September 29, 2008 - Geneva College
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September 29, 2008

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Geneva College Golden Tornadoes (1-2)

vs.

Washington & Jefferson College Presidents (4-0)

October 4, 2008 - 7 pm

Reeves Field - Beaver Falls, PA

When Geneva battles Washington & Jefferson today do not expect a defensive struggle. Both teams are giving up an average of over 20 points per game. The Golden Tornadoes got back into the win column last Saturday with a with 31-17 victory at Thiel. The victory could not have come at a better time because not only is today homecoming but also the 4-0 W & J President′s are in town. Their highly potent offense has already scored 181 points in four games. The Presidents are coming off a 49-21 victory over Grove City.

Last Saturday sophomore running back Gerard Muschette had a break out game with 126 yards on just 16 carries. Geneva managed 231 rushing yards against Thiel but the Golden Tornadoes will have a tougher task against a W & J defense that gave up only 12 yards against Grove City. However, Geneva′s sophomore quarterback David Girardi and senior wide receiever Luke Duriancik may be able to take advantage of The President′s defense that gave up 273 passing yards last week. Girardi is coming off of a proficient 13-17 performance against Thiel and Duriancik leads the Golden Tornadoes with 13 receptions so far this season.

Defenisvely, senior linebacker Zach Feltrop continues to pace Geneva with 31 tackles. The biggest battle of the game may be the Golden Tornadoes stingy secondary and W & J′s prolific passing game. The secondary is led by junior cornerback Rich Kolesar and freshman cornerback Jason Kelderhouse. It has given up less than 100 yard per game in three outings this season. The Presidents passing attack is led by senior quarterback Bobby Swallow, the defending PAC player of the year. Swallow is averaging 300 passing yards per game and he has passed for 11 touchdowns. Swallow torched defenses in 2007 to the tune of 48 touchdown passes. Senior reciever David Ravida leads the team with 32 receptions but junior reciever Craig Besong is also dangerous with 25 receptions and a team leading 382 receiving yards.

Last season Geneva gave W & J all it could handle before falling 28-20 in Washington. In that game, Geneva managed 144 rushing yards and 231 passing yards. Then senior quarterback Bobby Bondi was most impressive by rushing for 100 yards and throwing for 231 more yards. Luke Duriancik turned in a solid performance with seven receptions. Geneva′s secondary was unable to contain Swallow and the W & J passing attack as he threw for 255 yards in the victory.

The series between Geneva and Washington & Jefferson dates back to 1908 with the Presidents holding a convincing 35-19-2 advantage in the all-time series. Last year was the first meeting between the two schools since ending the series in 1985. The last time Geneva defeated W & J was in 1983 with a 19-0 decision.

The Golden Tornadoes will head back out on the road next week when they travel to long-time rival Grove City College. Washington & Jefferson will return home to face off against the Bearcats of Saint Vincent College on October 18th following its only bye week of the season next Saturday.

Sep 29, 2008