Dayton trailed in the fourth quarter at Welcome Stadium on Saturday, then scored twice in the final minutes to beat Valparaiso 31-20 — the Flyers’ fifth straight win, keeping them in first place in the Pioneer Football League.
Dayton (8-1, 5-1 PFL) built a 17-3 lead and watched Valparaiso (4-5, 3-3 PFL) storm back in front, according to the official recap from the University of Dayton Athletics. The Beacons scored 17 straight points across the third quarter, capped by an 11-play drive that gave the visitors their first lead, 20-17, late in the period.
The Flyers’ comeback came through the air. After Valparaiso’s third interception of the day went unconverted early in the fourth, quarterback Bryce Schondelmyer found Michael Mussari on a six-yard touchdown pass — Mussari’s fifth score of the season — to put Dayton back ahead 24-20, Dayton Athletics reported. Press Pros Magazine, which covered the game, noted Schondelmyer’s final two throws both went for touchdowns after he had thrown three interceptions in the first three quarters.
The defense sealed it from there. Defensive end Jace Schaefer intercepted a pass in coverage and returned it into Valparaiso territory, and Schondelmyer then hit Gavin Lochow streaking downfield for a 34-yard touchdown — Lochow’s seventh of the season — to close out the 31-20 final, according to Dayton Athletics.
Schondelmyer finished with four passing touchdowns, tying his season high, including a 27-yarder to tight end Donovan Weatherly and a five-yarder to LeRoy Lewis IV in the first half. Dayton outgained Valparaiso 393-224 overall and 102-45 on the ground, held the Beacons to 5-for-15 on third down, and punted only once all afternoon. Defensive end Collin Ansel powered the defense with three sacks for 30 yards, a forced fumble and six tackles, Dayton Athletics reported; Valparaiso’s own recap credited Nic Lendino with two interceptions, including a one-handed grab, in the losing effort.
The win keeps Dayton alone in first place in the PFL with two regular-season games left, and it sets up an emotional finish at home. What happens next: the Flyers host Davidson next Saturday at Welcome Stadium for Senior Day, before closing the regular season on the road.
Photo: Wswbaker, CC BY-SA