The Kennesaw State football team continued its winning streak by defeating the Reinhardt Eagles 31-7 on Saturday, Sept. 28, with the game ending in the third quarter due to inclement weather.
“We looked at the weather and everything involved for the best interest of the players,” head coach Brian Bohannon said. “Coach Miller and I decided this was the right thing to do.”
Beginning early in the first quarter, the Owls showed that its team can dominate fast and never look back.
The Owls’ defense held its own to start the quarter, stopping Reinhardt after only eight yards of offense was allowed.
After the Owls collected the short punt from the Eagles, senior running back Kevin Ficklin opened the scoring with a 22-yard touchdown.
The early score was followed by a touchdown from senior Daniel David. The quarterback charged through the Reinhardt defense for a one-yard touchdown of his own.
After no response from the Eagles, KSU remained in control in the second quarter with two touchdowns by sophomore Isaac Foster in the third and fourth offensive possessions, furthering the lead 28-0.
Although there were no touchdowns from the Owls in its fifth possession, sophomore kicker Nathan Robertson added to the score with a 40-yard field goal to extend the lead to 31-0.
Reinhardt finally answered back with a touchdown by quarterback Billy Hall’s 21-yard run to make it 31-7.
The third quarter began with each team trading possessions. With just minutes left to go, lightning began to strike at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, leaving both teams and spectators to seek shelter.
After an anticipated response from officials, the game was put to a stop after 45 minutes of waiting.
“Weird way to end a game,” Bohannon said. “In my coaching career, I don’t know if I had one that ended like this.”
KSU finished the game with 264 total yards. Foster finished with a game-high of 127 yards.
“Before the game, Bronson Rechsteiner told me that he had a vision that he was going to block their safety for a touchdown run for me and that is exactly what he did,” Foster said. “There was great blocking on the perimeter all night.”
After this win, the Owls are 4-1 on the season, averaging 39 points per game while only allowing roughly 13 points.
The Owls remain No. 4 in the Coaches’ Poll and came in at No. 7 in the STATS Football Championship Subdivision Poll.
The Owls have now been in the top 25 for 25 consecutive weeks, while also holding a top 10 ranking for 21 weeks straight, according to the KSU Athletics.
Reinhardt left the game with only 99 total yards as the KSU defense forced the Eagles to punt on its first six possessions.
Sophomore Kareem Taylor helped the Owls with some big defensive plays, and finished the game collecting five total tackles to lead the Owls defense.
Even though the game was cut short, Bohannon was very pleased with student turnout.
“The student section was phenomenal,” Bohannon said. “I would have to say it was the best since we’ve been here.”
The Owls will be tested as the next two opponents are against Big South competition. After a break next weekend, the Owls will be back home Saturday, Oct. 12, hosting Charleston Southern for homecoming.
