BISMARCK, ND – In a matchup between a youthful University of Mary squad and a veteran Augustana University team ranked 21
st in the nation, experience carried the day. Using a big second quarter, the Vikings swept past the Marauders 63-0 in the Mary home opener.
The Marauders (0-2 overall / Northern Sun) entered the game with just 11 upperclassmen alongside six freshmen in the starting lineup. The Vikings (2-0) started 16 upperclassmen and just one newcomer. The game experience showed quickly.
Using the arm of Harlon Hill candidate Trey Heid, the Vikings scored first on their inaugural drive of the game, a 13-yard strike to Nathan Merriman for the only points of the first quarter. Augie proved unstoppable in the second stanza, scoring four touchdowns. Heid accounted for three of the scores on touchdown passes - including a 43-yard strike to Trevor DeSchepper - and Augie led 35-0 at intermission.
The Vikings added a pair of scores in each of the third and fourth quarters.
Senior linebacker
Austin Bolton was the defensive leader for the Marauders. The Joliet, IL, native posted double digit tackles for the second straight week, recording 13 stops. He had four solo and nine assisted tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Junior cornerback
Jacob Parker added 10 tackles, including a team-high seven solo tackles.
The Marauders sacked the quarterback twice in the game.
Brody Peterson had a sack for the second straight week and freshman
Brayden Thomas registered his first collegiate sack. Those were the only two quarterback sacks of the game.
Sophomore
Jackson Grad recorded his first career interception, snaring an errant pass by backup Augie quarterback Chase Marso in the fourth quarter.
The Vikings defense limited the Marauders offense to 85 total yards and four first downs in the game. Mary moved into Augie territory twice in the game.
Heid was nearly perfect on the day, completing 23-of-27 passes for 339 yards and four yards. Matt Heller caught five balls for 92 yards and a score. Jackie Davis ran for 50 yards and three touchdowns on seven carries. The Vikings registered 564 yards and 29 first downs.
Next up for the Marauders is a trip to Southwest Minnesota State University on Saturday, Sept. 17. Mary then returns for homecoming against Winona State University on Sept. 24.
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