Marian University Ind.

INDIANAPOLIS - The Marian football team rebounded into the win column on Saturday after suffering their first defeat a week ago, taking down Siena Heights 24-14 for a senior day victory. The Knights end the regular season with a 9-1 overall record and 6-1 mark in the MSFA Mideast League, as they earn a share of the MSFA regular season championship.

Marian wasted little time putting the first points of the game on the board, as they marched the the field in five plays for a touchdown after a strong kickoff return from David Badescu. A 17-yard run from Zach Bundalo highlighted the 45-yard scoring drive, as the quarterback capped the series with a touchdown pass to Jalen Jennings from 22-yards out. Marian's 7-0 lead would hold for the remainder of the quarter, as the defense made play after play, forcing an early three-and-out while following with a turnover on downs. 

The Knights had possession of the ball at the end of the first quarter as they looked to tack on to their lead, but their third possession of the game ended in a turnover as Bundalo was dropped for a loss on fourth and three, with a fumble going to the Saints. Siena Heights capitalized on the turnover, and responded with a 53-yard scoring drive of their own, with the Saints running back Ethan LoPresto scampering in from two yards out. 

Bundalo and the offense wasted little time responding with a score of their own, as the senior quarterback connected with Tirae Spence for a 74-yard score, taking 10 seconds for the Knights to find the end zone for a second time and reclaim the lead. The Marian defense responded after the score and forced a three-and-out when returning to the field, and a missed field goal on the next Siena Heights offensive possession kept the home team in front by seven. A Tyler Bukur sack helped stall out the final Saints drive of the first half as Marian took over pinned at their four with less than one minute on the clock, as they ran out the clock to take a 14-7 lead to the half.

In the third quarter Marian called on their defense early to get stops, with Deon Pettiford and Nate Frey helping lead the unit to prevent Saints scores on their first two possessions. Marian's first possession of the second half chewed up over five minutes of clock but ended with a long missed field goal attempt, but on their second crack they found the end zone. The five-play series following a Saints punt was highlighted by a 39-yard completion to Drew Byerly, with a 29-yard rushing touchdown from Keagan La Belle capping the 79-yard drive.

La Belle's score put Marian on top 21-7 to double the lead, but the Saints quickly found an answer as they benefited from a holding penalty to set up a 49-yard touchdown pass. Siena Heights' score with 33 seconds remaining in the third quarter set the score at 21-14 in favor of the home team entering the final quarter.

The Knights' defense was tasked with finishing the game strong, and they answered the call as Joe Apata pounced on a fumble on Siena's opening possession of the final period. Marian scored off the fumble with a 28-yard connection from Bundalo to CJ Young setting up a 33-yard field goal for Marlon Pomili, driving the score to 24-14.

The Saints would touch the ball one final time, but their five-play series was ended by Deon Pettiford and Jake Paris sack and incomplete pass, giving the ball to Marian with 5:53 remaining on the clock. Senior William Gibson ensured that the Knights would end the game with the ball, as he picked up 20 yards on the series, and a 23-yard gash from Keagan La Belle gave Marian their final first down of the afternoon. Three kneels from Bundalo closed the victory, as Marian claimed a share of the MSFA Mideast Championship.

Bundalo ended the game throwing for 230 yards and a pair of touchdowns, with his long throw of 74 yards to Tirae Spence going for one of his two scores. La Belle led the team in rushing with 81 yards and a score, while Gibson ran for 71 yards on his 18 carries. Young finished the game with four snags for 56 yards, and Byerly had 47 yards receiving. 

Paris led the Marian defense in tackles with seven, and Jayshawn Underwood finished with six including his two pass break ups. Joe Owens and Nate Frey each had six tackles, and Tyler Bukur led Marian with two tackles for loss including a sack as part of his six stops. Joe Apata also recorded a sack and recovered a fumble, making two tackles for loss in the win.

The Knights will learn their NAIA Football Championship Series destiny on Sunday night, as the NAIA will announce the bracket for the 2023 Championship. The selection show will air on the NAIA YouTube Channel at 7 p.m.

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