Seyfried's three TD passes propel football team to season-opening victory

On as nice a night as one could hope for in August, Wyoming opened its 2010 football season last night with a 21-7 victory over Edgewood at Mason as part of the Crosstown Showdown.

The game got off to a rather inauspicious start.  I assume it had to do with the fact that the game was televised and hence the officials weren't sure about the TV timing, but their signal to start the game was, I'll say charitably, less than demonstrative.  By the time we understood that we could kick off, we were penalized for delay of game.  Has anyone ever seen a delay of game on the opening kickoff?  I'm not sure if I've ever seen a delay of game on any kickoff.  Anyway, Tyler Cornelius then delivered a 59 yard kickoff and the cover team only allowed a 7 yard return.  In two plays the defense had pushed Edgewood back from its 13 to its own 7, third and 16 - the rout was on. 

Not so fast my friends.  Edgewood picked up the first down and went on to a 21 play drive that consumed all but 9 seconds of the first quarter.  Luckily for the Cowboys, on fourth and five from our ten Edgewood attempted a field goal which we blocked.

The offense then proceeded to march 90 yards, capped off by a 2 yard TD pass from Kyle Seyfried to Max Kadish.  The drive was highlighted by a 22 yard Drew Perry run, a 21 yard run by Kyle, and 3 receptions by Max.

On its next drive, Edgewood faced third and 10 after picking up one first down, and hit a 64 yard pass and run to tie the score at 7.

After a 21 yard Jaleel Allen kickoff return, the offense came right back with a 64 yard TD drive.  The score came on a 41 yard Kyle to Jonathan Tighe pass completion.  Halftime score - Wyoming 14, Edgewood 7.

The defensive coordinators must have done some good scheming at halftime because neither time did much offensively in the third quarter.  Wyoming punted twice and Edgewood once.

Trailing by only one score, Edgewood's first fourth quarter possession started at its 37.  Max then made a key play, intercepting a second down pass, setting up the Cowboys at our own 37.  It took the offense just four plays to score, including a 17 yard run by Drew, a 13 yard Kyle to Phillp Schuholz completion, and a 30 yard TD pass from Kyle to Jonathan.  The Cowboy faithful could finally breathe a little easier.

The offense didn't do a lot after that but the defense made the 21-7 margin stand by forcing a punt, recovering a fumble, and then closing the game out with Chris Campbell's interception.

We only outgained Edgewood 269-262, but the defense's four takeaways (2 fumbles, 2 interceptions) made a big difference. Except for Max's two yard TD reception, the scoring plays were home runs - 30 and 41 yards for us, 64 for Edgewood.

Drew picked up 47 yards rushing on just 8 carries. Kyle was 15 of 24 for 184 yards and 3 TD's (no interceptions). Receiving leaders with Jonathan with 6 receptions for 114 yards and 2 TD's and Max with 8 receptions for 57 yards.  Tyler Cornelius was 3-3 in PAT's.

On the strength of his two-way performance Max was selected as the Wyoming MVP.

FoxSportsOhio video of the game and post game interviews here. (Thanks TPT)

Enquirer article is here.

Next up: the JV takes on Edgewood on home on Saturday at 10; the varsity has its home opener on Friday, September 3rd at 7:30.  Tailgate immediately preceding at 7.

In related news:

As part of the Crosstown Showdown festivities, a number of Wyoming students participated in various contests throughout the game.  Some were victorious.  All seemed to have a good time.

Photo gallery is here.