VALPARAISO, Ind. - Trinity International generated over 400 yards of total offense, including a career-high 181 rushing yards from sophomore Isaac Branch, but a few turnovers in key spots helped keep the home team in front, as NCAA FCS opponent Valparaiso (Ind.) defeated the Trojans 49-24 on Saturday afternoon.

Box Score | Season Stats

The Crusaders (1-2) took control early, after Trinity threw an interception on the first play from scrimmage. Valpo then connected on a 61-yard touchdown pass to claim a 7-0 edge. The Trojans (1-2) recovered, going on a 15-play, 71-yard drive on their next possession, but came up empty with a missed field goal opportunity.

Another long drive wrapped up the rest of the first quarter, with Valparaiso going ahead 14-0 after a 15-play march in which they converted three 3rd-down chances. Both sides then came up short on 4th down during their next possessions, setting the Trojans up on their own 40 yardline with 12:40 to play in the first half. Twelve snaps later, Jeremiah Carter connected on a 37-yard field goal to put the Trojans on the board, 14-3.

Valparaiso QB Jimmy Seewald went a perfect 4-for-4 on their next drive, with each pass going for at least 11 yards, resulting in a touchdown and 21-3 advantage for the Crusaders. The Trojans would respond in a hurry, however, with two scores in the final three minutes of the half.

Following a Trojan punt, Jarell Carter grabbed his first interception of the year, setting the TIU offense up in positive territory. A 16-yard Branch run gave Trinity their first touchdown of the day, 21-10. The Trojan defense forced a three-and-out, and a shanked punt gave Trinity another chance with :36 on the clock. Starting at the Valpo 40-yardline, Alex Johns-Moore caught two passes for 11 and 19 yards, respectively from J.J. Burmeister, and Cory Windle finished the drive with an 8-yard TD catch to bring the Trojans to within four at the break, 21-17.

The Crusaders extended their lead at the start of the second half, highlighted by a 39-yard pass on 3rd and 3 to go ahead 28-17. Following a three-and-out by the offense, Trinity got a stop on the next Valpo drive. Taking over on their own 39 yardline, Branch led the offense past midfield with a 23-yard carry, and Burmeister found Brad Hargis for a 33-yard touchdown pass to make it a four point game again, 28-24.

Valparaiso would strike twice before the end of the third quarter, using a 10-play, 75-yard drive resulting in their fifth TD of the day. Another TIU interception would give the Crusaders control at the TIU 20 yardline, and the home team would punch it in for a 42-24 lead. One final score in the 4th quarter would close out the scoring for Valparaiso, resulting in the 49-24 final.

Johns-Moore would lead the Trojans' receiving corps for the second game in a row, finishing with six catches and 72 yards. Burmeister collected 145 yards on 14-of-25 passing, along with 33 rushing yards on ten carries.

Defensively, linebacker Riley Schussler made a team-high 16 tackles on the day, while Mike Sawyer and Justin Hackley finished with a half-sack each.

The Trojans will continue their current five-game road trip next Saturday, when they take on the Concordia Cardinals. Kickoff from Ann Arbor, Mich. is set for 12:00 CDT.