged for

123 yards in penalties.

The Dutchmen rushed for 267 yards and were penalized

It was the 30th MAC win for Widener head coach Mike Kelly, now 5-0 against the Dutchmen. WILLIAMSON 13, GEORGE MASON

12>> Williamson responded with a touchdown after falling behind for the first time this season and didn’t relinquish the lead thanks to a solid defensive effort in Fairfax, Va.

The Mechanics rose to 4-0 largely due to quarterback Vince DelPercio and defender Tyler Beasley.

DelPercio capped a 38-yard march set up by Beasley’s fumble recovery, with a three-yard scoring run. Gino DiCamillo’s PAT gave the Mechanics a 7-6 lead in the second quarter. George Mason missed the point-after following Peter Marrow’s 18-yard reception started the scoring in the first quarter.

DelPercio fired a seven-yard touchdown pass to Bryson Townsend to give the Mechanics a 13-6 advantage at the intermission. DelPercio, who rushed for 46 yards and threw for 91, converted a fourth-and-10 situation to keep the drive alive.

George Mason’s Justin Fornecal threw his second TD pass in the third quarter, a 21-yarder to Chris Pelmore. But Fornecal, who threw for 157 yards, was incomplete on the two-point conversion attempt.

David Williams rushed for yards for the Mechanics. Townsend had three catches for

32 yards and the TD. Beasley registered 13 tackles, including 11 solos, two for losses and the fumble recovery. DiCamillo (Marple Newtown) contributed eight tackles, the forced fumble and a sack.