The Waynesburg University Yellow Jackets fell to the Allegheny College Gators in a tightly contested bout, 21-11. The loss moves the Yellow Jackets to 2-1 in Presidents’ Athletic Conference play.

“Even though we had a good output statistically, we still have to find momentum plays,” Waynesburg head coach Dr. Cornelius Coleman said. “To put us ahead, put points on the board, to gain momentum, and to give the team life.”

Both of the teams’ opening drives were fruitless, but Allegheny got on the board first. Freshman quarterback Nick Barker completed three passes on the drive and found senior wideout Chris Gisewhite to open the scoring. After the extra point, the Gators led 7-0.

The Yellow Jackets did not get on the board until a 12-play drive midway through the second quarter. Sophomore quarterback Luke Hudson once again led the Yellow Jackets onto the field against the Gators. The drive almost came up scoreless when the Gators intercepted the ball, but there was a flag for defensive holding that nullified the play. Hudson completed six passes on the drive for 51 yards, but the junior kicker Drew Pinkerton was forced to come on for the field goal and he made it 7-3 Gators in front.

Allegheny received another opportunity at the end of the quarter after Hudson threw an interception to senior linebacker Coltin Colucci with just 58 seconds on the clock on a ball that went in and out of junior running back Carson Shriver’s hands.

On the next play Barker connected on a play action pass to junior wide receiver Nick Burkey for the 30-yard touchdown pass.

Allegheny commanded a strong 14-3 lead going into halftime in Waynesburg.

The third quarter of play was scoreless for both teams as Pinkerton missed a field goal and the Gators were only able to muster 32 yards on two drives in the quarter.

Waynesburg added on next with a drive that spanned from the end of the third into the fourth quarter of play. The Yellow Jackets marched down the field on a 11-play, 67-yard drive where Shriver found the endzone on a 1-yard touchdown rush. Hudson then ran in the two point attempt. Waynesburg still trailed 14-11.

The Waynesburg defense once again forced a three and out and received the ball back.

With momentum back in their favor, Waynesburg began their march down the field to try and take the lead. The Gators once again had a costly pass interference penalty which extended the Yellow Jacket drive. Hudson found his favorite receiver of the day, junior wide out Tyler Richmond, for a 38-yard completion in the middle of the field. On the very next play with Waynesburg threatening, Hudson threw his second interception of the game.

“I think the main takeaway from the game on Saturday on the offensive side of the ball is that we need to convert on second and third and short,” Richmond said. “When we were in the red zone we failed to score touchdowns and put points on the board on multiple occasions and that’s ultimately what hurt us.”

Allegheny kneed the ball out to end the contest.

The Waynesburg offense had the yardage advantage in the game with 345 yards to Allegheny’s 287. Hudson 26 for 36 passing for 245 yards and two interceptions. Shriver ran for 95 yards and a score. Richmond was eight for 97 yards in the game.

Waynesburg drops to 2-3 overall and 2-1 in conference play, while Allegheny advances to 2-3 on the season and 2-1 in the PAC.

Waynesburg now travels north to Grove City this week to face the Wolverines. Kick off is scheduled for 2 p.m.