SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio. – The Frostburg State football comeback comes up just short at Notre Dame (Ohio) 25-19. This moves the Bobcats to 1-1 and Notre Dame to 2-0 on the season. Kyle Belack led the Bobcats with eight catches and 118 yards to go along with a touchdown.
Frostburg's defense was able to open the game forcing a three and out to make the Falcons punt. Notre Dame was able to strike first on a long run for a touchdown. The Bobcats played even with the Falcons the rest of the quarter exchanging punts.
Notre Dame started the second quarter of with a touchdown to increase the lead over the Bobcats to 14 points. On the next possession, FSU went to the ground game with junior Josh Maxwell who had 54 rushing yards on the drive. Graham Walker was able to connect with Senior Lincoln Ikwubuo for a 32-yard reception to pick up first down on a third and fifteen and continue the drive. Walker finished of the drive with a three-yard touchdown run to get the Bobcats on the board and after the extra point make the score 14-7.
The Bobcats gave up a safety to the Falcons when senior punter Shawn Bliss had a snap go over his head and into the endzone. Notre Dame was able to add to the lead on the next drive with another rushing touchdown making the score 22-7 with just over three minutes remaining in the half. Frostburg's Walker and Belack connected for three completions highlighted by a four-yard touchdown catch with only 15 seconds left on the clock to make it 22-14. Frostburg went into the half now only down eight points.
Frostburg came out from the half playing the Falcons tough only giving up three points on 27-yard field goal. The Bobcats began the fourth quarter with the ball and a big pass form Senior Chad Palmer to Belack for a 49-yard gain down to the Notre Dame 12-yard line. Frostburg was unable to capitalize on the drive fumbling the ball near the goal line for a turnover. Senior Carl Igweh responded with a sack fumble that forced a safety and made the score 25-16 Falcons.
After the safety, the Bobcats started the drive on their own 37-yard line. FSU was able to advance to ball into Notre Dame territory for sophomore Dayne Koontz to split the uprights from 37 yards out making the score 25-19. The Bobcat defense was able to make two big stops and get the ball back for one last drive with 1:54 remaining in the game. Walker connected with Ikwubuo for a 30-yard game and to get the ball near mid-field. Frostburg was able to advance the ball to the ND 31-yard line with eight second remaining. Walker had two looks at evening the score up before the game ended 25-19 on a Falcon interception in the endzone.
The Bobcats return to action Saturday, March 27 when they travel to face West Liberty for 7:00pm kickoff. For more information go to www.frostburgsports.com.
