Talons out, Warhawks, we’ve got our first victim! On Aug. 28, ULM took on Saint Francis in their kickoff game of the season. Through much perseverance, the Warhawks were successful in conquering 29-0.
Just four days before kickoff, Head Coach Bryant Vincent was interviewed and asked how the team has prepared to face the Red Flash. To which he responds, “What you see is what you get.” Vincent pointed out how the team makes a lot of turnovers, runs about three coverages on the back end. Considering the research their opposing teams, so the Warhawks.
For the second season in a row, lighting caused a nearly two-hour delay, pushing kickoff until 7:45 p.m. When the teams walked out onto the field, fans could feel a shift in the atmosphere. Quarterback Aiden Armenta got the start and completed 12 of 23 passes. With Braylon McReynolds leading the way with 113 rushing yards, the offense counted a total of 434 yards. On defense, with eight total tackles, cornerback D’Arco Perkins McAllister led the team with integrity.
The Red Flash gave the Warhawks offensive chances, but both teams remained stagnant through the second half. With just five minutes left in the first half, a 25-yard reception by Jake Godfrey gave ULM a push. After another reception from Rico Powers Jr., the Warhawks were in position to close the half with a field goal and a score of 10-0.
In a press release after the game, Coach Vincent spoke on the outcome. “…we’ll take a win every single day, but we know we didn’t play our best. Proud of our defense… offensively, we must keep working on our execution.” Making it clear here that going forward, ULM will need to put their heads down and their eyes up.
Vincent also mentions the growth of quarterback, Landon Graves, who saw action in the fourth quarter with a 19-yard pass to Tyler Griffin. Allowing Graves his first career touchdown with 4:44 remaining and setting the lead to 29-0 for the victory at Malone Stadium.
ULM Football is now preparing to go head-to-head with Alabama on Sep. 6 at 6:45 p.m. in Tuscaloosa.
