WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – For the first time in 74 years, Keystone College (0-1, 0-0 ECFC) took to the gridiron as an official team. The Giants forced two turnovers defensively and added a late fourth quarter score in the 46-7 defeat to Wilkes University (1-0, 0-0 MAC).
 
Despite what was a 26-0 halftime deficit, Keystone made two huge defensive plays in the first half.
 
On the Colonels opening possession, the Giants forced a fumble at their own two-yard line, stifling Wilkes for the time being. Later in the half, Keystone again forced a Colonels fumble, earning quality field position in opponent territory, but unfortunately couldn't break through.
 
In the second half, Wilkes upped its lead to 46-0, but it was the Giants who got the last word on the score sheet with 48 seconds remaining in the game.
 
Junior running back Kevin Lewis (Philadelphia, Pa./Imhotep Charter) scored the first Keystone touchdown of the inaugural season, on a three-yard touchdown run to cap an eight play, 70-yard drive.
 
Offensively, junior Tom Roach (Burlington City, N.J./Burlington City) and freshman Deswa Evans Jr. (Pennsauken, N.J./Pennsauken) combined to go 11-for-26, 90 yards and two interceptions in the air.
 
On the ground, freshman running back Mujaheed Muhammad (Philadelphia, Pa./Paul Robeson) led the way with 63 yards on nine carries, while Lewis gained 37 yards on 18 totes with the touchdown. Evans Jr. added 25 yards on the ground with nine carries.
 
As a team, the Giants totaled 192 yards (102 rush and 90 pass).
 
Defensively, junior Sean Tocci (Lodi, N.J./Lodi) and sophomore Trey McEwen led the way with eight tackles each. Freshman linebacker Maxwell Johnson (Wilmington, Del./St. Thomas Aquinas College) earned his first career sack, as well as sophomore linebacker Michael Cora (Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom) and freshman defensive lineman Fushawn Liggins (Scranton, Pa./West Scranton) who combined for the second sack. Liggins also forced a fumble in the contest, while fellow freshman linebacker Tyshaun McClain (Jersey City, N.J./Erie Community College) forced the second.
 
After getting its first game under its belt, Keystone now prepares to take the field for the home opener on Saturday, Sept. 11 against Misericordia. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. from the Turf Field.