Case Western Reserve defeated Waynesburg University 41-7 in week one of Presidents’ Athletics Conference matchups.

Waynesburg started the game with a few first downs and what seemed to be an efficient opening drive. The Yellow Jacket offense found itself within the Case Western 20-yard line, and then penalties sent them back and they were forced to punt.

After the window of opportunity ended for Waynesburg, another one opened for Case Western. The Spartan offense, led by quarterback Alex Fromberg, scored on all four offensive drives, and took an impressive 27-0 lead into the third quarter. 

Waynesburg had a stronger second half especially after junior quarterback, Tommy Burke III, came into relief for starting quarterback, Samuel Barber.

When Burke took over, he threw for 111 yards with a touchdown and an interception. In the fourth, for its first score of the game, Burke found Dagyn Williams for a 79-yard touchdown. Williams’ touchdown was the only points Waynesburg scored.

Head Coach Cornelius Coleman spoke on who would be the starting QB heading into this week.

“It’s not. They understand jobs are not cemented for them at the end of fall camp. They must compete Monday through Friday,” Coleman said. “At the end of the day whoever has the best body of work is going to be the guy going into the weekend.”

Coleman also spoke on how Burke’s not only a smart student, but athlete as well. 

 “Tommy is a very intellectual student-athlete. He is smart not only in the classroom, but he’s smart in the film room as well.”

Case Western controlled most of the game as they had 13 more minutes in total time of possession. 

Fromberg led his offense to a 474-yard performance while his defense held Waynesburg to only 182 total yards on offense.

Waynesburg’s 35 rushing yards as a team is the fewest in a single game since 2017 when they were shutout in a loss to Muskingum. 

Coleman described Case Western as a “veteran-seasoned football team.” Case Western returned 17 offensive and defensive starters.

Penalties were a big problem for Waynesburg last year when they led the PAC in penalty yards. The Yellow Jackets once again faced flag trouble after having over 80 total yards in penalties.

After speaking to several members of the team, optimism seemed to be the mindset.

Starting Guard Isaiah Grenway said following the loss it really gets him motivated. 

“Losing got me fired up. We realize our mistakes but must attack the game. We have to start strong then finish.”

Waynesburg travels to New Wilmington, Pennsylvania next Saturday as they play Westminster on the road at 1 p.m. Westminster plays in their season opener after having a week one bye.