Victory for Valparaiso's defense team as Mansaray guides them to a dominant 67-10 win against Virginia Lynchburg

Valparaiso University Football Team Secures Impressive Victory in Debut Under New Head Coach

In a stunning display of dominance, the Valparaiso University football team, under the leadership of first-year head coach Andy Waddle, secured a resounding 67-10 victory over Virginia Lynchburg on their opening game of the 2025 season.

Waddle, who spent the previous 12 seasons at Marietta University (Div. III), made a triumphant start to his tenure at Valparaiso, recording his first win as the head coach with this impressive performance. His previous record at Marietta included 55 wins, 61 losses, two postseason appearances, and the first national ranking in the program's history.

The Beacons' offensive prowess was on full display throughout the game, setting a single-game program record with a 7.8 yards per carry average. Valparaiso also averaged 7.6 yards per play, demonstrating their efficiency and potency on both the ground and through the air.

Michael Mansaray, in his first touch of the season, scored a touchdown and finished with 134 yards and two scores. Rowan Keefe added a rushing touchdown, while two defensive scores within 12 seconds of each other in the third quarter, courtesy of David Akinbosoye and Frank Bartell, extended Valpo's lead to a commanding 46-10.

In the second half, Dawaiian McNeely contributed with a 54-yard rushing touchdown. The defensive unit, led by Anthony Feltrinelli's recovery of a fumble forced by Nicholas Lendino and his subsequent 10-yard return for a touchdown, played a pivotal role in the team's success.

Max Zavala, quarterback for Virginia-Lynchburg, completed 12 out of 22 attempts for a total of 68 yards, but unfortunately threw two interceptions during the game.

Valparaiso took a 26-10 halftime lead, thanks to Michael Mansaray's second touchdown, a 5-yard rush in the second quarter. The team was successful on 5 out of 9 third down attempts, further demonstrating their ability to maintain momentum and control the game.

As the football season unfolds, fans of Valparaiso University can look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of their team under the guidance of Coach Andy Waddle.

Victory for Valparaiso's defense team as Mansaray guides them to a dominant 67-10 win against Virginia Lynchburg