Commanding ground game again key as ‘Dogs run away from Quincy, 38-14

Truman football improved to 3-4 (3-1 GLVC) on Saturday afternoon at Quincy, and although the final score shows a blowout, the Bulldogs never truly pulled away until late in the third quarter. Quincy falls to 2-5 after losing its third straight.

Bulldog running back Madden Irving continued an outstanding sophomore campaign. The Chaminade alum rushed 22 times for 200 yards and a touchdown, and added a 14-yard reception for a touchdown in the back corner of the end zone. Senior quarterback Dylan Hair finished 12-of-20 passing for 140 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Askia Bullie also completed his only pass attempt of the game on a trick play.

In what has become traditional fashion for the ‘Dogs offense, 10 different receivers recorded at least one reception on Saturday. Bullie had two, and Luke Allen had three. All eight of Truman’s other involved receivers recorded exactly one reception.

Although they were out-passed 175 yards to 162, Truman rushed for 250 yards in total while holding Quincy to 33.

The ‘Dogs opened the game with a field goal before allowing a Quincy touchdown to cap a lengthy drive. That was the only time the Hawks would have a lead.

Truman tied the game at 10-10 before forcing a punt and recording another field goal. The ‘Dogs could’ve had yet another field goal to take a 16-10 lead, but the snap was high and the possession ended fruitlessly.

Truman took a 21-7 lead on a 13-yard Hair touchdown rush on third and goal before converting the two-point attempt.

Quincy drove and scored to begin the third quarter, before the ‘Dogs answered right back with a 31-yard Irving rumble to get down to the Quincy 10. Junior Seth Martin caught Hair’s second touchdown pass of the day to bring the game back to two scores at 28-14 late in the third.

Quincy quarterback Bradyn Little then threw his second interception of the day, this time picked off by freshman James Franklin III – product of Chicago’s Santa Rita High School – and Truman took a 35-14 lead shortly after.

The final nail was the Bulldogs forcing and recovering a fumble on the ensuing Quincy possession as time melted away.

Bryant Poole led the Bulldog defense with nine tackles, and Franklin and Logan Montoya both had six. Truman created constant pressure on Little, recording six sacks.

Truman is at home for Homecoming on Saturday versus Southwest Baptist (4-4).