Eastern Wayne Today

On Saturday, Wayne State University's football team played its final non-conference game of the season against Truman State University. The Bulldogs secured a 31-17 victory after a strong second half performance.

Wayne State led 10-3 at halftime but allowed 28 consecutive points in the second half. WSU's head coach remarked on the team's performance: "We started strong but couldn't maintain our momentum in the second half."

In the first quarter, WSU won the coin toss and elected to receive. The Warriors drove 49 yards in over eight minutes with Griffin Milovanski kicking a 43-yard field goal for an early lead. Junior Manny Harris made a significant contribution with a 14-yard reception during this drive.

In the second quarter, junior safety Elijah Fowlkes forced a fumble recovered by linebacker Carl Ware. This set up XaVior Tyus' nine-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-one, marking his first collegiate touchdown and WSU's first first-half touchdown this season.

Truman State responded with a 28-yard field goal by Vinnie Calruso after a ten-play drive. Both teams then exchanged punts before halftime.

The third quarter saw Truman State taking control. They tied the game with an eight-yard carry by Denim Cook and took the lead after Cook caught an 11-yard touchdown pass. Following another WSU punt, Truman returned it 80 yards for another touchdown.

In the fourth quarter, Wayne State had a promising drive end with an interception. Truman extended their lead with Dylan Hair scoring on a two-yard keeper on fourth-and-goal. Wayne State managed one more score late in the game when John Rayba caught a ten-yard pass from Champion Edwards.

Truman State outgained Wayne State in total offense, particularly on the ground with a 195 to 128 advantage. Despite leading in time of possession, Wayne State could not capitalize on their opportunities.

For Wayne State, senior Jeremiah Sterling Jr. led with 46 rushing yards while Edwards completed 22-of-30 passes for 167 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Harris caught eight passes for 43 yards.

Truman’s standout player was Cook, who rushed for 90 yards and one touchdown while Hair passed for 138 yards and one score.

Wayne State will face Michigan Tech next on October 5th in their GLIAC opener.

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