Friends Athletics
Levi Convirs, Sports Information Director
WICHITA – The Doane University Tigers defeated the Friends University Falcons by a score of 57-3 in the season opener for both teams today (Aug. 25) at Adair-Austin Stadium in Wichita.
The Falcons’ defensive unit got stops on Doane’s first two possessions, but the Tigers got on the board on a 33-yard touchdown pass from Jack Kalina to Brandon Gannon with 4:56 left in the first quarter.
On the Falcons’ next offensive possession, Chayton Crow picked off a pass and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown that made it 14-0.
The Tigers then rolled to a 38-0 lead late in the first half before a 31-yard field goal by Leo Sosa (SR/Sao Paulo, Brazil) got the Falcons on the board.
Before leaving in the first quarter with an injury, starting quarterback Brennan Whitaker (SR/Iowa Park, Texas) went three-of-six for 29 yards and an interception.
Dan Dawdy (SO/Haysville, Kan.) then came in and completed 18-of-35 passes for 112 yards with three picks.
Noah Diaz (SO/Sun Prairie, Wis.) rushed five times for 14 yards before also exiting with an injury in the first half.
Kalina threw for 206 yards and Jacob Beller hauled in five catches for 87 yards to lead the Tigers.
Javon Polk (SR/Senatobia, Miss.) had one sack for Friends, with Matt Washee (SR/Wichita, Kan.) and Adam Brow each totaling 12 tackles.
The Falcons will next open up KCAC action next Saturday evening by hosting Southwestern College. Kickoff is set for 6 pm.