October 7, 2006

CONTACT: Van Zanic

Sports Information Director

(724) 847-6886

Great Escape, Geneva Holds On For 9-7 Victory Over Seton Hill

Greensburg, PA - Geneva′s football team seemingly had everything in control on Saturday afternoon against Seton Hill University. On the statistics sheet, Geneva was dominating in every phase, with exception of the scoreboard. Unable to pull away from a feisty Seton Hill club, it wasn′t until the final minutes that Geneva and head coach could breathe easy when they put the finishing touches on a 9-7 victory over Seton Hill. The victory helped Geneva to improve its record to 2-2 overall, while Seton Hill dropped to 5-1. In the first ever meeting between the two schools, it turned out to be a defensive struggle that Geneva ultimately won because of another amazing defensive effort.

Midway through the first quarter, Geneva took advantage of the first of three Seton Hill fumbles. After Eric Barimah′s recovery at the Seton Hill 40 yard line, Geneva drove 40 yards on seven plays and capped the drive with a six yard touchdown pass from Justin Sciarro to Mike Lehman. One week after throwing five interceptions, Sciarro was very efficient for the Golden Tornadoes completing 16-22 passes for 180 yards and the one touchdown. After Larry Diday had his extra point blocked, he was able to redeem himself with a 27-yard field goal on the last play of the first half to extend Geneva′s lead to 9-0 heading into the lockerroom.

Despite several scoring chances in the second half, Geneva could not score and continually allowed Seton Hill the chance to stay in the game. The Griffins made things very interesting after a blocked punt in the final minutes set them up with a first and goal at the five yard line. Two plays later, Seton Hill cut Geneva′s lead to just two points. The Golden Tornadoes, however, we able to recover and on-side kick and run the clock out to hold on for their second victory of the season.

Javon Moody led Geneva′s rushing attack with 69 yards on 22 carries. Through the air, Sciarro connected with Luke Duriancik seven times for 68 yards and Mike Lehman six times for 83 yards.

Clearly the defense of Geneva shined yet again in victory. Gabe Gordon led the defense with 11 tackles, while Kevin Host added nine tackles and a key fumble recovery in the second half. Geneva′s defense held Seton Hill to just 190 yards of total offense, including just 94 yards through the air. Seton Hill′s Antwarn Jones did rush the ball for 111 yards on 28 carries, but could never find the end zone.

The Golden Tornadoes will now return to Reeves Stadium for back to back MSFA Mideast League games. Next Saturday, Geneva will welcome top ten ranked Walsh University for a 7:00 pm homecoming kickoff.