Mayville, ND - For the first time, the Eagles took the field for a Week 0, Thursday Night match-up to begin the season. JU traveled out to Mayville North Dakota, to take on Mayville State. 

With many new faces, one thing remained the same for the Eagles offense, and that is star wideout, Grant Alexander Jr. The senior had another terrific night filling up the box score. Alexander posted a 6 catch, 157 yards receiving, and two touchdowns. One of the house calls was a well-designed half-back pass that went for 70 yards from Harrison Hannah. 

Under center, starting quarterback Marcus Freeman had a nice showing going 16-30 for 193 yards and a touchdown. Hoping to lead the crop of running backs, Tyler Johnson had 11 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown. 

After falling behind 8-0, the Eagles mounted a bit of a comeback, and actually held a 2nd quarter lead 13-8 midway through the frame. That lead came on Alexander's second score, a 21 yard connection from Freeman. 

In the first quarter, Judson had a nice sequence of plays. On a 4th down and 2 try, the JU defense stopped Mayville State on downs. The very next play after the change of possession was a pretty 70 yard pass from Hannah to a wide open Alexander waiting with open arms to scamper the rest of the way. 

On defense, Judson was up against a predominately run heavy attack. Of Mayville's 57 plays, 51 of them were rushes. Marshon Smith and Bryden Miller led the way in tackles for the Eagles. Judson also posted five tackles for a loss. 

The Eagles were only able to keep the ground attack at bay for so long, as a 73 yard touchdown run by Mayville game them back the lead for good. 

Still though, in the first game under a new staff, there were some bright spots for JU. 

With a few extra days of practice now, Judson will tee it up once again on September 6th at Defiance College in Ohio.