Anderson Reclaims The Bronze Ball on Senior Day

The Anderson University football team reclaimed The Bronze Ball by taking down rival Manchester University 19-12 during Saturday's Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) matchup in Macholtz Stadium.

Prior to the contest, Anderson celebrated Senior Day, recognizing cheerleaders Sierra Williams, Janiyla Holloway, Raven Rasdell, athletic trainer Halle Strege, football players Cade Bechtold, Tristan Chambers, Dane Crenshaw, Lazarus Davis Jr., Dean Foundos, Ben Gaston, Kourtnei Green, Trent Williams and Montravion Staley.

Both teams took on the challenge of the snowfall that hit the morning of. Cold temperatures also played a factor as the kickoff game temperature was 30 degrees.

The Spartans (1-9, 0-7) attempted a 42-yard field-goal attempt on their first drive, but Matthew Mason's kick was blocked by Staley. Staley would also pick off a pass in the same quarter. In last year's snow-infested meeting in which Manchester came out victorious 3-0, both teams were held scoreless through one quarter.

The Spartans found the scoreboard first as Eric James completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to Justin Abiagon. Manchester would only come away with six points as Jerry Addo-Boateng would block Mason's extra-point attempt.

The Ravens (1-9, 1-6) would establish solid field position as Cayden Sotelo would return an interception to Manchester's 22-yard line. Anderson would find the scoreboard with 10 minutes, 32 seconds left in the second quarter as senior starting right guard Gaston would take the snap from the fullback position and punch in a 1-yard touchdown. Mateo Jesch knocked down the extra point to give the Ravens a 7-6 lead.

On the next drive, Manchester would field a punt 4th and 13 from its own 24. The errant snap flew over Mason's head and to avoid the possibility of allowing a defensive touchdown, the ball was kicked back into the endzone for a safety.

The Ravens went up two scores with 5:36 left in the second quarter when Staley deflected James pass and Addo-Boateng came up with the interception. Addo-Boateng returned the interception 25 yards for a touchdown. Jesch converted his second extra point of the day to give Anderson a 16-6 lead. The Ravens would take the 16-6 lead into halftime, but not before Chambers recovered a fumble for the Ravens.

To open the third quarter, Manchester completed an 11-play 59-yard drive, which included 10 runs. David Smith capped off the 6:17 drive with a 1-yard rushing touchdown. Mason's extra-point attempt was no good and Manchester would remain down by four to the Ravens.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, Jesch would knock down a 34-yard field goal, his longest of the year, to put the Ravens up 19-12.

Manchester would take to the strategy of another heavy-run time-consuming drive. The drive would go for 58 yards on 10 plays, eight of which were rushing. As the Spartans faced third and goal on Anderson's 1-yard line, Jalen Love's carry would be stopped for no gain by Connor Huffman. The Spartans would take another crack at breaking the endzone and tying the game, only to be stopped short by Caden McClain, forcing a turnover on downs.

After an Anderson punt, Manchester would take the ball over on its own 28. During the drive, Staley would pick off Manchester's Colin Turner for Staley's second interception of the day.

Anderson faced a 4th-and-1 situation on Manchester's 41 and the Spartans stopped the Ravens short to earn one final chance at tying the game. Manchester almost blew its opportunity on second down as Jawan Coney forced a fumble on a sack, but the Spartans managed to recover the fumble and maintain possession. Following an incompletion from Turner, the Spartans faced 4th and 12. Staley would seal the game for the Ravens by recording his third interception of the day.

The Spartans, who entered the contest averaging 159.9 rushing yards per game, were held to just 58 rushing yards. Manchester was also limited 178 yards of total offense and 2.9 yards per play. Anderson closed the day with 272 yards of total offense. The Ravens' defense finished with five interceptions, a fumble recovery and a fourth-down stop on its own 1-yard line.

Gabe Lawler led the Ravens with 104 rushing yards. Gaston rushed for a touchdown. Jesch finished the day 2-for-2 on extra points, a 34-yard field goal and two punts inside the 20.

Staley had a monster day, finishing with three interceptions, a blocked kick and a pass breakup. His three-interception performance marks the 11th in program history. Addo-Boateng returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown and blocked a kick. Sotelo notched an interception, a forced fumble and six tackles. McClain tallied nine tackles and two tackles for loss. Huffman posted seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries. Coney contributed a forced fumble, a sack and three quarterback hurries. Connor Essick recorded eight tackles, Deovante Curtis tallied seven tackles, Ison Moss turned in five tackles and Gavin Reners produced two quarterback hurries.

"Battling the elements, Senior Tristan Chambers was a heavy contributor to the defense that lost Captain Collin McCaffrey following an injury early in the first quarter," Coach Jeremy Lochner said. "The Ravens Defense held the potent Spartan run game in check all day, allowing only 58 yards on 42 carries. The defense ended the day with 7 takeaways with 5 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 on turnover on downs. Helping keep the game out of reach, the Ravens blocked 2 PATs and 1 Field Goal. Chambers and the defense came up with some very timely stops, but none more important than the goal line stand late in the game. Chambers and the defense held their ground and protected the 7-point lead with just 9:00 min left on the clock. Senior Ben Gaston not only opened holes for the Raven Offense that had its best day of the year on the ground, but the senior offensive lineman also added a rushing touchdown of his own. Gabe Lawler led the ground assault, eclipsing 100 yards on the day. Cade Bechtold capitalized on some big situational downs by hauling in three big catches to keep the chains moving early in the game. Montravion Staley had a pass deflection that resulted in a pick 6 by freshman Jerry Addo-Boateng and added 3 interceptions of his own. The final interception sealed the game with just 14 seconds left. The Ravens ended their season with their most complete game as a team as all three phases remained disciplined and made big plays when called upon. In a season filled with many highs and lows, the Ravens finished on a high note by regaining possession of The Bronze Ball."