(Catherine D’Orazio | Contributing Photographer)

The No. 19 WashU football team remains undefeated with a 31-24 road win over Wittenberg University, moving to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC). With this game, the Bears notch their first 3-0 start since 2023, as well as their first NCAC away game victory.

Sophomore running back Brayden Lewis was the star of the show, rushing for 126 yards and one touchdown on just 13 carries. Lewis averaged just under 10 yards per carry, providing the Bears with an explosive threat out of the backfield throughout the afternoon.

Aside from Lewis, the veterans made their presence felt throughout Saturday’s matchup. Senior quarterback Levi Moore led the way with 93 rushing yards, which was accompanied by 135 passing yards and two touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Drew Bomar led the team in receiving yards with 65, and senior wide receiver Makael Carter contributed 44 yards, including two receiving touchdowns.

Head Coach Aaron Keen emphasized the impact of the team’s upperclassman presence to start the season. 

“We’ve felt very good about this group of seniors coming back,” Keen said. “With the amount of football they’ve played and their impact on the locker room and the field, it’s been nice to see them rewarded with some big wins so far.”

WashU struck first on a 36-yard touchdown run from Moore, but Wittenberg answered late in the opening quarter and took a 10-7 lead in the second after capitalizing on a fumble by the Bears. WashU responded before halftime, as a nine-play drive ended with Moore finding Carter for a 27-yard touchdown and a 14-10 advantage.

The Bears extended their lead immediately after the break when Lewis broke free for a 64-yard touchdown run. Wittenberg pulled within four before the fourth quarter, but WashU regained control behind an 18-yard field goal from junior kicker Matias Adrogue and a key interception from junior safety Zander Ealy. The turnover set up Moore’s second touchdown pass to Carter, pushing the lead to 31-17.

Wittenberg added a late touchdown, but WashU closed out the game to secure the 31-24 victory.

Lewis’ 126 rushing yards marked a career high for the sophomore running back, more than doubling his previous best this season and offering a glimpse of the impact he can make in his increased role on the Bears’ offense. 

“[Lewis] had an excellent freshman season and training camp,” Keen said. “It was super exciting to watch him get loose. … He’s been a real game changer for us.”

This victory showed WashU’s ability to respond under pressure, as the Bears overcame their first deficit of the season and made key plays on both sides of the ball down the stretch. The team will look to stay unbeaten in its next matchup on the road against Oberlin College, which kicks off at 12 p.m. on Sept. 26.