Drake 21, Valparaiso 19

Published Sep. 26, 2010 1:29 a.m. ET

foxsports

Drake withstood two late touchdowns by Valparaiso to hold on for a 21-19 victory Saturday in the Pioneer League opener for both teams.

The Bulldogs (2-2) built a 21-6 lead on a 16-yard touchdown run by Pat Cashmore, a 14-yard TD pass from Cody Seeger to Steve Platek, and a 13-yard interception return by defensive tackle David Witkiewicz.

The Crusaders (0-4) rallied with two touchdowns sandwiched around a fumble by Seeger in the fourth quarter, but a missed PAT in the first quarter and a failed 2-point conversion on their second touchdown were the difference in the game.

Neither team showed much offense. Drake, which won for the seventh straight time in the series, had 210 yards of offense to just 158 for Valparaiso.