SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (Oct. 5) – Trey Fabrocini rushed for three touchdowns to power the Denison University football team to a 30-20 road win over Wittenberg University in North Coast Athletic Conference play Saturday afternoon at Edwards-Maurer Field.
Denison stays perfect in conference play with the win. The Big Red are now 3-0 in league play and 3-2 overall. The loss drops Wittenberg to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in conference action.
The win is the fourth for the Big Red in the past five meetings head-to-head with the Tigers. The victory also helps Denison avenge an overtime home loss to Wittenberg last fall.
Following a defensive stop of Wittenberg's opening drive of the game, Denison moved 91 yards on 11 plays for the game's first points. Fabrocini finished off the scoring drive with a one-yard plunge into the end zone.
After the Denison defense forced a three-and-out, the Big Red offense went back to work to score its second touchdown in as many drives. This time the drive spanned 55 yards on 10 plays. The touchdown came through the air as Tyler Green connected with Billy Guzzo for a 15-yard score. Daniel Cunningham tacked on the extra point to make it 13-0 with 14:01 remaining in the second quarter.
Wittenberg was able to get on the board with a 26-yard field goal by Lucas Swierk on its ensuing drive. The Swierk kick trimmed the Denison lead to 13-3.
However, the Big Red answered right back with another score. The Big Red went 66 yards on just five plays to find the end zone for a third time in the first half. Fabrocini scored from three yards out after a 54-yard pass completion from Green to Tommy Asleson set up the Big Red with a goal to go situation. Cunningham's PAT made it 20-3 Denison midway through the second quarter.
The Tigers were able to cut the deficit to a one-score game with a 20-yard touchdown pass with just 36 seconds left in the half. Wittenberg then tacked on another Swierk field goal on their first possession of the third quarter. The 10-point swing cut the Denison lead to 20-13 early in the third.
Denison was able to put the game away in the fourth quarter. Cunningham finished off an 11-play, 64-yard drive with a 31-yard field goal that was able to stretch the Denison lead back to double digits at 23-13 with 11:27 to play.
A third touchdown by Fabrocini effectively put the game out of reach. His one-yard run with 3:55 to play made the score 30-13 in favor of Denison.
Wittenberg found the end zone on a nine-yard pass play with 1:03 remaining in the fourth but it was too little, too late for the home team.
Green turned in another efficient effort, completing 18-of-22 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown. Tommy Aslesoncaught two passes for 91 yards. Aidan Brownlee hauled in a career-high 11 receptions.
Fabrocini went over 100 rushing yards for a fourth-straight game. His three rushing touchdowns now have him at 54 for his career.
The Big Red held a 377-314 advantage in total yards. Denison's offense did an excellent job at extending drives throughout the game. The Big Red offense converted 10-of-15 conversion attempts on third down and were successful twice in two tries on fourth down opportunities. Denison essentially doubled up Wittenberg in time of possession.
Both teams finished with 20 first downs. Denison's defense remained strong against the run. The unit surrendered just 50 yards rushing on 19 carries.
Defensively, Layon Reesor finished with seven tackles while Collin Murphy added six stops. Jaylin Epps had three pass breakups.
Up Next: Denison travels to the College of Wooster for a Saturday, Oct. 12 matchup. Kickoff at John P. Papp Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Denison stays perfect in NCAC play with 30-20 road win at Wittenberg
/seasons/2024/boxscores/20241005_u7vg.xml
2024
Denison
30
Wittenberg
20
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denison (2-2) | 6 | 14 | 0 | 10 | 30 |
| Wittenberg (1-2) | 0 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 20 |
Oct 05, 2024