Zachary Worstell
zdw001@marietta.edu
Last weekend’s trip to Rochester, New York gave Quarterback Connor Vierstra the opportunity to stamp his name into the Marietta College record book. The fifth-year senior Vierstra is leading an aerial attack this season as he is close to breaking multiple Pioneer career passing records. During the Pioneers season opener against St. John Fisher, he was able to break one of them.
Marietta outplayed the St. John Fisher Cardinals on both sides of the ball. The Pioneers found the endzone eight times on the day, three on the ground and five in the air. Rushing touchdowns were scored by the new starting running back junior Taz Morris, Vierstra, and freshmen Isaiah Mitchell. The running scene has a full new look this season as All-American running back Bryce Agnew is now a part of the coaching staff.
Vierstra threw 4 of the 5 touchdown passes breaking the Marietta College career passing touchdown record with 58. The previous record was 56 touchdowns held by Darrien Fields (2015-18). Vierstra also closed in on the passing yards record as he has 6174 yards while Fields has 6380 yards.
The last touchdown pass was thrown by backup quarterback Larson Brown. The sophomore came into the game at the end of the third quarter and completed 2-of-3 passes for 56 yards and the one touchdown pass to senior John Sierputowski.
While the offense was dominate in the 55-0 victory, the defense was able to put up impressive numbers as well. The defense broke through the offensive line and were able to sack the Cardinal’s quarterback 7 times. Three of those sacks came from Team Captain Chance Knight. Marietta also was able to intercept a pair of St. John’s passes. The Cardinals also struggled on the ground, as they were held to 35 yards off of 33 carries. In total Saint John was limited to 103 yards of offense and lost 36 yards to penalties. The Pioneers were well disciplined on the day as they gave up no penalty yards.
Vierstra and the Pioneers are off this week but will look to continue breaking records next week on the road as they travel to Otterbein University. Kickoff is set for 2:00p.m. on Saturday, September 21st. Marietta is on a five-game winning streak against Otterbein and last year defeated Otterbein 50-0.
