Shorts’ first score aids Raiders

The third string quarterback caught a TD pass in Mount Union’s 58-14 rout.

By ERIC HAMILTON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

ALLIANCE — Listed as the third quarterback on Mount Union’s depth chart for Saturday’s Ohio Athletic Conference opener against Otterbein, Cecil Shorts III didn’t stand much of a chance of seeing the field.

At least not under center.

The sophomore emerged as a viable receiving threat for the Purple Raiders, as he hauled in two catches for a team-leading 77 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown from Greg Micheli on the game’s third play from scrimmage.

Shorts’ first career touchdown catch was one of three scoring tosses by Micheli in the first half, as Mount Union scored on six of its seven first-half series and rolled to a 58-14 win over the Cardinals.

“It was my first time playing receiver, but it felt good,” said Shorts, who saw action at quarterback in Mount Union’s season-opener against Averett two weeks. Greg is the man right now, so I have to do what I have to do to get on the field and sacrifice for the team.”

Dropped first pass

Shorts, who began working out as a receiver after Mount Union’s first scrimmage, almost didn’t get the opportunity to score. The play before the touchdown catch, he dropped a pass in the flat.

“I looked straight over to the sideline and thought I was coming out of the game,” said Shorts. “But Coach [Jason] Candle believed in me and they came back to me and boom, touchdown.”

Micheli was nearly perfect throwing the football, completing 22-of-26 attempts for a career-high 365 yards to six different receivers in 2 1⁄2 quarters.

He tied a career high with three touchdown passes. Those numbers come after a 9-for-9 performance on in Mount’s opener against Averett two weeks ago.

“When you have an offensive line that gives you so much time to throw, it’s hard not to feel comfortable back there,” said Micheli.

“Our defense plays so tough that we know we don’t have to score every time out there and that takes some pressure off.”

Shows offensive depth

Mount Union used a different cast of characters, showing its offensive depth. In addition to the touchdown by Shorts, backup running back Justin Wray scored twice and Terrance Morring got into the end zone once.

“Some of those guys have played before, but we do have depth and can substitute without getting tired,” said coach Larry Kehres.

“You’re always coaching your current team and your future team, so it’s nice to have a lot of guys play.

“Greg did an excellent job tonight and is a very intelligent young man. He hit most of his passes and checked off a couple plays at the line. It looks pretty good to me right now.”

The Purple Raiders’ first-team defense was stout, limiting Otterbein to just 51 total yards, before giving way to the backups in the third quarter.

Mount Union’s offense pounded out 727 yards, including 462 in the first half alone.

The Cardinals managed 149 yards of offense in the contest, but finished with minus-3 yards rushing.