Seneca has relied on a stalwart defense averaging 15.25 points allowed per game, but that average took a hit on Friday. They took a 35-21 bruising from the Mercyhurst Prep Lakers. The loss was the Bobcats' first of the season.
When it comes to explaining why Seneca lost, don't look at Rylan Harwood. Despite the final result, he rushed for 131 yards and three touchdowns. Zach Moats handled things on the ground, rushing for 116 yards.
He was just one part of a punishing run game: Seneca was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 302 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 157 rushing yards in five consecutive games dating back to last season.
Seneca wouldn't let Mercyhurst Prep keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force two fumbles. Seneca can thank Danny Carter III and Moats for forcing both of them. Moats' rushing production has been exceptional recently as that marked his third straight game with at least 112 rushing yards.
Having lost for the first time this season, Seneca fell to 3-1. As for Mercyhurst Prep, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 2-2.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Seneca will face off against Girard at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Seneca's defense has only allowed 15.2 points per game this season, so Girard's offense will have their work cut out for them. As for Mercyhurst Prep, they will challenge Harbor Creek at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Mercyhurst Prep will be hoping to continue their three-game streak of scoring more points each match than the last.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
