Muskies Battle in Blackout Thriller, Fall Just Short to Mount St. Joseph
Muskingum football delivered a strong performance in their home opener under the lights, showcasing explosive plays on both sides of the ball before narrowly falling, 33-27, to Mount St. Joseph.
Mt. St. Joseph
1-0
33
Muskingum
0-1
27
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
7 | 16 | 7 | 3 | 33 |
|
|
7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 27 |
Team Stats
Game Leaders
Mt. St. Joseph
Pa:
Jaxon Schreiber
- 340
Ru:
Steven Napier
- 39
Rec:
Eli Aston
- 187
Team Stats
| Game Statistics | Mt. St. Joseph | Muskingum |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 340 | 256 |
| Rushing Yards | 26 | 133 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 2 |
| Time of Poss. | 30:52 | 29:08 |
September 6, 2025
Muskingum football delivered a strong performance in their home opener under the lights, showcasing explosive plays on both sides of the ball before narrowly falling, 33-27, to Mount St. Joseph.
Notables
- The game marked the debut of Muskingum Head Coach Matt Nardo. Nardo is in his first season as head coach of the Muskies.
- The contest was the season/home opener for the Muskies.
- The game was a BLACKOUT theme, with all Muskie fans encouraged to wear black.
The Basics
- Records: Muskingum (0-1), Mount St. Joseph (1-0)
- Location: Bullock Health and Wellness Complex
- Attendance: 2,100
Highlights
- Senior quarterback Garrett Gurney led the Muskies with 255 passing yards and three total touchdowns (two passing, one rushing).
- Sophomore John Christopher Gore shined with 10 receptions for 120 yards, leading all receivers.
- Junior Cade Searls provided a spark with 3 catches for 75 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown grab in the fourth quarter.
- Junior Christopher Singleton added a highlight-reel 44-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.
- On the ground, sophomore Riley Woodie rushed for 68 yards, while Gurney added 60 yards and a 14-yard touchdown run.
- Defensively, sophomore defensive back Malachi Stromile and senior defensive back Malik Pegram each recorded interceptions.
- Junior linebacker Lee Burkett anchored the defense with a team-high 10 tackles, while senior defensive lineman Kenny Page and senior linebacker Conner Gurney each tallied sacks.
- Muskingum outgained the Lions in total offense, 385-366, and converted 9-of-16 third downs.
- Mount St. Joseph was led by quarterback Jaxon Schreiber, who threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns, including two scores to Michael Hunkus.
- Eli Aston added a standout performance for the Lions with 9 receptions for 181 yards and a touchdown.
- Luke Paff led the Lions' defense with 12 tackles, and Brock Harris had nine.
Up Next
- Muskingum opens Ohio Athletic Conference play on Saturday, September 20, when it hosts Wilmington at the Bullock Health and Wellness Complex. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.
