October 2, 2007 - Geneva College
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October 2, 2007

Picture of October 2, 2007

Salisbury University (5-0) vs. Geneva College (4-1)

Saturday, October 6, 2007

6:00 pm - Reeves Field - Beaver Falls, PA

All-Time Series: First Meeting

Last Meeting: First Meeting

"MILESTONE AT HAND"

One week after Geneva′s football program reached the ultimate goal of 500 program victories; the Golden Tornadoes and head coach Geno DeMarco are on the verge of reaching yet another milestone. DeMarco, who is in his 15th season as Geneva′s head coach, picked up victory #99 last Saturday and sits just one win away from reaching the 100 victory plateau for his career. DeMarco and his Golden Tornadoes will get one of their sternest tests this week with the arrival of Salisbury University to Reeves Field. The Sea Gulls are 5-0 and have yet to be seriously threatened in a game all year. In fact, Salisbury is averaging 43 points per game and has defeated its five opponents by an average of 28 points.

Last week, Geneva′s defense rose to the occasion and played one of the most dominating games in recent history. The Golden Tornadoes allowed just 177 yards of total offense, including 37 yards on the ground. More impressive was how Geneva′s defense turned into offense with a pair of fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns. Jamaur Law and Brian Wilson each returned fumbles for touchdowns to help Geneva win its third game in a row. Geneva′s defense currently ranks at the top of the PAC statistics having allowed just 13.0 points per game. Geneva′s defensive numbers will get tested this week against one of the offensive programs in the country.

Salisbury′s triple option offense has been giving defenses fits all season. In addition to scoring at a clip of 43 points per game, the Sea Gulls are posting 315 yards of rushing offense per game. The 13th ranked team in NCAA Division III, Salisbury is the two-time defending ECAC regional champs. The Sea Gulls have made five trips to the Division III national tournament and won back to back Atlantic Central titles in 2004 and 2005. This year, Salisbury has been led by tailback Jamar Garner and his 396 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. A total of six offensive players have carried the ball at least 20 times already this season. With various offensive options, Salisbury posted 62 points last week in a victory over Apprentice School. If the offensive exploits wasn′t enough, Salisbury has also been solid defensively by allowing just over 15 points per game.

Geneva′s offense took some time to get going last week, but was able to punch a couple of touchdowns in during the second half of its 29-7 victory over LaSalle. Matt Dean scored on a two-yard plunge and Adam Chatlos pulled in a four yard reception from Bobby Bondi for Geneva′s two offensive scores. Bondi, who was back one week after suffering a knee injury, completed 8-19 passes for 72 yards. David Girardi was 3-6 for 56 yards in the victory. The defense was led by senior Greg Eberhart′s eight total tackles, including two tackles for loss. Geneva came up with six sacks and continues to lead the Presidents′ Athletic Conference in that category.

Geneva will get a well-deserved week off next Saturday as it enjoys its only bye week of the season. The Golden Tornadoes will travel to Thomas More on October 20th for their final road game of the season. Geneva ends the regular season with three straight home games beginning with a date against Saint Vincent on October 27th at 6:30 pm. Meanwhile, Salisbury will travel to SUNY-Morrisville next Saturday before returning home on October 20th to play Becker College.

NOTES:

*Salisburyhead coach ShermanWood, now in his seventh season with the Sea Gulls, picked up his 50th victory on that sideline last week. Wood served as the head coach at Bowie State, MDfor six years before taking over at Salisbury.

*Saturday′s match-up marks to first game of a two-game contract between Genevaand Salisbury. The Golden Tornadoes will travel to Salisbury, MDnext season to complete the two-game series.

*Coming into action this week, Genevais ranked #2 in the NCCAA national poll, which will determine the participants for the 2007 Victory Bowl. Genevatrails only NAIA powerhouse Mid-America Nazarene in the poll.

Oct 2, 2007