Wayne State Holds Off Quincy 28–21 Behind Late TD, Defensive Score
DETROIT — Wayne State used a late red-zone touchdown and a defensive score to edge Quincy University 28–21 in a non-conference matchup Saturday afternoon at Tom Adams Field.
With the Warriors nursing a 21–14 lead midway through the fourth quarter, Wayne State converted a critical third-and-goal to create just enough separation. With 2:30 remaining, wide receiver No. 11 hauled in a 12-yard touchdown pass on third-and-goal, pushing the margin to 28–14 and capping one of three red-zone touchdowns on the day. The score ultimately stood as the deciding points after Quincy answered with a late touchdown but could not complete the comeback.
The teams traded punts through a scoreless first quarter before the hosts seized control in the second. According to the game summary, Wayne State “struck twice before halftime and held off a late rally,” capitalizing on field position and methodical drives that helped the Warriors build their early advantage. Wayne State finished with a 19–14 edge in first downs and went 3-for-4 in the red zone, using balance and situational efficiency to stay in front.
Defensively, cornerback No. 24 delivered the game’s biggest momentum swing. Early in the second half, he jumped a route near the sideline, intercepted a Quincy pass and returned it for a pick-six. The touchdown gave Wayne State a two-score cushion and punctuated a standout day in coverage, as No. 24 finished with one interception return for a touchdown and three pass breakups. His play helped limit Quincy’s passing game and forced the Hawks to work for their points during their late push.
Quincy stayed within reach behind a pair of touchdown drives, cutting the deficit to one score in the fourth quarter and threatening to erase the Warriors’ early work. But Wayne State’s defense produced timely stops, and the offense’s late third-down conversion to No. 11 in the end zone provided the necessary insurance. Even after the Hawks pulled within 28–21 in the final minutes, the Warriors closed it out by denying Quincy on its last possession.
The victory moves Wayne State to 2–1 in non-conference play and gives the Warriors a home-field boost heading into the heart of their schedule. With production in all three phases — including efficient red-zone offense and a game-changing performance from No. 24 in the secondary — Wayne State leaves Tom Adams Field with a 28–21 win and momentum for the weeks ahead.
