LaSalle University (0-3) vs. Geneva College (3-1)
Saturday, September 29, 2007
4:00 pm - Reeves Field - Beaver Falls, PA
All-Time Series: Geneva 1-0
Last Meeting: Geneva 37-20 (2003)
"SEEKING #500"
Geneva is set to play the second of three straight home games tonight against NCAA Division I-AA LaSalle University. The Golden Tornadoes are coming off another impressive performance last Saturday with a 28-13 victory over previously unbeaten Bethany College. Geneva′s defense held Bethany 32 points and 350 yards under its previous offensive averages. Meanwhile, Geneva′s ground game got clicking to the tune of 339 yards. The freshman trio of Gerard Muschette, Matt Dean and Matt Curry all made significant contributions. Dean and Muschette both found the end zone and Dean registered his first career 100-yard rushing game.
While Geneva′s offense seemed to get clicking in the right direction, the defense continued to shine with another solid effort against Bethany. So far in 2007, Geneva′s defense has allowed just 14.5 points per game and has forced eight turnovers. Last week, Richard Kolesar came up with his second interception in as many games and Geneva found a way to come up with three more sacks, which added to Geneva′s conference leading total of 15.
The Golden Tornadoes will meet LaSalle University tonight in only the second meeting in the all-time series. Geneva traveled to Philadelphia and beat LaSalle 37-20 in the 2003 season opener. Last year, Geneva and LaSalle were originally scheduled to meet on College Hill, but a scheduling conflict with LaSalle prevented that game from happening. So tonight′s contest is a case of better late than never as the 0-3 Explorers invade Reeves Field.
The Explorers are coming off a heartbreaking 13-12 loss at home to the College of New Jersey. In the first two weeks of the season, LaSalle was outscored 82-14 in losses to Ursinus and Sacred Heart. Quarterback Chris Hanson is completing 52% of his passes for 311 yards and a pair of touchdowns. On the ground, LaSalle has struggled with just 75 yards of rushing per game. Deric Dudiski is the leading ball carrier with only 78 yards on 27 carries. On defense, the Explorers have been led by Stephant′e Kent with 19 tackles, including two tackles for loss.
Geneva is looking forward to a slice of history this week as the Golden Tornadoes enter play just one victory shy of#500 in the programs 118-year history. Geneva started its football program back in 1890 and would become one of just a handful of local programs to reach that mark. Meanwhile, head coach Geno DeMarco, the school′s all-time winningest coach, picked up career win #98 last week and could reach the 100-victory plateau as early as next Saturday against Salisbury University.
While Geneva will end its three-game home stand next Saturday against Salisbury with a 6 pm kickoff at Reeves Field, LaSalle will host Iona University at 1 pm in Philadelphia. Next year, Geneva will be returning the favor to LaSalle and making the trip across the Pennsylvania turnpike. In fact, on back to back weekends, Geneva will be traveling to LaSalle and Salisbury University.
NOTES:
*Genevahad as many as 11 starters sidelined because of injury during last weekend′s game against Betha ny. Quarterback Bobby Bondi and running back Gerard Muschette each went out of the game in the first half and did not return. On defense, Gabe Gordon, Josh Crum and Lucas Shuster were all out prior to the game and were joined on the sidelines by Tony Antonini and Keith Davis during the game.
*Genevarushed for a total of 404 yards throughout the entire 2006 football season. Last week, Genevarushed for 339 yards and has already racked up 807 rushing yards in 2007.
*LaSalle is the first Genevaopponent this year to enter its game with the Golden Tornadoes with a loss on its record. Geneva faced Thiele, W & J, Westminster and Bethany this year, all of which were undefeated heading into the Genevagame.
© Geneva College | All rights reserved
