by Alliance, OH- In a game filled with injuries, tension, skill, and drama, the Mount Union Purple Raiders walked away with a 28-21 victory over Marietta to win the 2024 OAC title.
Heading into this game, the storyline was two undefeated powerhouses battling each other for a conference title. Additionally, Dawson Snyder’s historic season where he not only set the record for most receiving touchdowns in a year (9), but also in a career (24). However, the Pioneer defense stole the show early as they forced a three-and-out from the Purple Raiders. On the other end, Mount Union’s defense returned the favor.
The first big play of the game came courtesy of UMU quarterback Noah Beaudrie connecting with Nick Turner for a 48-yard gain. A few plays later, Tyler Echeverry trotted to the house from 16 yards out. This placed the Purple Raiders on top of Marietta 7-0. With a mixture of short and medium gains, Marietta quarterback Connor Vierstra drove the Pioneers down the field. A Mount Union personal foul set the stage for Vierstra to find Quinn Brown for a 12-yard touchdown, evening the contest up at 7-7. The quarter would end shortly after with Mount Union going three-and-out for the second time.
Another methodical drive from Marietta ensued with a crucial fourth down and one. Vierstra was able to break the plane to the dismay of the Purple Raiders. Personal fouls totaling 30 yards followed, leading to Marietta kicking off at UMU’s 35-yard line with the score 14-7. Disaster almost struck quickly into the next drive as Beaudrie lost control of the football. However, Matt Anderson quickly pounced on the loose ball for Mount Union. Echeverry assisted Beaudrie in moving the ball and chains, eventually setting up Anderson for a 10-yard touchdown reception. With 3:28 left on the clock in the second quarter, UMU and Marietta were tied at 14. Both defenses held up, keeping the score 14-14 at halftime.
On the last play of the first half, Beaudrie scrambled and went down in the open field. Unfortunately, he had to be helped off the field and was seen on crutches during the second half. However, in typical Noah Beaudrie fashion, he was in good spirits when I spoke to him on the sidelines. Beaudrie was cheering loudly the entire second half while providing pointers to his replacement TJ DeShields. DeShields is a graduate student at UMU who went to West Branch HS in Beloit, Ohio. The Warriors’ season ended last night 13-0 at the hands of Ted Ginn Sr’s Glenville.
Vierstra began the second half by guiding Marietta inside Mount Union’s 30-yard line. A false start set the stage for fourth down and seven at the 29-yard line. UMU captain Marcus Jackson broke up Vierstra’s pass intended for Derek Witsberger. After both the Purple Raiders and Pioneers went three-and-out, Echeverry gained 13 yards for a first down. Then, the Purple Raiders punted. Then, the inevitable happened. Vierstra connected with Snyder for the 10th time this season, placing Marietta on top 21-14 with one quarter to play.
The defense of the Pioneers continued to dominate, holding DeShields to only one completion on the next drive. Marietta drilled six minutes off of the clock before punting to Mount Union. Tyrell Sanders was active on the ensuing drive, catching two passes for 27 yards. Then, Echeverry broke free and scored from 51 yards out, tying the game. At the two-minute warning, Marietta faced a third and 13. Vierstra was unable to connect with Snyder. This handed DeShields and the Purple Raider offense back the ball with 1:49 left in regulation. DeShields, with the help of Sanders, set UMU up at the Marietta 27-yard line with 32 seconds left. Then, it happened. DeShields launched a jump ball to the endzone and bam! Sanders came down with the catch, winning the game for Mount Union 28-21.
This win extends the Purple Raiders regular season win streak to 73 games, dating back to 2016. They close out the regular season next weekend with a trip to Muskingum in New Concord. As for Marietta, they are now 8-1 on the season with a trip to John Carroll in University Heights on the cards next week. In spite of all the adversity, Mount Union found a way to win and provide the Kehres Stadium faithful a day they will never forget.
Marietta Key Players
#1 Dawson Snyder: 12 Receptions, 103 Yards, 1 TD
#4 Jay Melchiori: 6 Receptions, 90 Yards
#7 Connor Vierstra: 26/38, 266 Yards, 2 TD
Mount Union Key Players
#0 Tyler Echeverry: 12 Carries, 116 Yards, 2 TD + 6 Receptions, 33 Yards
#3 Tyrell Sanders: 8 Receptions, 126 Yards, 1 TD
#12 TJ DeShields: 9/17, 117 Yards, 1 TD
Player of the Game: Tyrell Sanders
