OWINGS MILLS–
Vaughn Highland blocked a field goal attempt as time expired to force overtime, but Eastern University Football dropped a 26-23 decision at Stevenson to close out the program's inaugural season. With 180 yards rushing,
Brett Nabb led the Eagles to a season-best 263 yards on the ground.
The host Mustangs (7-3, 6-3) came into the day with a spot in the MAC-Centennial Bowl series on the line.
After a scoreless first quarter, the hosts finally broke through on a 6-yard touchdown pass that capped a 15-play 87 yard drive. After multiple short possessions, the Eagles sniffed out a fake punt and earned a short field late in the half. On the first play,
Sabor Stevens found
Eddie Swinton in the corner of the end zone for a 23-yard touchdown. The play came on a flea-flicker where Stevens stood his ground against heavy pressure. Swinton tapped his right foot in bounds just before his second foot landed.Swinton finishes the year with four touchdowns and 483 yards.
John Nolek hit a program-record 43-yard field goal to put the Eagles up three midway through the third quarter. The record boot capped a seven-minute drive. The Mustangs matched the score with a 34-yard field goal with three minutes left in the third.
Sparked by a 49-yard run from Nabb, the Eagles got down to the Stevenson three yard line. A Stevenson roughing penalty gave the Eagles four shots to score from the one yard line. The Mustang defense held, but the Eagles kept the hosts deep in their own end and Nabb rushed for a 41 yard touchdown to give the Eagles a 16-9 lead with 12 minutes to play.
Stevenson scored twice to answer the Nabb score, but a big return from
Tahjere Jackson-Alston gave the Eagles a short field. Nabb found
Nassik Smith for a 32-yard gain. The Eagles got to the doorstep on a couple Nabb runs and a pass interference penalty.
Kamar Cosby punched it in for his third touchdown of the year to tie the score at 23.
With a 39-yard completion on 3rd-and-10, Mustangs drove to the Eastern 12, but Moody beat his blocker and denied the game-winning attempt in regulation.
The Eagles (2-8) got the ball first but Nolek's long attempt was blocked. The Mustangs got to the Eastern 15 and converted a 32-yard field goal for the win.
Zaire McLaurin and
Jamauri James each had interceptions in the game. James led the Eagles with eight tackles and McLaurin and
Perry Parker each had seven. With six stops,
Gashawn Moody finishes tied for the MAC lead with 104 total tackles.
