Strong play across the board garners recognition in victory

STORY BY AUSTIN CANNON

THE DRAKE OFFENSIVE LINE dominates the Stetson front seven as running back Conley Wilkins looks to make a break through a gap. PHOTO BY ASHLEY KIRKLAND | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

When the offense racks up 251 rushing yards and the defense holds the opponent to zero rushing yards, it’s usually a good sign that the guys up front are doing their jobs.

Drake head coach Rick Fox had particular praise for his banged-up offensive line, missing starters Al Hern and Aaron Melton, both lost for the season.

“Those guys really controlled the line of scrimmage,” Fox said.

Marrin, who had two of Drake’s seven sacks, credited the coaching staff.

“I’ve got to give that to the coaches,” Marrin said. “They’re putting us in great positions to win.”

The Drake defense was rarely fooled by Stetson’s offense on Saturday, which was only able to generate 178 total yards.

Players of the Week 

Punter Cam Bohnert and defensive end Mack Marrin were named the Pioneer Football League’s special teams and defensive players of the week, respectively.

It’s the second time Bohnert has been honored. He also earned player of the week honors after the North Dakota game. On Saturday, Bohnert punted four times for a 44.5 average. Two of his kicks pinned Stetson inside its own 20. Handling kickoffs, Bohnert also made two tackles, one of which flattened the Stetson kick returner on a second-quarter kickoff.

Marrin made his presence felt immediately. On Stetson’s opening drive, he made a tackle for a two-yard loss and followed it up with a sack. He finished with six total tackles, four tackles for a loss and two sacks.

Bohnert and kicker Josh Lee have won three special teams player of the week awards while Marrin and John Hugunin have each won the defensive award.

Garbage Time Glory 

Since Saturday’s game was a blowout, the backups had their chance to play in garbage time. Three of those backups made the most of their opportunities on the field.

Receiver A.J. Spitz, tight end Connor Ostrander and quarterback Andrew Clifford each recorded their first touchdowns as Bulldogs. Starting receiver also caught his first touchdown in the third quarter.

Spitz caught a 55-yard touchdown pass from Cody Thibault at the beginning of the fourth quarter to up the Drake advantage to 34-3. Six minutes later, Clifford found Ostrander from seven yards out.

Up Next 

The Bulldogs will travel to Buies Creek, North Carolina to play the Campbell Camels on Saturday. Campbell (2-2) lost its PFL opener to the Butler Bulldogs 25-24 on a final-minute touchdown at the Butler Bowl.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.