ASHLAND, Ohio — The Lake Erie College Storm looked to bounce back after last week's tough loss, as they traveled to play the Ashland University Eagles, in another conference matchup. After a solid first half outing ending at 17-7, and going blow for blow with the 4-3 eagles in the second half, the Storm would fall 31-19. Bringing their overall record to 1-7 on the season and 0-5 in GMAC play.
Raphael Jones Jr. had a monster day for Lake Erie on offense. The running back was crucial in goal line stretches proving to be a workhorse for Lake Erie. The Storm were able to punch in a score with a little over a minute left in the second quarter with a Raphael Jones Jr. touchdown run, his first of three on the day. Later in the fourth quarter Jones would cap off the Storm drive with a one yard touchdown run, picking up his second for the day. Lastly, with around two minutes left in regulation, Jones ended a 14 play, 79 yard drive scoring his third touchdown off a five yard scamper, securing the hat trick for the day.
Jones finished the day with 10 rushing attempts for 18 yards and the three touchdowns for the Storm. Keed Kpoto added 14 attempts on the ground for 46 yards on the day. Xeavier Bullock had an impressive day, completing 23 of 38 for 279 yards, a 60.5 completion percentage, along with a 116.9 QBR. Bullock also added nine rushing attempts that picked up an extra 40 yards to his total offense. Wide receiver Tony Edwards, came up one yard shy of a 100 yard game. Edwards ended the contest with 9 catches for 99 yards and an 11 yard average per catch. Maliek Carter also added four catches good for 48 yards on the day.
The Storm defense was led by Cameren Grodhaus, Euvoski Cunningham, and Cameron Webb. Grodhaus finished his impressive day with a game high eight total tackles, with five solo. Cunningham and Webb each ended with seven total tackles. Cunningham, having six of his seven being solo tackles, has proven to be a big part of the Storm defense this season. Webb finished the contest with three solo tackles and four assists. Ronnell Lackey added three tackles on the day.
The Storm continue to make strides in the right direction after facing a worthy opponent in Ashland. They look to build off this game as they travel to Hillsdale, Michigan to take on the Hillsdale College Chargers. Kickoff is Saturday, October 28, at 2 PM.
