GAMBIER, OHIO - Tanner Mateus kicked a 33-yard field goal in overtime as the Benedictine University football team opened the year with a 34-31 win over Kenyon College in Ohio.
The teams traded field goals in the first quarter after long opening drives. Kenyon kicked a 27-yarder following a 10-play drive and Mateus booted a 30-yarder after a 13-play drive.
Tyler Jarnagin connected on a 53-yard touchdown with 10:53 left in the first half to put Benedictine ahead at 10-3, which was the score at the break.
The second half featured plenty of offensive fireworks. Kenyon tied the game following a three-and-out to open the third quarter.
Gregory Hoard broke away for a 27-yard touchdown run to answer as Benedictine led 17-10 with 5:40 remaining in the third. The teams traded touchdowns on the two ensuing possessions.
Nathan Rillo ran in from four yards out at the close of the third to allow Benedictine to lead 24-17.
Kenyon tied the game of the first drive of the fourth and Benedictine drove down but was halted at the one-yardline on a fourth-and-goal.
Jordan Wilkins recovered a fumble and Jarnagin found Shelton again to open a 31-24 advantage with 9:31 left. The hosts again immediately tied the game and had a chance to win at the end of regulation but a field goal was blocked by
Denzel Simmon in the final minute to send the game to overtime.
Kenyon went backwards on their overtime possession thanks in part to a sack from
Ahmad Washington. Benedictine took over after holding and Mateus delivered the winning kick on fourth down.
Benedictine piled up 479 yards of offense and punted just twice. Jarnagin completed 21 passes for 309 yards with a pair of touchdowns. Six different individuals caught passes. Shelton snared five for 87 yards with the two touchdowns.
Deandre Holliday also notched five catches, totaling 81 yards. Hoard finished with 79 yards rushing while Jarnagin added 55.
Washington totaled a team best 12 tackles with a sack. Benedictine posted four sacks in the win.
Benedictine (1-0) hosts Carroll next Saturday night.
