Flyer Football Shuts Out Robert Morris in the Rain

By: Roberto De La Rosa-Finch – Assistant Online Editor

Dayton’s hard-nosed and energetic defense came up huge on Saturday afternoon against Robert Morris as the Flyers defeated the Colonials 13-0 at Welcome Stadium. Due to lightning in the area, the contest was officially ended with 9:37 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Flyers defense used seven tackles for loss, two sacks from redshirt senior defensive end Mike Gray and an interception from safety David Leisring to stymie the Robert Morris attack all game.

Redshirt freshman Colonials quarterback Andrew Romanchek made his first start against the swarming Dayton defense and struggled. With only 16 passing yards and one interception, the Colonials’ offense couldn’t pull it together.

Similarly to their season opener against Central State, Dayton’s offense struggled early, but its defense held up long enough for the Flyers to stay in control of the game.

The Flyers made some adjustments to combat the Colonials’ cover four and cover two with man coverage, and engineered a successful 50-yd drive halfway into the second quarter.

Sophomore quarterback Alex Jeske connected with senior wide-out Jack Euritt, who was finally able to break coverage for a 43-yd reception right down the seam. UD’s offensive line manhandled the Colonials on a crucial third down inches from the goal line to allow Adams to put six on the scoreboard.

The rest of Dayton’s points came from redshirt senior kicker William Will who went two-for-three on the day with field goals from 20 and 29 yards out.

As a storm rolled into the area, the game was put on pause for a lightning delay. The delay evolved into the calling of the game, and the two coaches shook hands next to puddles at 5:06 pm to conclude the 1 pm game.

The Flyers will take on Duquesne University next week in Pittsburgh, PA. Their next home game is not until Oct. 1, when they go up against the Drake Bulldogs at 1 pm.