Archived Video Broadcast

The Malone University football team concluded its 2015 campaign on Saturday afternoon at GlenOak High School's Bob Commings Field with a 28-21 defeat to visiting Northwood University.

After falling behind 21-0 early in the second quarter, the Pioneers put together a quick five-play, 71-yard drive, getting on the scoreboard with a 31-yard touchdown pass from quarterback John Iacucci to wide receiver Damien Russell.

After forcing and recovering a Northwood fumble deep in Timberwolves' territory, Malone made it 21-14 late in the third quarter on Iacucci's second touchdown pass of the game – this one a five-yard strike to wide receiver Eian Elsass.

However, Northwood's special teams unit came up with a big play on the ensuing kickoff as tailback Vashon Nutt fielded the ball at his own three-yard line and raced 88 yards before being tackled at the Pioneer nine-yard line.

The Malone defense held the Timberwolves out of the end zone on their first three attempts before tailback Jared Biguglio plunged across the goal line on 4^th & 1 to put the visitors on top 28-14.

The Pioneer offense responded with a lengthy touchdown drive, marching 75 yards on eight plays.  Iacucci capped off the drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Camden Baucke to cut the Northwood lead to 28-21 with 9:50 remaining in the game.

Malone's defense forced a punt on the Timberwolves' next drive and the Pioneer offense once again marched down the field, advancing to the Northwood seven yard-line following a 32-yard catch by wide receiver Ashton Dulin.

Malone was unable to punch it in, though, as Elsass was brought down at the three-yard line after catching a pass along the sideline on 4^th & goal. 

Northwood then managed to run the final 3:52 off the clock to preserve the seven-point win.

The Timberwolves built their early lead by scoring touchdowns on their first two offensive possessions and then recovering a Pioneer fumble for another TD.

Senior Day
Malone's seniors and their families were recognized prior to the start of today's game. Malone's 2015 seniors included WR Damien Russell, QB Will Szpor, DB Lucas Haupt, LB Fred Baker Jr., DL Luke Swaim, LB Charles Dickens IV, LB Philip Fisher, LB Dan Mower, OL Sione Veikoso, OL Derek Muncy, and OL Fred Clearman III.
 
Malone Individual Highlights
-Iacucci completed 18 of 34 pass attempts for 202 yards and three touchdowns - all of which marked career highs
-RB Jonathon Zimmerly picked up 51 rushing yards and also caught three passes for 30 yards
-Elsass snagged five receptions for 45 yards and a TD
-Russell caught four passes for 58 yards and a score
-DB James Pawlyk posted a team-high nine tackles
-DL Colton Hale posted seven tackles
-LB Fred Baker Jr. added six stops with a tackle for loss and a pass break-up
 
Northwood Individual Highlights
-RB Bryce Lindberg carried the ball eight times for 67 yards and a TD
-Briguglio posted 62 yards and a score on 12 carries
-Nutt tallied 32 rushing yard and a TD to go with his big kickoff return
-LB Michael Fisher racked up a game-high 14 tackles
 
Game Notes
-Saturday's contest marked the first home game the Pioneers had played at a venue other than Fawcett/Benson Stadium since 2001
-The Pioneers held a 21-16 edge in first downs and a 273-250 advantage in total yards
-The Malone defense allowed Northwood to accumulate just 21 yards through the air on Saturday which marked the fifth fewest passing yards the Pioneers had ever given up in a game