Davenport kicked a penalty goal as time expired to salvage a 29-29 tie against Wheeling University in a wild non-conference game for both teams.

The result is actually a positive note for both programs. Wheeling is working its way back to the higher levels and a tie with DIA Mid-South team Davenport is a good result to have. For Davenport, this continues their unbeaten string as they prepare for Mid-South Conference action, and coming back to tie the game at the death certainly showed some resolve in the Panthers camp.

"The start of the season has been great we've really taken quite a few steps forward in our play and style of play. We have certainly been working hard," said Davenport Head Coach Dustin Steedman. But, he added, the overall performance against Wheeling had some issues.

"Today's game was tough for a couple reasons. One, we reverted to a few bad habits early on in the game giving up possession in pressure situations," said Steedman. "Two, after we settled in we had a hard time settling into our rhythm."

that was due to the penalty count, which was heavily against Davenport. Steedman wasn't happy about that.

"Nonetheless we fought hard to maintain the tie by being dominant in our offensive scrums and lineouts. Defensive set pieces saw some success as well."

Davenport stole two scrums and four lineouts.

For Wheeling, Rua Karimazondo was a huge presence all over the field. He scored two tries and Simo Haddar also scored two, with Noam Taurin adding a try. 

"We have been working hard on our communication and defensive toughness and playing our attack structure," said Wheeling head Coach Mike Geibel. "We have the players to compete, they're just young and new to Wheeling. It's been building all year. Just a few too many easy mistakes vs Notre Dame College and Army that we fixed today."

For Davenport, Damian Ramirez was a stalwart on defense and was named the player of the game for them. Mat Devilliers kicked five penalty goals and converted the two tries from matt Kelly and Dom Lamancusa. 

"Wheeling is definitely a tough side and gave us a good look at things we need to work on before we get to the meat of our schedule in three weeks," said Steedman. "Wheeling\ played hard and capitalized on their possessions with some creativity and adding lots of pressure with a good foot along the sideline."