In a thrilling Division III national semifinal matchup, the Raiders secured their spot in the Stagg Bowl with a hard-fought 45-37 victory over Johns Hopkins. Despite the Blue Jays' impressive offensive display, Mount Union's resilience and strategic plays kept them just ahead throughout the game. The Raiders will now aim for their 14th national title, a feat they last achieved in 2017. This win marks their return to the championship stage after missing out in 2022.

Mount Union's Dominance in a High-Scoring Battle

The clash between Mount Union and Johns Hopkins unfolded on a crisp autumn afternoon. From the opening whistle, it was clear that both teams were prepared for an intense battle. The Raiders never trailed during the game, but the Blue Jays managed to keep the score close, tying it at 7 in the first quarter. The third quarter saw several lead changes, with scores of 17-16, 24-22, and 31-29, demonstrating the competitive nature of the match.

The turning point came in the fourth quarter when Tyler Echeverry, the Raiders' running back, delivered two crucial rushing touchdowns—one from 9 yards and another from 54 yards. These scores extended the Raiders' lead to 45-29 with only 4:22 left on the clock. Although the Blue Jays responded quickly with a touchdown pass, they were unable to regain possession as Echeverry secured the win with a critical fourth-down conversion late in the game.

Echeverry finished the day with an outstanding performance, racking up 183 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries. Quarterback TJ Deshields also contributed significantly, completing 17 of 27 passes for 218 yards and adding a rushing touchdown. Receiver Tyrell Sanders caught seven passes for 148 yards, while Ivan Maric added a field goal in the second quarter. Defensively, Von Factor led the charge with two sacks.

The Blue Jays, led by quarterback James Rinello, put up a valiant effort, accumulating 393 passing yards and three touchdowns. Cole Crotty was a standout receiver, catching eight passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Both teams showcased their offensive prowess, each surpassing 500 total yards of offense.

This victory not only sends the Raiders back to the Stagg Bowl but also highlights their dominance in Division III football. Mount Union has now advanced to the semifinals 29 times in the past 32 years, underscoring their consistent excellence in the sport.

From a journalistic perspective, this game serves as a testament to the importance of perseverance and strategic execution in high-stakes competitions. The Raiders' ability to maintain composure under pressure and capitalize on key moments ultimately secured their path to the championship. For fans and players alike, this match will be remembered as a defining moment in college football history.