DES MOINES, Iowa – Valparaiso scored the go-ahead touchdown with 1:05 left in the game in a 24-21 Pioneer Football League victory over the Drake University football team Saturday afternoon at Drake Stadium.
Drake (1-3, 0-1 PFL) had a chance to tie the game with three seconds left on a 42-yard field goal try by Nathan DeBruin. But the attempt was blocked by Keyon Turner as Valpo (1-3, 1-0 PFL) held on for its victory of the season. Beacons’ backup Ben Nimz connected on a 30-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Bingham on fourth-and-10 with 1:05 left.
Quarterback Luke Bailey, who made his first career start at home, finished 24-of-48 for a career-high 283 yards and two touchdowns. On the final drive, Bailey led the Bulldogs down the field from its own 25-yard line hitting three different receivers to help set up the potential tying field goal.
One week after it forced five turnovers at North Dakota, Drake’s defense forced four turnovers, including snagging three interceptions. Fifth year cornerback Jeran Proctor grabbed a career-high two interceptions and added five tackles. Junior safety Nick Cagnetto had one interception for the second-straight game. Fifth-year safety Alex Rogers forced a fumble that was recovered by freshman Finn Claypool, his first career recovery. Rogers added seven tackles.
Drake’s defense provided its first big play early as Proctor intercepted Valpo’s first pass of the game near midfield and returned it 41 yards deep into their territory. Two plays later, Brandon Langdok ran it to the house from eight yards out on a double reverse to put Drake up 7-0 less than one minute into the game.
Later it was another big defensive play that helped set up the Bulldogs for their second score. Rogers forced a fumble by Robert Washington at the 22-yard line and it was recovered by Claypool. Two plays later, Bailey hit Matt Hartielb for an 18-yard touchdown. De Bruin’s extra point was good as the game was tied at 14.
Drake’s defense tallied another turnover late in the first half that helped keep Valpo out of the end zone. Cagnetto picked off a pass, his second interception in two weeks, and returned it. Drake’s offense stalled out as it punted away and the game went to halftime tied at 14-all.
Drake took the lead minutes into the fourth quarter after Bailey connected on a 49-yard touchdown pass to Colin Howard. Howard had a game-high 94 receiving yards and had his second touchdown of the season.
Drake visits Butler Oct. 2 in its first PFL road game with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. central time.
