The Case Western Reserve University football team put their stamp on our iconic Homecoming Weekend with a demolishing 45-21 win over Saint Vincent College. As students, families and alumni packed the stands on Saturday Oct. 8, CWRU showcased their imposing offensive firepower, led by fourth-year quarterback Drew Saxton and fourth-year running backs Antonio Orsini and Gage Duesler. 

From kickoff, the Spartans’ offense was razor sharp, resulting in a touchdown for six straight possessions. After forcing St. Vincent to punt on their opening possession, the Spartans completed a 96-yard drive in three minutes. Orsini opened the drive with two rushes for 11 yards total. At CWRU’s own 47-yard line, Saxton connected with second-year wide receiver Ethan Dahlem for 43 yards. Duesler sealed the drive with a 9-yard rushing touchdown, making it a 7-0 lead following the successful kick attempt.

 The Spartan defense shut down St. Vincent on their next two drives, limiting them to less than three minutes of possession time. Third-year linebacker Marco Toth spearheaded the effort, notching seven tackles and three quarterback hurries for the game. Second-year cornerback Dominic Sais and third-year linebacker Sean Torres led the team with nine and eight tackles, respectively. Fourth-year defensive end R.J. Ayers added four tackles, a sack and a pass breakup.

CWRU rolled down the field once again, their five-minute drive in the second quarter culminating in a 3-yard rushing touchdown for Orsini for the 14-0 score. In the second quarter, second-year quarterback Ian Kipp took over the offensive helm, leading them on a 3:45 drive which ended in another rushing touchdown from Orsini to extend the lead to 21-0.  

St. Vincent managed to respond with a passing touchdown with 4:41 left in the second to cut the gap 21-7. Unfortunately for them, the Spartan offense continued to slice through the St. Vincent defense, with Duesler scoring their fourth touchdown for the half with 43 seconds left.

The Spartans came into the second half with a 28-7 lead and relentlessly piled on. Orsini recorded his third rushing touchdown of the game to begin the third quarter. St. Vincent responded with a quick 2:26 drive and 1-yard rushing touchdown of their own to make the score 35-14. CWRU’s offense snapped back with a 4-play, 65-yard drive that was capped off with a pass from Kipp to third-year wide receiver Isaiah Arrington for the 16-yard touchdown.

St. Vincent scored only once more, completing their next possession with a rushing touchdown to make it 42-21. Both teams punted for a couple possessions until around 10 minutes into the fourth quarter. The Spartan offense shifted to a running-focused gameplan to run down the clock. They made a field goal at St. Vincent’s 14-yard line to make it 45-21. Both teams went scoreless for the final 4:46, and CWRU took the 45-21 victory.

The Spartans dominated the time of possession 33:56 to 26:04. They recorded a season-high 500 offensive yards, including a season-high 345 passing yards and 155 rushing yards. St. Vincent was held to 303 passing yards and just 40 rushing yards.

CWRU now stands at 4-2 overall and 3-1 in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference games. St. Vincent fell to 1-4 overall and 1-2 in the PAC. 

Saxton led the way with a 13-for-19 performance for 236 yards while Kipp added 109 yards. Third-year Riley Knurek led the team with a career-high 124 yards. Orsini carried 19 times for 89 yards while Duesler contributed nine carries for 43 yards.

The football team will finish off their October schedule with a home game against Bethany College on Oct. 22 at 2 p.m. and a road game against Allegheny College on Oct. 29.