Defense dominates in 42-0 win at Walsh

Tiffin University picked up a big 42-0 win in their opener at Walsh.
Tiffin University picked up a big 42-0 win in their opener at Walsh.

Tiffin University's defense dominated play in its season opener at Walsh, forcing four turnovers and posting five sacks en route to a 42-0 victory.

Overall the Dragons' defense registered three interceptions and a fumble, with all three interceptions leading to touchdowns. The Dragons also held Walsh to just 13 yards rushing in the game while five different defenders were involved in TU's five sacks.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Dragons registered 21 second-quarter points. Christian Carter rushed in from 22 yards out for Tiffin's first score at the 12:54 mark and, after the first of Jermaine Wimpye's two interceptions, rushed in from 4 yards out  with 12:37 on the clock to make it 14-0.

The Dragons' defense kept up the attack, leading to another Wimpye pick late in the first half. TU capitalized on that turnover as well, with Darius Pinnix banging into the end zone from 10 yards out to make it 21-0 at the half.

The offense started to find its rhythm in the second half, with Carter engineering an 88-yard drive early in the third quarter before rushing in for his third TD of the day from 6 yards out at the 5:45 mark to make it 28-0.

Chucky Lewis posted another TU interception on Walsh's next possession, with TU following up with another score. This time Carter got the job done through the air, connecting with Josh Lewis on a 41-yard strike at the 3:18 mark to make it 35-0.

Carter accounted for his fifth TD of the day with 6:24 left in the fourth quarter, nailing Jalen Thomas from 9 yards out for Tiffin's final score.

Overall TU totaled 28 first downs to Walshs 12 and outgained the Cavaliers 442-186 in total offense. That included a huge 228 to 13 rushing edge. The offense also went 9 for 14 on third down conversions while holding Walsh to just 5 for 15 on third downs.

Pinnix led the ground attack with 68 yards on 12 carries, while Carter added 66 yards on 7 rushes. Along with his 214 passing yards (17 for 32 with one interception), Carter racked up 280 yards of total offense. Devin Nelson also rushed for 44 yards on 8 carries.

Thomas had 65 yards receiving on 4 catches, while Lewis added 63 more on 3 catches as the Dragons showed a balanced offensive attack. Anthony Lowe also led the team with 6 catches for 32 yards.

Defensively Montez Kelley had 2 sacks, with Sir Zion Dance and Jesse Connell also getting sacks. Hunter Waits and Marshawn Mankins had a half sack apiece.

Chucky Lewis, Latrell Robinson, and Dance finished with 6 tackles each, followed by Barry Brown and Tyler Richardson with 5 tackles.