Washington, PA – It was a defensive battle up front to start the 2019 season, as the No. 18 Wittenberg Tigers traveled to take on the No. 21 Washington & Jefferson Presidents on Saturday afternoon. Wittenberg fell to the Presidents in the back and forth battle 16-8, after holding a slim 8-7 lead at the half. The Tigers found the endzone just before the end of the first half, striking on the first play from scrimmage after the Troy Jones interception. Blake King threw a 35-yard strike to Thad Snodgrass for the only Tiger touchdown of the day. The Wittenberg defense did all they could to keep the Red and White in the fight, as Liam Wooldridge picked off two W&J passes, along with Michael Fiessinger taking another interception from the Presidents.

Inside the Numbers

The Tigers ran a stable of backs to start the season with Jaheem Washington and DeShawn Sarley taking most of the carries. Washington took eight carries for 55 yards, breaking off a long of 26 yards. Sarley added 15 touches for 37 yards on the afternoon. Snodgrass and Jake Saus were the top targets for King on the day, getting three looks each. Saus reeled in 55 yards, while taking in a long of 32 yards. Trevor Good stifled the W&J run game, logging three sacks and four tackles for a loss of 25 yards on the afternoon. Logan Jewsikow led the Tiger defense with six tackles with five solo. Jones, Good, Nasir Carter and Tavian Crowe each tallied five tackles apiece.

UP NEXT

The Tigers will hit the road for the second straight week, opening up North Coast Athletic Conference action taking on the Terriers of Hiram College on Saturday, Sept. 14. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM.