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| Washington and Jefferson's
defensive effort helped remove former W&J quarterback Brian
Dawson from the record book. Washington and Jefferson athletics file photo |
Washington and Jefferson picked up a road win and John Carroll had a huge start en route to a win at home in the bottom-right bracket, more commonly known as the Mount Union bracket.
Washington and Jefferson picked off Zack Jenkins eight times and pulled off the mild first-round upset in a 4-5 game, defeating Wittenberg 41-25.
The eight interceptions led to just two TDs, but kept the Tigers off the board for long stretches of time as the Presidents jumped out to a 17-0 lead and led by at least one score for the final 57:44 of the game.
Billy Kelley and Alec Schram each picked off three passes, tying the W&J single-game and NCAA Division III postseason records.
John Carroll scored twice before its offense even touched the ball and continued to roll, returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown and taking an interception back for six as well in a 63-28 win.
"It feels great," said John Carroll coach Tom Arth. "It was a great way to start. It's what we talked about this week. Having the advantage of playing at home, a team traveling, and coming out fast on people, great things usually happen."
Mark Myers threw five touchdowns and completed 24 of 30 passes, while Tommy Michals ran for 150 yards and two scores for the Blue Streaks.
Heath Haden had an early exit for Centre and Devin Hayes threw two interceptions in relief. Centre's season ended at 10-1.
It was all Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio, as the Purple Raiders cruised into the second round with a 63-3 win vs. Adrian. Bulldogs passers combined to complete just four of 22 passes and were picked off twice, while both Logan Nemeth and Jamal Johnson ran for more than 100 yards for the Purple Raiders.
Johnny Peltz completed 21 of 29 passes for two touchdowns as Wheaton defeated Benedictine 43-14 to advance to the second round. Wheaton has never lost a first-round game in eight playoff appearances.
Second-round host sites are not announced officially until Sunday, but Mount Union will host Washington and Jefferson and Wheaton should host John Carroll, based on how the NCAA laid out teams in the bracket.