NORTH CANTON, Ohio – The Lake Erie College Storm football team headed South today on October 15, 2022 for an inner conference matchup with the Walsh University Cavaliers in North Canton, Ohio. While Walsh begins the season 0-6, Lake Erie will look to jump early for the win. With a thriller of a game, the Storm would pull out the close game in an overtime victory over the Cavaliers 22-15. 

Lake Erie started the game on offense after Walsh won the toss and elected to kickoff. Keed Kpoto would start off the game strong with a 38 yard carry right through the middle of the Cavaliers defense. Lake Erie went on to strike first and early with a 28 yard Gerald Gardner touchdown pass to Peyton Brown. Nathan Tager tacked on the extra point to put the Storm up 7-0 with a little over 12 minutes to go in the first quarter. 

Walsh would then go on a lengthy drive of 56 yards on 10 plays taking about five minutes off of the clock. Jayon Blair from Lake Erie made a great stop to bring Walsh a fourth down and force them to kick a field goal. Charles Hanchett knocked through a 27 yard field to cut the Storm lead 7-3. 

After a quick four and out, the Storm proceeded to give the ball back to the Cavaliers only having it for a little over a minute. Walsh looked to drive early with a completion by Tom Vatter to Tyre Gray for a 31 yard gain. Just a couple plays later Lake Erie was called for a roughing the passer call giving Walsh a free 15 yards. The Storm defense would then hold the Cavaliers to just a 19 yard field goal by Charles Hanchett, giving Lake Erie a 7-6 lead, with 3:13 left in the first quarter. 

Things took a turn for the Storm in a rough offensive second quarter. After a few penalties and a few drives cut short, Lake Erie went on to get a safety giving Walsh an 8-6 lead. After giving the Cavaliers great field position at their own 49, they marched down the field for a quick score and drive led by Tai Carter. He topped off the drive with a 7 yard rushing touchdown. Charles Hanchett's point after attempt was good and Walsh would lead the Storm 15-7 going into the half. 

Lake Erie started the second half on defense after a 45 yard kickoff by Nathan Tager. Walsh would start a lengthy drive of 37 yards on 12 plays. After eating up 6:44 of clock and almost half of the quarter, Walsh's momentum was stopped with a costly sack and loss of 10 yards by Jayon Blair. Charles Hanchett went on to miss a 45 yard field goal attempt giving the Storm the ball back after a great defensive stand.

The Storm defense went on to make another terrific stop while the Cavaliers were gaining momentum late in the third quarter. Ryan Huellemeier sacked Tom Vatter for a 7 yard loss and fumble recovered by Walsh, forcing them to punt. We move to the fourth quarter with the game still 15-7  and the Cavaliers on top.

The Storm started off the fourth quarter strong with a 32 Gardner completion to Peyton Brown bringing them to midfield. After another Brown and Gardner connection of 29 yards, the Storm are down to the Cavalier's 19 yard line. After a good defensive stand by Walsh, the Storm were held to just a field goal attempt that Nathan Tager would miss. Lake Erie then had a 82 yard, 13 play drive end empty handed.

The Storm defense quickly bounced back with an interception of their own. Tom Vatter threw a pick 6 to Jaden McCray for a touchdown! The Storm then looked to tie it up with a successful two point conversion attempt with a completion by Gardner to Nate Dantley. Game tied 15-15. 

After another forced fumble by the Lake Erie defense the Cavaliers were forced to punt. Lake Erie could not capitalize on the field advantages and once again found Walsh with the ball late in the fourth quarter. Tom Vatter would fumble with 1:00 to go in the game with a recovery by the Storm's Evan Brennan. Nathan Tager went on to miss a 27 yard field goal attempt to send this game into overtime tied at 15. 

Lake Erie won the toss in overtime and started at the Walsh 25 yard line. After just two plays for 25 yards, the Storm scored off of a Gerald Gardner pass to Jovohn Tucker. After the good extra point attempt by Nathan Tager, the Storm led 22-15. Lake Erie went on to make a great defensive effort like they have done all game and stopped the Cavaliers at the goal line. Desmon Darby made a tackle on Tai Carter to end the game! 

This marks Coach Boldin's first career NCAA coaching Win! After a valiant defense and overall team effort the Storm came away victorious. This improves their record to 2-5 on the season, and 2-3 in conference play. The Storm gets back to action with another conference matchup at home against Northwood University on October 22, 2022 at 2:00 P.M.