Huskies Edge Malone, Start Season 2-0

HOUGHTON, Mich. — Michigan Tech overcame a 20-7 second-quarter deficit to defeat Malone 28-27 in GLIAC football at Sherman Field Saturday. David Walter hauled in a 21-yard pass from Brandon Cowie with 6:05 remaining, and the Huskies held on to move to 2-0 on the season.

“We made plays when we had to make plays to get a W,” said Tech coach Tom Kearly. “We haven’t played a full 60-minute game yet this year, but we’ve got good character kids who know how to get it done when it matters.”

Neither team punted in the opening half. After a Cowie-to-Andrew Clark touchdown six minutes into the first quarter, Malone scored on three straight possessions for a 20-7 advantage.

Tech fumbled and turned the ball over on downs during the Pioneers’ 20-point streak. A missed extra point on MU’s third TD provided the scoring difference in the game.

The hosts pulled within 20-14 on Alex Sherbinow’s three-yard run with 1:52 left in the first half. The Pioneers missed a 46-yard field goal on the final play of the half, leaving the margin six at the break.

Tech took the lead less than five minutes into the second half 21-20 on Sherbinow’s second TD run.

Malone hit a 44-yard pass play later in the third quarter to regain the lead 27-21.

The Black and Gold drove 64 yards on seven plays on the game-winning drive, with Walter’s seventh catch of the day (for 135 yards) providing the scoring play. Josh King hit the all-important extra point for a 28-27 advantage.

Tech held Malone to a three-and-out, then ran out the final 3:59 of clock, picking up two first downs and kneeling out the game’s final play.

The Huskies outgained the Pioneers 380-to-346 in total offense.

Cowie was 19-of-27 for 243 yards passing. He picked up another 51 yards rushing on 13 carries.

Paul Kuoppala had a career game with 20 tackles, two quarterback hurries and a tackle for loss. Evan Mayer had 7 tackles including 4.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks.

Michigan Tech will play its first road game of 2015 next Saturday (Sept. 19) with a 1 p.m. kickoff at Saginaw Valley State.

Notes: Tech has won 13 of its last 14 GLIAC games … The Huskies have played 10 games decided by seven points or less over the last three seasons and are 8-2 in those contests.

(COURTESY MTU ATHLETICS)

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