By Ethan Spozarski

From September 10, 2022

Last Saturday the Waynesburg University Yellow Jackets football team lost to the Case Western University Spartans 45-31. 

Despite the loss, Waynesburg (1-1) continued to show signs of life throughout the game.

Good things were happening when everyone was doing their job,” sophomore wide receiver Dakota Romantino said. “Everyone has their own job to do and when we do our job good things happen.”

Senior quarterback Tyler Raines went 25-of-37, and threw for 310 yards and two touchdowns. One of the two touchdowns went to Romantino. He caught seven passes for 104 yards as well.

Romantino also said the relationship he has with his QB is all-natural. 

“The connection just kind of happened on its own,” Romantino said.  “Tyler knows when and where I’m going to be on the field and knows the timing of the route I’m running so it just makes it easier on both of us.” 

The Yellow Jackets struggled to convert on third down; only going 6-for-12. The Yellow Jackets’ offense also stalled a good bit when given a chance to come back in the game.

In order for the Yellow Jackets to win games, they have to focus on their own personal goals. 

“We have to execute our plays and do our job that is assigned. Our coaches put us in the best situations possible and all we have to do is do our job and not worry about anything else,” Romantino said.

Someone who stepped up on Saturday was freshman linebacker Austin Derr. He was tied for the team lead with 10 tackles. 

“I just went in and filled the gaps,” Derr said. “I did the best I could, and tried to keep every play within three yards.” 

Derr also said that despite the loss, team chemistry is heading in the right direction. 

“All trying to get used to each other and work like a family,” Derr said. “Which we are heading in that direction as well.” 

Spartans (1-1) starting quarterback Drew Saxton went 21-of-27 for 189 yards. Freshman Ian Kipp only threw one pass, however, it went for a 70-yard touchdown. Kipp also ran the ball seven times for 46 yards and junior running back Antonio Orsini ran the ball 18 times for 83 yards.

The running game was very efficient, running for 211 yards and five touchdowns. They also were efficient on third downs going eight-for-thirteen (62 percent). The Spartans sacked Raines four times with a loss of 17 yards.

Case Western dominated time of possession by having the ball for 33:03. 

The Spartans took advantage of special teams issues by the Yellow Jackets; especially in the kickoff department (in six returns, they had 173 yards.) 

The Yellow Jackets get back into action at Wiley Stadium this Saturday against Geneva. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.