Toreros Defense Smothers Dayton 31-13 in Opener

**Toreros Dominate Flyers 31-13 in Season Opener, Nankil Shines in Debut**

**DAYTON, Ohio (Sept. 2, 2023)** – The University of San Diego Toreros kicked off their 2023 football season with an emphatic 31-13 victory over the Dayton Flyers at Welcome Stadium on Saturday. The win, marking the season opener for both Pioneer Football League (PFL) teams, was highlighted by a stellar debut from redshirt freshman quarterback Dom Nankil and a suffocating defensive performance that stifled the Flyers’ offense.

Nankil, making his first collegiate start under center, impressed with his composure and efficiency, completing 19 of 31 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. His first collegiate scoring pass was a 3-yard connection with Vance Jefferson, followed later by a 5-yard strike to Ja’seem Reed.

The Toreros’ ground game was equally effective, led by junior running back Isaiah Johnson. Johnson gashed the Flyers’ defense for 122 yards on 19 carries, including a 6-yard touchdown run of his own. Kicker Aidan Krayer also contributed points with a successful 25-yard field goal.

However, the true standout of the afternoon was San Diego’s defense. They delivered a dominant performance, holding Dayton to a remarkable net *negative six* rushing yards for the entire game. The Toreros’ pass rush was relentless, racking up a combined seven sacks, with defensive end Sean Scheck leading the charge with 2.5 sacks individually. The defense also forced two crucial turnovers; defensive back Jayden Price recovered a fumble and later snagged an interception, halting potential Dayton scoring drives.

San Diego established control early, taking a 10-3 lead into halftime. They extended that advantage to 24-3 by the end of the third quarter, maintaining command of the game from start to finish.

Dayton’s only touchdown came in the fourth quarter when quarterback Dante Casciola connected with Luke Bellman for a 12-yard pass. Kicker Sam Webster had previously put the Flyers on the scoreboard with a 28-yard field goal.

“We knew coming into Dayton, a perennial PFL contender, that it would be a tough environment to open the season,” said San Diego Head Coach Dale Lindsey. “Our defense set the tone early and never let up, and Dom showed great poise for a first-time starter. It’s a fantastic way to begin our PFL campaign.”

The Toreros and Flyers have a long-standing history as two of the most successful programs in the non-scholarship Pioneer Football League. This early-season win could prove significant for San Diego as they look to contend for the PFL title.

San Diego (1-0, 1-0 PFL) will return home to Torero Stadium for their home opener next Saturday, Sept. 9, to host Lincoln University (CA). Dayton (0-1, 0-1 PFL) will look to rebound on the road against Central State next Saturday.

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