October 25, 2008 - Geneva College
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October 25, 2008

Picture of October 25, 2008

Van Zanic

Director of Sports Information

(724) 847-6886

vgzanic@geneva.edu

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 25, 2008

SURVIVING A SCARE, GENEVAPICKS UP VICTORY

AT SAINT VINCENT

Latrobe, PA - Geneva′s football team has been in search of a victory for the past four weeks. On Saturday the Golden Tornadoes got exactly what they needed, but it came much more difficult than it first appeared. After spotting the Golden Tornadoes a 28-0 lead, Saint Vincent rallied for 19 unanswered points to cut the lead to nine points early in the fourth quarter. Geneva was able to hang on for the 42-19 victory after scoring a pair of late fourth quarter scores and moved to 2-5 on the season. Meanwhile, the Bearcats lost for the sixth consecutive game and fell to 1-7 on the season.

Geneva seemingly had things well in control with four first half touchdowns and a 28-0 lead. The Golden Tornadoes took the football to start the game and went on a 63 yard drive that was capped by a David Girardi touchdown run. Geneva extended its lead to 14-0 the second time it touched the ball with a Matt Barge four-yard plunge.

Geneva′s third touchdown came when Geno DeMarco opened up the playbook and found a gadget play. Matt Barge took a direct snap and tossed the ball to Girardi in the back field who then found Brian Dvorsak in the end zone for a touchdown. Saint Vincent looked to get back in the game with a positive drive of its own, but Aaron Tommelleo picked up a fumble on his own 20 yard line and scampered 80 yards for a touchdown to extend the lead to 28-0 that seemingly put the game away mid-way through the second quarter.

The Bearcats came roaring back with a score prior to the halftime whistle to show some signs of life heading into the locker room. Saint Vincent dominated play in the third quarter and early in the fourth as it got to within nine points with still over nine minutes remaining in the game.

Geneva put the game away with a late fourth quarter scoring drive and an interception return for a touchdown from Brian Wilson. Wilson, who returned to action this week after a bout with mono, made a key fourth down stop late in the fourth and then found the end zone himself on an interception and return.

"Our guys came out ready to play and put forth a tremendous effort in the first half," said head coach Geno DeMarco. "We learned a valuable lesson against a Saint Vincent team that simply didn′t quit. They gave us all we could handle in the second half and we were fortunate to step up and make some plays in the fourth quarter to extend the lead. We are taking the rest of this season week by week and we are looking forward to a strong finish down the stretch."

David Girardi started the game by completing his first five passes to get off to a tremendous start. He ended the game by completing 12-22 passes for 203 yards and a pair of touchdowns. On the ground, Matt Barge rushed for 106 yards on 17 carries. Matt Dean chipped in with 82 yards on five carries. Through the air, Adam Chatlos was Girardi′s favorite target with 97 yards on five receptions.

Geneva′s defense was led by Dan Terracciano′s 11 tackles, while Zach Feltrop chipped in with seven tackles. The Golden Tornadoes scored a pair of defensive touchdowns that made the difference in the game. Tommelleo and Wilson both found the end zone on the defensive side of the field.

Geneva stays on the road next Saturday when it travels to Bethany College for a 1 pm kickoff. The Golden Tornadoes return home on November 8th when they battle Thomas More College.

Oct 25, 2008