WASHINGTON, DC – Quarterback Todd Bonheyo gained 120 yards total offense and accounted for two touchdowns as homestanding Gallaudet University defeated the Apprentice School 35-7 on Saturday afternoon.
The Bison got on the scoreboard first recovering a fumble and Adham Talaat returned it six yards for a touchdown. A two-point run from Nick Elstad was good to put the hosts ahead 8-0 midway in the first quarter.
Gallaudet used their special teams to push the lead to 14-0 as Tony Tatum returned a punt 75 yards with 11:51 left in the half. On the next Builder possession, Tatum picked off a Jonathan Whelan pass and returned it 23 yards to the Builder 24 to set up the Bison. Three plays later Bonheyo barreled in from the four to put Gallaudet ahead 21-0 with 3:16 left in the half.
Defense set up the final score of the first half for Gallaudet as they intercepted a Paul Morgan pass and returned it to the Builder 21. The Bonheyo brothers connected as Todd found Ryan for a four-yard scoring pass to give the Bison a 28-0 lead at halftime.
Another special teams touchdown put Gallaudet ahead 35-0 as Tobias Cantebury returned a blocked punt 20 yards for a touchdown with 6:56 left in the third quarter. Apprentice School avoided the shutout as Morgan connected with Trevon Johnson for a 17-yard scoring pass with 8:31 left to play.
Sophomore Jodey McNeil paced the rushing attack for the Builders with 60 yards on 12 carries, while freshman Ralick Lockett had 58 yards on 10 carries. The Builders gained 176 yards on the ground and 67 in the air, while Gallaudet ran for 213 and threw for 54.
Defensively, the Builders were topped by Reginald Huff and Izhia Roundtree with eight tackles each while Jholy Mauai added seven.
The Builders return home for Trades Day and Homecoming on Saturday, September 29 as they take on Bridgewater College in a 1 pm kickoff at Apprentice Field.