DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University football team hosts Valparaiso Saturday at Drake Stadium in its 2021 Pioneer Football League opener. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.
Drake (1-2) returns to Drake Stadium for its first home game since the season opener against West Virginia Wesleyan on Sept. 2. After the opening blowout victory over the Bobcats, the Bulldogs played challenging road games at Montana State and at North Dakota.
In his first career start, junior safety Nick Cagnetto forced a pair of turnovers deep in Drake’s territory against the nationally-ranked Fighting Hawk’s offense. Late in the first half, the Denton, Texas native forced his first career fumble at the Bulldogs’ one-yard line resulting in a recovery that stopped a potential scoring drive. Later at the start of the fourth quarter, Cagnetto picked off his first career pass, again at Drake’s one-yard line and returned it 28 yards. He added four tackles, including three solos. Cagnetto was honored by the PFL for his outstanding play by being named the PFL Defensive Player of the Week. He joins fellow safety Alex Rodgers who claimed the top defensive award the first week of the season.
Drake’s defense forced five Fighting Hawk’s turnovers but the offense couldn’t capitalize with stalled drives and its own turnovers. Sophomore quarterback Luke Bailey made his first career start in place of Ian Corwin, who was out due to injury. Bailey completed 9-of-15 passes but was picked off twice. UND held Drake to just 87 rushing yards as Cross Robinson led the way with 39 yards. Junior wide receiver Colin Howard continues his strong play this year as he caught two passes for 39 yards.
Valpo (0-3) is in search of its first win this fall. The Beacons also played a challenging non-conference slate with two of their three games also coming on the road.
Saturday will be the 30th all-time meeting between the longtime PFL foes as they played twice last spring due to the unusual spring schedule due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The teams split as Valpo’s win snapped a 17-game losing streak in the series and it was its first-ever win at Drake Stadium.
Following Saturday, Drake travels to Butler on Oct. 2 for an 11 a.m. game.
