Ravens Rally Back From 20 Down to Put Together 2-0 Start

The Anderson University football team rallied from a 20-0 deficit to capture a 27-23 victory against Cincinnati Christian University on Saturday at Macholtz Stadium. Anderson put together its first 2-0 start since 1996.
 
The Eagles (1-2) jumped out to a 20-0 lead in the second quarter. Cole Pelgen blocked a punt and Craig Willis returned the block 45 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. Jamar Nuby rushed for a two-yard touchdown to give Cincinnati Christian a 14-0 lead. Khayree Wilson blocked another punt for the Eagles, which lead to a four-yard touchdown run from Nuby. The holder mishandled the snap on the point after attempt, but Cincinnati Christian held a 20-point lead.
 
Tyson Harley (New Palestine, Ind./Mount Vernon) connected with Elijah Crowe (Robinson, Ill./Logansport) for 11 yards to cut the deficit to 20-7 before halftime.
 
In the third quarter, Johnell Wortham (St. Rose, La./Destrehan) broke off a 28-yard run to put the Ravens within six points. With 50 seconds left in the third quarter, Harley found Phenol Williams (Miami Shores, Fla./Miami Carol City) for a 39-yard pass to give Anderson a 21-20 lead.
 
Kevin Rockwood converted a 27-yard field goal for Cincinnati Christian in the fourth quarter to take a 23-21 lead. Harley managed to connect with Zac Tallent (Lakeland, Fla./George Jenkins) for 31 yards with 46 seconds remaining for the go-ahead touchdown.
 
During the game, Harley racked up 334 passing yards and three touchdowns. Wortham totaled 85 rushing yards and a touchdown. Alex Barnett (McCordsville, Ind./Mount Vernon) contributed 131 receiving yards and nine receptions. Tallent totaled 10 receptions, 98 yards and a touchdown. Phenol Williams (Miami Shores, Fla./Miami Carol City) and Crowe each finished with receiving touchdowns.
 
Xavier Gee (Marion, Ind./Marion) led the Ravens with nine tackles. Charles Keith (Detroit, Mich./Franklin) blocked a kick for the Ravens. Malandric Skipper-Blair (Anderson, Ind./Anderson Preparatory Academy) recorded six tackles, which includes two tackles for a loss and one sack. Joel Torres (Whiting, Ind./Whiting) and Dehaven Rayner provided six tackles and five tackles, respectively.
 
Jason Marsh (Houston, Texas/Concordia Lutheran) converted each of his three extra-point attempts.
 
Nuby rushed 88 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Eagles. Derrick Taylor passed for 172 yards and Christian Williams recorded 64 receiving yards. Pelgen and Wilson both blocked kicks. Dominic Valenti posted two sacks and a forced fumble. Iziah Woods recovered a fumble and Joseph Lusby forced a fumble. TaQuan Williams and Lusby led the Eagles with eight tackles each. Rockwood converted a 27-yard field goal and two extra-point attempts.
 
Anderson challenges Mount St. Joseph University (1-0) in non-conference action next Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in Cincinnati.