VALPARAISO, Ind. (AP)—Rudell Small, the Pioneer League’s top rusher this season, ran for 135 yards and three touchdowns Saturday in a 40-24 victory over Valparaiso.
The victory was the fifth straight by the Dolphins (7-3, 5-1), who remained a game behind league-leading Dayton. Valparaiso dropped to 2-7 and 1-5.
Jacksonville took control with two touchdown passes from Josh McGregor to Geavon Tribble in the first quarter.
The Dolphins built their lead to 27-16 at halftime and to 40-16 after three quarters with the three touchdowns by Small on runs of 50, 5 and 3 yards. His 135 yards for the game boosted his season total to 1,055, and McGregor’s two TD passes raised his school record to 23 for the season.
Valparaiso’s Matt Upshaw passed for 159 yards and one touchdown, Ross Wiemer ran for another TD and JaVon Welch finished the scoring with a 24-yard punt return in the fourth quarter.
Head to Head - Week 11
| Team | Total Yds | Pass Yds | Rush Yds | First Downs | 3rdD% | Pen./Yds | Turnovers | Time of Poss. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | 351 | 133 | 218 | 18 | 40.0% | 6/50 | 0 | 27:14 |
| Valparaiso | 358 | 166 | 192 | 21 | 50.0% | 7/55 | 2 | 32:46 |