UPLAND, Ind. -- The Siena Heights football team suffered a 21-7 loss to Taylor (Ind.) in Mid-States Football Association Mideast League action on Saturday at New Stadium.
Linebacker Tyler Karcher had nine tackles, including a forced fumble and recovery, while fellow linebacker Nic Actonand defensive back Fred Butler added interceptions to the SHU effort.
Taylor's defense and special teams were key to its success, finishing with two blocked punts, two forced turnovers and two fourth-down stops.
The Saints surrendered 14 points in the first quarter, starting with a 35-yard touchdown pass from TU quarterback Jonathan Keith to wide receiver Shawn Lashbrook. The play happened on fourth-and-2.
SHU thwarted Taylor's next possession when Butler picked off Keith in the end zone, however, the ensuing Siena Heights possession ended with a punt-block and recovery in the end zone -- all by Trojan defensive back Dovi Gamble. Gamble later added a second punt-block during the quarter.
After both teams missed field goals in the second period, SHU got itself on the board during the opening drive of the second half. The Saints marched 69 yards in eight plays, finishing with a 30-yard pass from quarterback Travis Zajkowski to wide receiver Reggie Blackmon.
Acton made his interception later in the third quarter as SHU assumed possession at its own 11-yard-line, but once again, the Trojans' special teams made an impact.
On fourth-and-8, Gamble prevented SHU from getting a punt off, resulting in a turnover-on-downs at the Saints' 12. Two plays later, Keith scored on a three-yard run as Taylor increased its lead to 21-7.
Siena Heights turned the ball over on its next two possessions -- once via fumble on the Taylor 5 and then again via interception at the Taylor 44.
Turnovers did occur on back-to-back plays: interception by Taylor and then Karcher's strip-and-recovery, but SHU ended up punting on its next two drives and then failed on fourth down on its final possession.
Tight end Donovan Campbell led the Siena Heights offense with seven catches for 78 yards. Blackmon had two grabs for 53 yards while Zajkowski finished 16 of 34 for 167 yards. Running back Ja'Tice K. Shaw II carried 15 times for 52 yards.
Keith was 19 of 28 for 190 yards for the Trojans, who were outgained by SHU, 277-268. Lashbrook had four receptions for 107 yards and fellow receiver Griffin Lowe finished with eight catches for 71 yards.
The Taylor defense was led by Adam Sauder's 10 tackles and Taylor Kinzer's two sacks.
The Saints will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 2, in its final regular season home game. MSFA Mideast opponent Saint Francis (Ill.) will visit for a noon kickoff.
