Crestview Hills, KY - The schedule makers didn′t do Geneva College any favors in their first year as a full member of NCAA Division III and the Presidents′ Athletic Conference. The Golden Tornadoes got their first taste of conference play on Saturday afternoon and came away with a 41-6 loss to three-time defending PAC champion Thomas More. The loss dropped Geneva to 0-3 on the season, which is a first during the 19-year head coaching tenure of Geno DeMarco.
The Golden Tornadoes turned the ball over four times including a fumble to end the game′s very first drive that was showing some promise prior to the ball coming loose. A 70-yard punt return for a touchdown turned all the momentum towards Thomas More and the Saints never looked back.
Thomas More extended its lead to 28-0 by halftime and led 41-0 before Geneva finally managed to put an end to its seven quarter touchdown drought when Jordan Curry scored from one yard out to cap a 19 play, 70 yard drive. "We just made too many mistakes against a very good football team," said DeMarco. "When you turned the ball over four times against any good team you really give yourself no chance to win."
In addition to the four turnovers, DeMarco watched his offense generate only 210 total yards while being held to 64 yards on the ground on 36 attempts. "We are still looking for an offensive identity," said DeMarco. "We have guys on this team that can make plays and it′s my job and our coach′s job to put them in situations to succeed."
If you are looking for an offensive bright spot you can turn to Rocco Collevechia′s performance. The transfer caught ten passes for 73 yards to lead the ground attack. Sophomore quarterback Zack Hayward completed 20-33 passes with a pair of interceptions and 146 yards.
"Once again we were faced with a very difficult road challenge and we didn′t answer the bell like we needed to," said DeMarco. "It will be nice to get back to Reeves Field and see our fans next week." Geneva will host its first PAC game next Saturday night when the Golden Tornadoes host Bethany College for a 7 pm kickoff.
Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva College′s philosophy of education is based on the Foundational Concepts of Christian Higher Education. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).
© Geneva College | All rights reserved
