NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. (Oct. 16) – The Waynesburg University football team traveled north to Westminster on Saturday for a Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) showdown with the Titans. The Yellow Jackets jumped out to an early lead and were thinking upset against the defending league champions. Unfortunately, the home team had different ideas, as the Titan offense exploded in the second and third quarters en route to a 66-14 win.
 
The first quarter was a defensive one between the two long-time rivals and by the time period number two rolled around, Westminster (4-2, 4-1) held a slim 3-0 edge. Prior to the end of that opening quarter, Waynesburg (1-5, 1-4) took advantage of a fumble recovery by freshman defensive back JaVionne Smith (Warren, Ohio / Sharon) that gave it the football at the 50-yard-line.
 
The Jacket offense took advantage of the miscue and ran seven times during a nine-play possession to find its way to the Titan endzone. Sophomore quarterback Josh Gibbons (Saltsburg, Pa. / Saltsburg) capped the drive by diving in from a yard out to put Waynesburg ahead 6-3. Sophomore Keegan Raabe (Tyrone, Pa. / Tyrone) tacked on the extra point to extend the advantage to 7-3.
 
Things really appeared to be going the visiting team's way when freshman Brennan Boron (St. Mary's, W.Va. / St. Mary's) forced another Titan fumble. This one was scooped up by junior Tom Hanik (Windber, Pa. / Windber) and gave Waynesburg possession at the Westminster 30. Unfortunately, the Jackets were unable to convert this turnover into points. The Titans, on the other hand, found the endzone on their ensuing possession to grab a 10-7 lead.
 
The home team never trailed for the remainder of the afternoon. By the time halftime rolled around, Westminster was ahead 24-7. The Titans put the game out of reach by outscoring Waynesburg 35-0 in the third quarter. The Yellow Jackets posted their final points of the day when Gibbons found freshman wide receiver Dakota Romantino (Charleroi, Pa. / Charleroi) on a 12-yard touchdown pass that came 53 seconds into the final period.
 
Romantino tied for the game high with five receptions, which he converted into a team-high 85 yards. Senior running back Nick Hall (Fayette City, Pa. / Belle Vernon) posted a team-high 57 yards on the ground.
 
The Jacket defense, which allowed just 280 yards of total offense, was led by Hanik and freshman James Davis (Kersey, Pa. / Saint Mary's), who each logged six tackles. Smith added an interception to his fumble recovery for a two-turnover day.
 
Waynesburg returns to John F. Wiley Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 23, for a home game against Saint Vincent. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.