Lakers Dominate Mayville State 55-14 Behind Four Touchdowns From Ke'von Johnson in Season Opener

MAYVILLE, N.D. – The Roosevelt University football team scored 34 consecutive points to erase a 7-0 deficit and defeat Mayville State University (N.D.) on the road by the score of 55-14 in its 2022 season opener. 

Mayville State struck first on its opening drive, scoring on a 35-yard touchdown pass to cap off a seven-play, 59-yard drive to begin the game.  However, the Lakers took control of the game from this point on, holding the Comets scoreless on their next six drives, while the RU offense exploded for 34 straight points.

Roosevelt capitalized on its first drive of the game with Ke'von Johnson breaking away for a 46-yard touchdown run, but the Lakers failed to convert on the point after attempt and trailed 7-6.  On their second drive, the Lakers started at their own 14-yard line and quarterback Luke Wilson connected on a 12-yard pass play to Blaize Griffin on third and five to keep the drive alive.  Wilson then hit Jerrell Calhoun on a 23-yard pass and Tyler Tenner scampered 16 yards to the Comets four-yard line.  One play later, Johnson rushed in for his second touchdown of the game to give RU a 13-7 lead.

The Lakers added to their lead in the second quarter after starting a drive with good field position at their own 46-yard line.  Wilson and Calhoun then connected on 12 and 17-yard receptions and Johnson ran for his third touchdown, this time for 13 yards, to put RU up 20-7.

Once again, the RU defense stymied Mayville State's offense and forced a punt, and on the Lakers first play of the ensuing drive, Johnson broke another big run for 49 yards for his fourth touchdown of the game to give the Lakers a 27-7 advantage.

Both teams were unable to add points on their first possessions of the second half, but the Lakers pushed their lead to 34-7 on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Griffin.  The scoring play was set up by a 54-yard run from Tenner to give the Lakers the ball at the Comets 15-yard line.

Mayville State generated some offense on its next possession, scoring a touchdown on a 59-yard completion to cut the RU lead to 34-14 with 6:57 to play in the third quarter.  However, the Lakers came right back on their next possession for another score with Tenner running it in from 14 yards out for a 41-14 lead.

Roosevelt padded its lead in the fourth quarter with Benjamin Little scoring on an 11-yard run and Colin Day returned an interception 58 yards for the final 55-14 score line.

KEY STATS

• Ke'von Johnson rushed for 139 yards on 11 carries with four touchdowns
• Tyler Tenner rushed for 108 yards on 12 carries with a touchdown
• Luke Wilson went 14-of-21 passes for 199 yards & a touchdown
• Jerrell Calhoun had 83 yards on six receptions
• Zavier Barnes had a team-high five tackles
• Xavier Alvarez registered four tackles
• RU had 564 yards in total offense while holding MSU to 154 total yards & just four yards rushing
• The Lakers totaled 27 first downs compared to seven for the Comets

NEWS & NOTES

• The Lakers have now won two straight season openers over Mayville State, also defeating the Comets 37-32 in 2021
• The Lakers have won three straight season opening contests

COACH'S QUOTE

"It was great to get the year started with a win and I am proud of how the players handled this long road trip," stated Lakers Head Coach Jared Williamson.  "We did a nice job running the football, stopping the run, and winning the turnover battle.  That combination usually leads to positive results for us."

NEXT UP

The Lakers now have a three-week break before their home opener on September 17 when they host sixth-ranked Concordia University (Mich.) in a MSFA crossover game.  Kick-off is scheduled for 2pm at Morris Field in Arlington Heights.