Davenport Scores Late To Edge Truman In the Season Opener

Davenport took advantage of a late fumble and scored with 2:11 to play to edge Truman State 20-19 Saturday at Stokes Stadium. The Panthers had flipped the field with a 75 yard punt by receiver Sy Barnett. The Bulldogs were able to grind out a couple first downs and had the clock moving when the fumble set up the visitors at the 26. Backup quarterback and Northwestern transfer Jason Whittaker, who came in for the last two series, connected with Barnett on the four yard touchdown, for the only score of the second half. The Bulldog’s next possession appeared to be in field goal range until a pass interference call set them back and an interception followed.

The Panthers jumped out to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter. The Bulldogs recovered a fumble to stop their momentum and turned that into a touchdown….

Brad Boyer with the call on KRES and centralmoinfo.com. The ensuing kickoff was fumbled and the ‘Dogs only had to go 20 yards and take the lead….

Jack Marth recorded a safety and new starting kicker Grant Ross hit his first collegiate field goal to give Truman a 19-13 lead at halftime.

Truman averaged only two yards per rush and three yards per play. Coach Gregg Nesbitt gave credit to the Davenport defense…

Barnett led the Panthers offense with 9 receptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Ben Thomas had two interceptions for Truman and seven tackles. Isaiah Estes of Fayette led the Bulldogs in tackles with eight. The Kirksville duo of Tanner Lain and Noah Copeland had their first collegiate receptions.

The 0-1 Bulldogs make the long trip to Rapid City to play South Dakota Mines next Saturday. You can hear the game on KRES starting at 12:15.

Gregg Nesbitt Postgame