Thanks to Angelina Azzo for the pictures
CHICAGO, Ill. – The North Park University football team scored early but could not hang on in a 23-14 loss to Manchester University on Saturday night.
In its first defending drive of the season, the Viking defense capitalized on a pick-six. Mo Carter read the Spartans' route, running up the sideline for the first North Park touchdown of the season. Follow Michael Messersmith's PAT, North Park held a 7-0 lead just minutes into the first quarter.
Manchester was held scoreless in the first quarter but flipped the script in the second.
In a 14-play, seven-and-a-half minute possession, the Spartans utilized a few rushing yards and a cloud of dust to march into the endzone. However, on the extra point attempt, Juan Nieves broke through to swat the would-be PAT away.
Before halftime, Spartan kicker Matthew Mason split the uprights from 39 yards out, giving Manchester a 9-7 lead.
Unfortunately, the Spartans marked seven more points in both the third and fourth quarters on a rushing touchdown and pick-six, respectively. The Vikings managed a touchdown pass from Matt Eck to Thomas Knight in the fourth, but could not overcome the halftime deficit.
Quick Hits:
- Tritian Zornes leads all rushers with 82 yards
- Touchdown reception for Knight, from Eck
- Pick-six for Carter, who also led the Vikings with 13 tackles
- Johnathan Thomas with a pair of tackles for a loss of 12 yards
- Sacks for Thomas Ainsworth and Jaydin Miller
What's Next?
North Park (0-1) gets an early bye week before opening CCIW play at Carroll University on September 17. Kickoff in Waukesha, Wisconsin is set for 6 PM.
