TOLEDO, Ohio — The Elon University football team dropped its 2017 opener Thursday night against the University of Toledo 47-13.
The Curt Cignetti-era got off to a rocky start as the offense struggled to get anything going throughout the game.
Elon played eight true-freshman during the game in addition to its head coach’s debut.
One of those true-freshman Davis Cheek got the start under center after an offseason competition with fellow freshman Jalen Greene. Greene would finish the night leading the Phoenix in passing yards, though it was for only 25 yards.
Redshirt-freshman Brelynd Cyphers was one of the bright spots on offense after rushing for 69 yards on 20 carries. Cyphers scored a touchdown midway through the second quarter, cutting the Toledo lead to one score.
The Rockets broke it open in the second half with a 99-yard kickoff return by sophomore wide receiver Diontae Johnson made the score 26-7, and from there the Rockets never looked back.
Elon would tack on an additional touchdown late in the game off a one-yard touchdown run by junior running back Malcolm Summers. Senior defensive back Chris Blair leads the team in tackles with 11. It was the 13th time he’s posted double-digit tackles in a single game throughout his career.
The Phoenix will travel to Furman University next Saturday, Sept. 9. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.