By Reggie Gatlin-Holt
SPRINGFIELD, OH – The Wittenberg Tigers opened the 2025 season with a 31-13 home loss to Baldwin Wallace. It was the second straight year that Wittenberg dropped its opener to the Yellow Jackets, who recorded a 24-14 decision on their home turf in 2024.
Baldwin Wallace took control of the game early, driving for touchdowns on the first two possessions while holding the Tigers without a first down until late in the first quarter. By halftime, the Yellow Jackets had pushed the lead to 24-0.
Wittenberg outscored the visitors 13-7 in the second half. Pierce Ayers (Alexandria, KY / Williamsburg) caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from JJ Miller to finally break the ice with 9:24 remaining in the third quarter. That score was set up by an interception by Jeremiah Jones (Tampa, FL / Sumner).
The Tigers wrapped up the scoring with 2:13 left in the game as Henry Jones (Cumming, GA/Landmark Christian) hauled in a 12-yard pass from Miller.
Baldwin Wallace finished the game with 354 yards of total offense as the Yellow Jackets held a commanding edge in time of possession (37:02 to 22:58 for Wittenberg).
The Tigers are back at home in Week 2 against Washington & Lee. Kick time for that contest is set for 1 p.m.
COURTESY WITTENBERG ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
