ROME, Ga. — Berry College used five interceptions and a 159-yard rushing performance from Austin Lowe to defeat Washington University 20-13.
The Vikings — which won its fourth straight contest–improved to 4-1 and 3-0 in the Southern Athletic Association. The visiting Bears dropped to 2-2 and 1-2 in the SAA.
Dale Jackson tossed two second quarter touchdown passes to Trey Ciresi (6 catches, 63 yards) which gave Berry a 17-6 lead. Jackson was 21-of-32 for 195 yards.
The Bears scored the only points of the third quarter. J.J. Tomlin threw a 15-yard scoring strike to reduce the margin to 17-13. The TD was the first allowed by the Berry defense in 12 quarters, dating back to the LaGrange win on Sept. 13.
Tomlin was 26-of-45 for 245 yards but he threw five interceptions, two of which went to Kevin Grier. JordanArnett, Malcholm Graham and Matt Farinella also had an INT for BC.
“WashU is good team that usually makes few mistakes,” Berry Head Coach Tony Kunczewski said. “But we forced them into some turnovers tonight.”
Mitchell Blanchard recorded his second field goal of the day for the game’s final points with 3:19 remaining.
The Bears then picked up a first down before Arnett’s interception.
The Vikings took over and gave the ball to Lowe six times and he gained 40 yards. Berry was in the “victory formation” for the final two snaps.
“Our offensive line opened some great holes,” said Lowe. “I was able to just run, and every running back loves that.”
Preston Stewart led the Vikings’ defense with seven tackles (five solo). Mamadou Soumahoro notched four tackles and one sack.
“This was a great effort from our team and staff. We were well-prepared for this game,” Kunczewski said.
The Vikings play at the University of Chicago (4-0, 3-0 SAA) next Saturday.
“We are going to have our wok cut out for us,” Kunczewski said. “They are a good, physical football team.”
