Photo credit: Paige Wilcox
ANDERSON, Ind. -- The North Park University football team opened their season against Anderson University on Saturday night, dropping the contest 34-21.
Through the first quarter of action in the season-opener, neither team was able to crack the zeros on the scoreboard.
The Ravens would mark the first six points of the game in their second drive of the second quarter on a 58-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tyson Harley to receiver Zac Tallent.
However, after senior defensive lineman Harold Alexander recovered a fumble, the Vikings took possession nine yards away from the Anderson end zone. Wasting no time, junior quarterback Grant Borsch found senior tight end Na'im Smith as the Vikings marked their first touchdown of the year. Freshman kicker Colin Scherry sent the PAT through the uprights in the following play, giving the Vikings a 7-6 lead.
Anderson would connect on another healthy pass in the late minutes of the second quarter when Harley found Elijah Crow for a 63-yard touchdown as the Ravens regained the lead.
At halftime: North Park 7, Anderson 12
The Vikings were quick to mark in the third quarter, as Borsch found senior wide receiver Malik Powell for a 20-yard touchdown. Following another successful PAT from Scherry, the Vikings took a 14-12 lead.
North Park's defense held Anderson scoreless through the entirety of the third quarter, allowing the offense to come through in the late minutes once more.
Following an interception by defensive back Ryan Howson, the Vikings took possession on their own 32-yard line.
In the blink of an eye, Borsch connected with sophomore wide receiver Brian Mena for a 68-yard touchdown pass on their first play of the drive to extend the Viking lead to 21-12 with one quarter left to play.
Unfortunately, the final quarter proved to be Anderson's best. The Ravens tallied a 42-yard, 64-yard, and a 20-yard rushing touchdown to mark 22 unanswered points.
FINAL: North Park 21, Anderson 34
Quick Hits:
- Borsch threw for a new career-best 364 yards with three touchdowns
- Mena marked 166 receiving yards on six receptions, including a touchdown
- Senior linebacker Gary Anish led the Viking defense with 10 tackles
- Senior defensive lineman Uati Pati had three tackles for a loss
- Howson grabbed his first interception of the season
What's Next?
North Park (0-1) has a bye week before hosting Millikin University on Saturday, September 21 for its homecoming game. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at the Holmgren Athletic Complex.
