The Kennesaw State football team won its first game of the season for only the second time in program history last night, scoring eight touchdowns in a 59-0 victory over Point University.
Fielding an offense that returned only one starter from last season, the Owls wasted no time by scoring three rushing touchdowns in the first quarter.
The opening drive began with a 54-yard kickoff return by sophomore Isaac Foster followed by a 38-yard pass from senior quarterback Daniel David to freshman Ryan Pontrelli.
David would run the ball for a touchdown on the next play, giving KSU a 7-0 lead less than a minute into the game.
“I owe [the touchdown run] to the guys up front,” David said. “It felt good to get [the first touchdown of the season].”
The KSU offense took advantage of two quick stops by the defense, scoring long rushing touchdowns from senior Bronson Rechsteiner and junior Shaquil Terry to give the Owls a 21-0 lead.
After a sack from junior linebacker Kareem Taylor to force another three-and-out, KSU capped off its fourth offensive drive with a 38-yard touchdown pass to junior K.J. Hancock, giving the Owls a 28-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Owls continued to stick to the run game throughout the second quarter, scoring touchdowns on runs from David and Terry to give them each two rushing touchdowns on the day.
With just over seven minutes left in the second quarter, Owls defensive back Markeith Montgomery came down with the interception off an errant throw by Point quarterback Micah Maxey.
The interception gave KSU its first turnover of the season and Montgomery’s first of his career.
“[On] the defensive side of the ball, we came out [with the idea of] the shutout,” Montgomery said. “There are always things we can work on, [such as] first steps and reads.”
Junior Tommy Bryant took over at quarterback for the Owls to begin the second half. David shined in his first start since taking over for Chandler Burks, finishing with 114 yards through the air with two passing touchdowns, and two more on the ground.
Bryant quickly found success under center, connecting with senior T.J. Reed for a 19-yard touchdown pass before taking the ball in himself to score on the next drive.
As the second half progressed, more of the younger players on the roster went into the game.
“I was glad to see that we had a bunch of guys going out there and attacking, and wanting to get better at some things,” David said. “A bunch of the younger guys showed what they can do tonight, and we are going to carry that over into next week.”
To accompany the offensive success during the game, the KSU defense held Point to only nine first downs and 129 yards of total offense, despite linebacker Bryson Armstrong being out for the game.
“Defensively, we came [into the game] and the guys were flying to the ball,” head coach Brian Bohannon said. “They were playing hard and that is who we are.”
Despite having the second-largest freshman class in program history, Bohannon was pleased with the performance and discipline from the young players on the team.
“I thought we came out with the right mindset and to come and compete,” Bohannon said. “There was not a lot of crazy [things] that you always worry about with the first game, especially with a young football team.”
KSU plans to take the momentum from its win on the road next week as the Owls take on Kent State University on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 12 p.m.
