Lee Hankinson
cjh012@marietta.edu
On November 11th, the Marietta College football team fought to keep the Shrine Trophy in the river city. Marietta played Muskingum University at Don Drumm Stadium for the final game of the season. This game would also have potential playoff implications on the line. The result? The Pioneers beating the Muskies for the seventh straight time with a final score of 21-20.
At the end of the second quarter, the game was tied 7-7. In the third quarter Marietta scored a touchdown and conversion kick bumping Marietta up to 14-7. In the fourth quarter Muskingum scored two touchdowns to Marietta’s one. However, Muskingum missed a conversion kick ending the game 21-20.
Marietta earned a total of 362 yards, 167 through the air, and 195 on the ground. Senior Quarterback Connor Vierstra passed 167 yards with 2 touchdowns both of which were to Junior receiver John Sierputowski. Rushing leader Bryce Agnew rushed 176 yards with 1 touchdown. Defensive leader Brady Panucci had a total of 12 tackles.
Marietta finished with an 8-2 overall record and a 7-2 Ohio Athletic Conference record. This is the fourth time in history that the Pioneers have had eight win or more, the first since they went 8-1-1 in 1995.
Unfortunately, the Pioneers impressive record would not earn them a playoff spot. However, OAC rival John Carroll would not receive a playoff spot either as they finished with an overall record of 8-2 as well. Hence, Mount Union would be the only representative of the OAC conference this year.
