Saints Lose Heartbreaker to W.P.I. 21-20

St. Lawrence University’s fullback Eric Jones (41) scampers for a good gain while being dragged down from behind by a Worchester defender.  St. Lawrence pulled to within a point of W.P.I. at 21-20 after freshman Ramon Mignott ran for a five- yard touchdown with 7:43 remaining, but a missed extra point was the difference in the game as the visiting Engineers hung on for a 21-20 victory.  (Eric Foote photo)  Game Gallery

WPI’s Cody McGregor (18) made the catch in the end zone for a touchdown beating St. Lawrence’s Matthew Pickrell (32).

WEEK 10: W.P.I. 21, ST. LAWRENCE 20
November 15: The St. Lawrence University football team pulled to within a point of WPI at 21-20 after first-year student Ramon Mignott ran for a five yard touchdown with 7:43 remaining in regulation on Saturday afternoon at Leckonby Stadium. However, a missed extra point would keep the Saints behind by a single point, and they were unable to overcome the small deficit as the visiting Engineers hung on for a 21-20 victory on St. Lawrence’s “Senior Day.” The Saints finish the 2008 season with a 1-9 (1-6) record, while WPI moved to 7-3 overall and 4-3 in Liberty League action. The Scarlet and Brown had the only quality scoring chances in the opening quarter on a soggy afternoon. After forcing a three-and-out on WPI’s opening series, the Saints marched down the field and were able to set up 1st-and-goal at the 6-yard line. Following two rush plays, sophomore quarterback JP Kearney found tight end Donavon Edwards, who was tripped up at the 1-yard line. The Saints opted to go for the touchdown on fourth down, but Kearney was stuffed at the line of scrimmage by WPI’s Erik Pichette to give the Engineers the ball back. St. Lawrence would again have a great chance to take the lead when Mike Battaglia’s blocked punt gave the home team the ball at the WPI 20-yard line on the following offensive series. However, Kearney’s 3rd-and-8 screen pass was intercepted by Hal Reader and ended the scoring threat. The WPI offense, anchored by senior quarterback Justin Wells who entered the game as the Liberty League’s second-leading passer, finally found their stride on their final drive of the opening quarter. Wells moved his team 78 yards in nine plays and put the first points on the board on an 11-yard touchdown pass to Cody McGregor only 1:47 into the second quarter. Cody Beckel’s extra point split the uprights for a 7-0 WPI lead. The points would prove to the be the only ones in the first half, as Beckel had two makeable field goal opportunities miss wide left, including one from 31-yards out on the final play of the first half, to keep St. Lawrence behind by only one score. Head coach Chris Phelps’ team would take advantage of the missed opportunities by the Engineers and scoring on their opening drive of the second half. After junior Eric Jones bounced a run outside for a 62-yard gain down to the WPI 16-yard line, the Watertown, NY native was called on to finish the scoring drive with a 5-yard touchdown run four plays later. Senior kicker Matt Popov added the extra point to tie the game at 7-7 with 12:08 to play in the third quarter. The two teams, who finished only six yards apart in total offense (351-345), exchanged touchdown drives on the following two possessions. WPI reclaimed their seven-point advantage after an 11 play, 63-yard drive was finished off when Wells showed his composure on a broken play and scrambled to his right for a 22-yard touchdown run. Beckel added the extra point. St. Lawrence came right back with an impressive response, going 66 yards in 10 plays to tie the game at 14-14. Kearney orchestrated the drive and capped it off with a 29-yard strike to junior Rick Stepien in the end zone. Popov would complete the point after to knot the score with 45 seconds remaining in the third quarter. WPI wasted very little time in regaining the lead for the third time, as a solid nine play, 67 yard drive took only 3:38 and ended with a 1-yard touchdown run up the middle by Aaron Champagne. Beckel’s extra point made it 21-14 with 11:59 to play in regulation. St. Lawrence continued to look sharp offensively as they bounced right back for their third straight touchdown drive to creep to within a point. Jones again set the Saints up with a 41-yard run down to the eight yard line, and two plays later, Mignott scampered in from five yards out for his first collegiate touchdown. However, Popov’s extra point bid sailed wide right of the uprights, keeping the Engineers on top, 21-20, with 7:43 left in the game. Though St. Lawrence would get the ball back twice, including a final drive that begin with 1:15 left in regulation, the WPI defense was able to force a turnover on downs to secure their seventh victory of the season. Jones finished with a game-high 145 yards rushing on 19 carries and a touchdown, while Kearney was 23-of-25 passing for 188 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Wells finished 20-of-30 passing for 229 yards and a score, while WPI’s R.C. Grady was the game’s leading receiver with seven catches for 87 yards. The game was the last for 18 St. Lawrence University seniors, who were honored for their contributions to the program before the game began. Those recognized included Chuck Bradway, Michael Bruno, Ryan Cooney, Jonathan Edwards, Carl Festa, Hakiem Greenhut, Charles Haydock, Richard Lagos, Tim LaRose, Chris Lutgens, Devaun McFarland, Josh Miller, Brendan Mitchell, Daniel O’Sullivan, Popov, Alan Rajapa, Josh Tyler and Andy Welkley.

WEEK 9- ROCHESTER 34, ST. LAWRENCE 20
November 8: The St. Lawrence University football team took a 20-13 lead over the University of Rochester early in the third quarter, but were unable to withstand the offensive duo of Patrick Keegan and Zach Ingoldsby in the second half as the Yellowjackets rallied to a 34-20 victory over the Saints on “Senior Day” at Edwin Fauver Stadium. The Saints (1-8, 1-5) outgained Rochester offensively, 436-422, and would take a 7-0 lead only 2:18 into the contest. After junior cornerback Drew Williams returned an interception on the second play of the game all the way down to the Rochester 15-yard line, classmate Eric Jones would rush the football four straight plays and record a 5-yard touchdown to put his team on top early. Senior Matt Popov’s extra point try was good, giving St. Lawrence a 7-0 advantage. Rochester would answer only 58 seconds later thanks to a great kick-off return that gave Keegan and the offense outstanding field position at the visitor’s 38-yard line. Two plays later, it was Mike Sondericker that scampered 32 yards for a touchdown run, though Zachary White-Stellato’s extra point bid failed to leave the score at 7-6. On the Yellowjackets’ next drive, the home team appeared to be ready to grab their first lead, but after failing to push the ball into the end zone, they had to settle for a 34-yard field goal try. The ball sailed wide right off the foot of White-Stellato, and gave the ball back to St. Lawrence on its own 20-yard marker. After sophomore quarterback JP Kearney found sophomore Rick Stepien for a 10-yard completion, a handoff went to Jones up the left side and the Watertown, NY native was gone, taking the ball 70 yards for his second touchdown at 8:44 of the second quarter. Though Popov’s point after try failed, the Saints held a 13-6 lead. In what proved to be a theme for the game, Rochester again showed resiliency by scoring on the ensuing drive to knot the score at 13-13. Though Sondericker was the majority of the offense in the first quarter for the Yellowjackets, they turned to the air in the second. The passing attack was effective, as Keegan picked apart the St. Lawrence secondary by looking for Ingoldsby and tight end Pedro Sosa. The scoring drive was capped off by a 15-yard pass to Sosa for the touchdown, while White-Stellato added the extra point to tie the game after two quarters of play. On their opening drive of the second half, St. Lawrence started to attack via the pass as Kearney looked sharp in spreading the ball around to senior Ryan Cooney, junior Anthony Patterson and Stepien. The Laflin, PA native completed the drive with a picturesque touchdown throw to a wide-open Patterson in the back of the end zone from 25-yards out only 2:06 into the third quarter. Popov’s extra point put St. Lawrence back on top by seven, 20-13. Sondericker would carry the load for Rochester on their following possession and move the chains with several clutch first downs that moved the ball deep into St. Lawrence territory. With one-on-one coverage on the outside against Ingoldsby, Keegan then delivered a perfect strike on 1st-and-goal to his key wide receiver who hauled in a 5-yard touchdown pass with 7:46 to play in the third. White-Stellato added the extra point to tie the score at 20-20. The touchdown would be the first of three unanswered for the Yellowjackets, who finished the day with a key +2 margin in turnovers. After St. Lawrence came away with nothing on their next drive, Keegan orchestrated a four play, 67-yard drive in 1:51 that gave the home team their first lead at 27-20. With St. Lawrence struggling to defend the pass, Keegan lofted a jump ball to Tom Malczewski for a 14-yard score only 2:51 after tying the game. White-Stellato added the point after for the seven point cushion. The Saints appeared to be in business on the next drive, as Kearney and company marched into the Rochester red zone. After a pass was completed to junior Mike Wayne at the 2-yard line, the Saints had three chances to punch it in for the touchdown. However, after Jones was stuffed at the line of scrimmage, a fumbled snap and a penalty would back the visitors up and force a 26-yard field goal try by Popov. The senior kicker pulled the try, though, as it sailed wide of the right upright to keep the score 27-20. The miscue would be one that came back to hurt the Saints, who were looking to win their second straight game. Rochester took advantage of the opening and went the length of the field on their first drive of the fourth quarter to take a two-touchdown lead. Facing a crucial 4th-and-2 at the St. Lawrence 28-yard line, Rochester chose to go for the first down. The Yellowjackets ran a play-action pass that was completed to Mike Coolbaugh for the fresh set of downs. The completion set up a 9-yard touchdown pass from Keegan to Ingoldbsy with 11:18 to play in the game, while White-Stellato added his fourth extra point for a 34-20 Rochester lead. Cooney and Kearney began to connect on the next drive for St. Lawrence, which was in desperate need of points. After getting the ball all the way down to the 20-yard line, though, Kearney was picked off in the end zone for the second time in the game to end the drive and the hopes of a St. Lawrence comeback. Sondericker and Andrew Carr-Harris were able to rush for some key first downs that kept the clock and chains moving and secure a 34-20 win for Rochester. Jones finished with 106 yards on the ground and two scores for St. Lawrence, while Sondericker was the leading rusher in the game with 202 yards on 28 carries and a score. Kearney finished 25-of-48 passing for 259 yards and a touchdown, though three interceptions loomed large at the end of the game. Keegan was 13-of-23 throwing the football, with six passes competed to Ingoldsby for 78 yards and two scores. St. Lawrence will look ahead to next weekend, as they welcome WPI to Leckonby Stadium for the 2008 season finale. Kick-off for Saturday, November 15 is set for 12:00pm, with the senior class being honored before the game.

WEEK 8- ST. LAWRENCE 49, SUSQUEHANNA 42
November 1: The St. Lawrence University football team’s offense exploded for 556 yards of total offense, including six rushing touchdowns, en route to a 49-42 victory at Susquehanna University on Saturday afternoon. The Saints (1-7, 1-4) saw junior tail backs Connor Hackett and Eric Jones combine for 244 yards on the day to pick up their first win of the 2008 season. The two teams, meeting on the gridiron for only the second time in school histories, finished with the identical final score as their meeting in 2007. The Saints wasted little time in building a lead over the Crusaders, who celebrated “Family Weekend” in front of a packed crowd at Amos Alonzo Stagg Field in Selinsgrove, PA. Sophomore quarterback JP Kearney orchestrated a nine play, 86-yard drive to put the visitors on top 7-0 with 8:27 to play in the first quarter. Hackett capped off St. Lawrence opening drive with a fantastic individual effort from seven yards out for his first touchdown of the day. Kearney then used a quarterback draw from six yards out on St. Lawrence’s second drive to build a 14-0 cushion with 3:07 left in the opening quarter. Though Susquehanna would get on the board only 1:36 later after a four play, 60-yard drive ended with a 24-yard touchdown reception by Justin Young, St. Lawrence would respond on the final play of the first quarter to take a 21-7 lead. Senior wide receiver Ryan Cooney, who made several important catches on the afternoon, took an 87-yard pass to the end zone as he beat his coverage and then won a foot race from his own 45-yard line. The score, followed by the extra point by senior Matt Popov, completed the first quarter scoring. St. Lawrence’s offense, which scored more points in the first quarter than they had in any game all season, took their first 21-point lead with 6:42 to play in the second quarter. The visitor’s offensive line, anchored by graduate student Chris Lutgens and senior Tim LaRose, gave Kearney all sorts of time to pick apart the Crusader’s defense. After starting on their own 9-yard line, the Saints capped off a 14-play, 91-yard drive with a five yard run by Hackett to take the lead to 28-7. Susquehanna junior running back Dave Paveletz, who is second in the Liberty League in both rushing and scoring, tacked on to his impressive season with 3:16 to play in the first half with an eight yard run for a touchdown that ended a successful five play, 80-yard scoring drive. The touchdown, Paveletz’s 12th of the season, would complete the first half scoring and send the Crusaders to the locker room trailing 28-14. After squandering two chances on their first two drives of the second half, St. Lawrence would break through and regain a three touchdown lead with 5:52 to play in the third quarter. Senior Michael Bruno’s interception gave the Saints great field position at the Crusader 19-yard line, and with Hackett forced to the sidelines due to injury, Jones came through for St. Lawrence and scampered into the end zone from nine yards out to put the Scarlet and Brown back on top 35-14. Senior quarterback Derek Pope refused to throw in the towel for Susquehanna’s offense, as he continued to put up solid numbers against the St. Lawrence defense. However, his group faced a crucial 4th-and-3 at the St. Lawrence 7-yard line in the final seconds of the third quarter. Pope was able to check off his receiver and find J.J. Moran, who had a monster game for the Crusaders, for a seven yard touchdown throw-and-catch to complete the third quarter scoring. After Bobby Eppleman added the extra point, Susquehanna trailed 35-21 after 45 minutes of play. Jones and Paveletz each exchanged touchdowns in the first six minutes of the fourth quarter. Jones picked up his second touchdown of the game from 19 yards out with 12:04 to play, while Paveletz responded on a four yard score only 2:26 seconds later capping off a seven play, 68-yard drive. The scores kept the Saints’ lead at 14 points, 42-28. After Jones broke a big 44-yard run up the middle down the Susquehanna 4-yard line, head coach Chris Phelps rewarded the Watertown, NY, native by going right back to him for his third touchdown on the afternoon. The score came with 8:17 to play in the contest and put St. Lawrence back on top by three scores at 49-28. Susquehanna, who used a 28-point fourth quarter last season to force overtime against the Saints at Leckonby Stadium, continued to grind and pulled to within two scores only 1:17 later when Pope hooked up with Moran for a 32-yard touchdown to make the score 49-35. The Crusaders were then able to climb to within seven points for the first time since the first quarter when Jim Owen took a pass from Pope and got to the pile on with 3:10 to play in regulation. After Eppleman’s extra point sailed through the uprights, the Crusaders were within one score at 49-42. St. Lawrence was unable to pick up a first down on the ensuing possession and was forced to punt the ball away to Susquehanna, who was without any timeouts. Though the Crusaders would march into St. Lawrence territory at the 45-yard line, the home team faced a 4th-and-10 with the game on the line. Pope tried to find Moran, but when the ball fell incomplete, the Saints were able to celebrate their long-awaited first win of the season, 49-42. Jones finished with 140 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries, while Hackett, who missed much of the second half, went for 104 yards on 18 carries and two scores. Paveletz was the leading rusher for Susquehanna with 153 yards on 22 carries and two touchdowns. Cooney led all players with 182 yards receiving on six catches, while Moran finished with 104 yards on eight receptions and two touchdowns for the Crusaders. Popov and Eppleman were a combined 13-for-13 on extra points, while Kearney was 19-of-30 passing for a career-high 319 yards. Pope closed with 282 yards and four touchdowns on 27-of-39 passing. Senior linebacker Josh Miller finished with a team-high nine tackles for St. Lawrence, while junior Gabe McBride and Bruno finished with seven a piece. Susquehanna’s James Conway led all defensive players with 13 total tackles. The Saints will look to use their momentum from the opening win as they head to the University of Rochester next weekend to take on the Yellowjackets in the final road game of the 2008 campaign. Kick-off at Edwin Fauver Stadium will be at noon on Saturday, November 8.

RPI’s Eren Savalsi (11) has the pass knocked away by
St. Lawrence University’s Louis Jenkins (3).  S.L.U. pulled to within one score of #22 Rensselaer at 16-8 early in the third quarter before R.P.I. rattled off 28 straight points to close the game and drop the Saints 44-8. (Foote photo)  Game Gallery

St. Lawrence University’s Justin Vega buries the RPI receiver into the ground after he makes a catch.

WEEK 7- RENSSELAER 44, SLU SAINTS 8
October 25: The St. Lawrence University football team pulled to within one score of 22nd-ranked Rensselaer at 16-8 early in the third quarter at Leckonby Stadium on Saturday afternoon when sophomore quarterback JP Kearney connected with senior wide receiver Ryan Cooney for an 11-yard touchdown and a two-point conversion. However, the touchdown only seemed to motivate the visiting Engineers, who rattled off 28 straight points to close the game and drop the Saints, 44-8. Despite continuous rain throughout the game, both Kearney and Rensselaer quarterback Jimmy Robertson had solid outings. Kearney was 13-of-24 passing for 94 yards, a touchdown and an interception while Robertson was 23-of-34 for 273 yards and four scores. St. Lawrence simply did not have an answer for wide receiver Eren Savasli, who made 11 catches for 154 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Turnovers, which have haunted St. Lawrence (0-7, 0-4) all season, continued to plague the offense in the first half and allowed Rensselaer (6-0, 4-0) to take a 16-0 lead into intermission. After a fumble on the Saints’ opening drive gave RPI great field position at the home team’s 23-yard line, Robertson found Mike Fil for a seven yard touchdown to put the visitors on top 6-0 only 2:38 seconds into the game. Peter Nilson’s extra point was no good, though, as the kick hit the right upright. After the team’s exchanged drives that accumulated little yardage, St. Lawrence had their first scoring chance midway through the first quarter after a blocked punt by first-year student Jarell Roberts gave the Saints the football at RPI’s 34-yard line. Thanks to a clutch first down catch by senior Ryan Cooney, the home team was able to work the ball down to the visitor’s 9-yard line before being forced to try a 26-yard field goal. However, senior Matt Popov’s kick sailed wide right and kept the score at 6-0. St. Lawrence’s defense, anchored by junior defensive tackle Gerard Bryant, did a nice job of containing Robertson and his offense in the first half. The Saints’ unit was dealt a tough hand, though, as Kearney’s only interception of the game came on his own 30 yard line by Stefan Schulz, who returned the pick down to the St. Lawrence 22-yard line. With the short field, Robertson went to work and found Patrick McCarthy on the 4-yard line for a 12-yard pick up. Two players later, the Engineers were celebrating a 2-yard score by Bob Munier, as the extra point gave RPI a 13-0 lead with 6:20 to play in the second quarter. Rensselaer would stretch their lead to 16-0 just before halftime as Robertson orchestrated a 9-play, 73 yard drive that took only 1:52 to get the Engineers in field goal range. Robertson was able to work the ball around the field to Fil, McCarthy and Savasli and give Nilson a field goal try from 26 yards out, which he drilled through the uprights with only 45 seconds to play in the first half. The Saints would answer on their opening drive of the third quarter, as Kearney and company went 57 yards in 10 plays to cut their deficit in half. A 15-yard personal foul penalty gave the home team a fresh set of downs at the RPI 38-yard line, and sophomore Alcee Walker’s 15-yard pick up on a reverse moved the ball to the 22. On 2nd-and-10 from the 11-yard line, Kearney found Cooney wide open in the end zone for the score to cut the lead to 16-6. The duo then hooked up on the ensuing two-point conversion to make it 16-8. Robertson and the RPI offense wasted little time in responding to the score, as they took the next possession 49 yards in four plays in only 1:13 to build the lead back to 23-8. Robertson hooked up for a 26-yard touchdown strike with McCarthy who made an acrobatic catch in the end zone, while Nilson added the point after. St. Lawrence did little on the following drive, as Rensselaer’s defense forced a three-and-out. Popov’s punt was received by Fil at the RPI 23, and thanks to some quality blocking down field and a few impressive moves, he took the ball 73 yards for a touchdown to build the lead to 30-8 with the extra point. Robertson wasn’t done in the third quarter, though, as he completed 5-of-6 passes on the following Rensselaer drive including four completions for 12 yards or more. With his team facing a 4th-down and 13 from the St. Lawrence 20-yard line, Robertson showed why he is the Liberty League’s top passer as he threw a bullet across his body into the end zone for Savasli who made the 20-yard touchdown reception to push the lead to 37-8 after Nilson’s extra point was good. The Robertson-Savasli combo was good for one more score in the fourth quarter, as they capped the game’s scoring with a 23-yard touchdown completion with 11:27 remaining in the game. The touchdown capped a six play, 63-yard drive, and with the extra point, brought the game to the final score of 44-8. Junior tail back Connor Hackett finished with 34 yards rushing to lead St. Lawrence, while Munier was the leading rusher for Rensselaer with 40 yards on nine carries. Bryant led all players in tackles with 13 including seven solo stops. Joe Albano was the leading tackler for Rensselaer’s defense, which is tops in the conference as well, finishing with 12 stops including 0.5 for a loss.

WEEK 6- UNION COLLEGE 35, SLU SAINTS 14
October 18: The St. Lawrence University football team jumped out to an impressive 14-0 first quarter lead behind outstanding play from sophomore quarterback JP Kearney against Union on Saturday afternoon at Frank Bailey Field. However, the Dutchmen would battle back behind three touchdowns from the Liberty League’s top rusher Chris Coney and a fantastic second half defensive effort to top the Saints 35-14. Saturday’s first half proved to be the tale of two quarters, as the Saints dominated the first 15 minutes while Union (3-3, 2-2) answered in the second quarter to tie the score at 14-14. St. Lawrence (0-6, 0-3) began the game on defense, though a fumble recovery by sophomore Nate Howard would quickly give the visitors the football and decent field position. Thanks to a clutch third down conversion pass from Kearney to senior wide receiver Ryan Cooney, the Saints were able to march the ball down the field and complete a 10-play, 77-yard drive capped off by a 3-yard touchdown run by junior tail back Connor Hackett. Senior Matt Popov added the extra point for a 7-0 St. Lawrence lead. After allowing only one first down to Union’s offense on the next drive, the Saints’ defense would force a punt and took over at their own 36-yard line. Hackett and classmate Eric Jones would handle the majority of the work, as the duo combined for 61 yards on the drive and pushed the Saints’ lead to 14-0. After Jones ran the ball for 15 yards down to the Union 5-yard line, Kearney found Hackett cutting over the middle, and the Bronxville, NY native lunged across the goal line for his second touchdown of the game while Popov added the extra point. Though Union looked stunned on their sidelines after the first quarter came to a close, the Dutchmen would use the play of rookie quarterback Andrew Connolly and Coney to get back into the contest. On the ensuing Union drive, Coney burst up the middle on a draw play for a 35-yard gain out to his own 46-yard marker. On the following play, the Dutchmen used play action to open up Justin Gallo downfield, as he caught a 54-yard pass from Connolly for a touchdown to cut into the lead. Ben Rapple’s extra point made it 14-7 in St. Lawrence’s favor with 14:17 to play in the first half. The Saints appeared to be headed for another score on their following drive, as they moved the football from their own 33-yard line all the way to Union’s 14. However, Jones would cough up the ball at the Dutchmen 7-yard line and Union pounced on the fumble to take possession and squander a key chance for the Saints’ offense. Union wasn’t able to get much going in their favor offensively on their next drive, but an interception by John DeLuca at the St. Lawrence 28-yard line would give the Dutchmen great field position and a chance to even the scoring. After Kyle Holmes gave Union a fresh set of downs on a 3rd-down conversion that moved the ball to the 5-yard line, Coney took a handoff, slipped a tackle and found the end zone for his first touchdown of the afternoon with 2:51 remaining in the second quarter. Rapple’s extra point would tie the game at 14-14 and complete the first half scoring. In his best half of collegiate football to date, Kearney did a great job distributing the football to his playmakers in the first half, as he finished 12-of-19 passing for 156 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Despite St. Lawrence’s best efforts to upset the Dutchmen on Homecoming Day in Schenectady, NY, the second half was owned by the home team, who scored 21 points in the third quarter to open up a solid 35-14 lead. A key play in the game proved to be a fumble by Kearney that looked to be an incomplete pass due to his arm moving forward. However, the officials ruled it a loose ball, which was recovered by the Dutchmen. On their first play from scrimmage following the fumble, Union called on Jared Gourrier on a half-back option and he came through with a 36-yard completion to Gallow down to the St. Lawrence 13-yard line. One play later, Coney took ball up the gut and waltzed untouched into the end zone to give Union their first lead of the game, 21-14, after Rapple’s extra point. After forcing St. Lawrence to punt the ball away following only one first down, Union took over at the St. Lawrence 42-yard line. On the first play of the drive, Connolly showed his value with an athletic throw across his body to a wide-open Gourrier. The wide receiver took the ball all the way down to the Saints’ 5, and two snaps later, Coney ran in his third touchdown of the afternoon from 15 yards out. Rapple’s extra point made it 28-14. The Union defense continued to stifle the Saints’ offense, which had been so productive moving the ball in the first quarter. After a three-and-out following the touchdown, Connolly hit Chris Boland for a 71-yard touchdown completion that electrified the Union fans and capped the game’s scoring at 35-14. St. Lawrence finished with a solid 21-12 advantage in first downs while both teams went for over 300 yards of offense (393 yards, Union and 347 yards, SLU). Kearney finished 22-of-41 for St. Lawrence with 222 yards passing, while Jones was the leading rusher for the Scarlet and Brown, picking up 68 yards on 13 carries. Hackett, who pulled to within eight touchdowns of the University career record, was the team’s leading receiver with 60 yards on eight receptions.

St. Lawrence University’s Thaddeus Pitts (81) made the catch and was dragged down from behind by Hobart’s Justin Hager. The Saints carried a 7-3 lead into halftime against unbeaten Hobart College. However, the Statesmen rallied with a
13-point third quarter and hold off the Saints’ upset bid 16-10.

Hobart’s Tyler Vincent (5) makes the catch and looks to shake off St. Lawrence University’s Louis Jenkins (3).

WEEK 5- HOBART COLLEGE 16, SLU SAINTS 10
October 4: The St. Lawrence University carried a 7-3 lead into halftime against unbeaten Hobart College at Leckonby Stadium on Saturday. However, the Statesmen would rally with a 13-point third quarter and hold off the Saints’ upset bid with a fantastic defensive effort en route to a 16-10 road victory. The Saints (0-5, 0-2) finished with an edge in first downs, passing yards, possession time and third down conversions. However, Hobart (4-0, 2-0) would intercept St. Lawrence sophomore quarterback J.P. Kearney (left) three times to help avoid the upset. St. Lawrence’s opening drive was arguably their best of the season, as they seemed to handle Hobart’s defense with ease. Kearney moved his team from their own 23-yard line down to the Hobart 24 before he was intercepted by Chris Szymanski at the 25-yard line to end their opening scoring bid. That drive was the best scoring chance for either team in a scoreless first quarter that saw the Saints’ defense control the line of scrimmage and put consistent pressure on Hobart quarterback Rich Doyle. The Statesmen only earned one first down in the entire quarter and were out-gained by St. Lawrence, 106-22. After forcing Hobart to punt for the third straight drive, St. Lawrence used an 11 play, 63-yard drive that covered 4:42 to grab a 7-0 lead. The Saints’ offense used a healthy dose of juniors Connor Hackett and Eric Jones out of the backfield to move into Hobart territory on the 7-yard line. On 2nd-and-goal, Hobart was called for pass interference, moving the ball down to the 2-yard marker, and two quarterback sneaks later, Kearney had crossed the goal line to give the Saints their first lead of the 2008 season, 6-0, against the Statesmen. Senior Matt Popov added the extra point. On the ensuing drive, Hobart appeared to get their offense jolted after a 12-yard gain by Andrew Marlier followed by a 13-yard pass to Tyler Vincent that moved the ball to the St. Lawrence 16-yard line. Facing a 3rd-and-5, the Statesmen again turned to Vincent, but Doyle’s pass sailed just high in the corner of the end zone. Conor Callahan would get the visitors on the board with a 28-yard field goal with 5:40 to play in the second quarter, cutting the Saints’ lead to 7-3. That would complete the opening half’s scoring, as St. Lawrence’s defense suffocated the Liberty League’s third ranked offense by keeping Anthony Hobaica in check at the tail back position while junior cornerback Devaun McFarland  >>>>>

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2008
Worchester Polytechnic 21, St. Lawrence University 20

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2008
Rochester 34, St. Lawrence University 20

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2008
St. Lawrence University 49, Susquehanna College 42

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2008
Rensselaer (R.P.I.) 44, St. Lawrence University 8

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2008
Union College 35, St. Lawrence University 14

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2008
Hobart College 16, St. Lawrence University 10

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2008
Merchant Marine 23, St. Lawrence University 17

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2008
Alfred University 20, St. Lawrence University 3

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2008
Norwich University 27, St. Lawrence University 7

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2008
Johns Hopkins 34, St. Lawrence University 3
 

held Hobart’s leading receiver Zach Schulz to two catches for 13 yards. Hobart would make a stern statement to start the third quarter, though, as they marched down the field in 1:34, covering 66 yards in four plays to take their first lead of the game at 9-7. Two plays after Doyle found Matt Duliba for a 32-yard gain on the first play of the half, Hobaica made his presence felt with a 20-yard touchdown run as he beat sophomore Louis Jenkins to the pile on. However, the lead remained at 9-7 after Callahan’s extra point hit the upright and missed. Following the touchdown, both defenses asserted themselves with clutch second half plays. Senior Andy Welkley would make a big tackle for a 7-yard loss on Hobart’s next offensive series while Drake Woodard made his second interception of the afternoon on the following St. Lawrence drive to end a scoring threat. With the third quarter winding down, the Statesmen came through with a big defensive stand that gave them the ball at the St. Lawrence 48-yard line. After consecutive completions by Doyle to Vincent and Schulz covered 28 yards, Marlier took a hand-off up the middle and ran untouched into the end zone from 20 yards out for a 15-7 lead with 1:03 remaining in the third quarter. Callahan added the extra point to push the lead to 16-7 after three quarters. Hobart out-gained St. Lawrence 162-50 in the frame, with Doyle finishing 9-of-12 passing. On their first drive of the fourth quarter, St. Lawrence pulled to within a score thanks to a 9 play, 57 yard drive capped off by a 26-yard field goal by Popov. Kearney was impressive on the drive, finishing 3-for-5 including a 27-yard pass play to Hackett that set up the field goal. Hobart continued to move the chains and milk the clock with an efficient run game that set up a field goal chance for Callahan from 31-yards away that would’ve all but sealed the victory for the Statesmen. However, junior Gerard Bryant burst through the line and blocked the kick, giving St. Lawrence life with just over three minutes remaining in regulation. The Saints earned a first down after a 10-yard completion to senior Ryan Cooney, who had his second consecutive big game for the offense. However, facing a 3rd-and-11 on their own 45-yard line, Kearney was sacked by Ryan Robinson that forced a punt and gave Hobart good field position. Needing two first downs for the victory, Hobart seemed to come up six inches short on 3rd-and-3, which would’ve given the ball back to St. Lawrence. However, a personal foul penalty against the Saints would give the Statesmen the all-important fresh set of downs and allowed them to run the clock out and secure a 16-10 victory. Kearney finished 18-of-35 passing for 181 yards, but was intercepted three times. Doyle went without an interception, finishing 15-of-26 for 137 yards. Marlier and Hobaica finished with 69 and 48 yards, respectively, while Hackett finished with a game-high 80 yards on the ground. Cooney led all receivers with 66 yards on five catches, while Schulz led Hobart with 38 yards on five receptions. Defensively, Hobart’s Justin Hager led all players with 13 tackles including eight solo stops. Welkley was the leading stopper for St. Lawrence, making eight tackles including 1.0 for a loss. Bryant, who blocked the field goal, chipped in seven tackles including 1.0 for a loss. The Saints will look to re-group after a tough start to the 2008 season as they have the bye week next weekend.

WEEK 4- MERCHANT MARINE 23, SAINTS 17
September 27: The St. Lawrence University football team’s offense came to life on Saturday against Merchant Marine, as sophomore quarterback JP Kearney threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns while junior tail back Connor Hackett returned to the line-up and ran for 95 yards on 23 carries. However, their offensive output would fall just short, as the United State Merchant Marine Academy Mariners caused three key turnovers including one in their own red zone to hold on for a 23-17 victory in the annual Hoffman Cup game at Captain Tomb Field in Kings Point, NY. The loss was the fourth straight for St. Lawrence, who falls to 0-4 on the season and 0-1 in Liberty League play while the Mariners even their record at 2-2 (1-0). Senior wide receiver Ryan Cooney was named St. Lawrence’s Most Valuable Player of the Hoffman Cup game, as he came through with new career highs with eight catches for 187 yards and a touchdown. Merchant Marine’s offense went for 420 yards on Saturday, thought St. Lawrence did well several times to hold the home team to field goal chances. The Saints also racked up 356 yards of offense, but the three turnovers proved to be the difference. Sophomore cornerback Louis Jenkins helped keep the game scoreless on Merchant Marine’s second drive, as he stripped Mike Mitchell of the football at the St. Lawrence 18-yard line on a fake field goal try. Though St. Lawrence would pick up 37 yards to tip the field possession in their favor on the ensuing drive, the Mariners went 86 yards on eight plays on a drive that started on their own 14-yard line to take a 7-0 lead. Quarterback Derrick Ventre completed two keys passes on the drive to get the ball into St. Lawrence territory. He then connected with Chris Rye for a 37-yard touchdown pass with 2:17 to play in the first to put his team on top, while Geoff Troy added the point after for the only points of the quarter. After the teams exchanged three-and-outs, St. Lawrence’s drive appeared to stall at the Merchant Marine 35-yard line when Kearney’s pass fell incomplete to senior Hakiem Greenhut. However, the Mariners were called for pass interference, giving the Saints the ball with a fresh set of downs on the home team’s 27-yard marker. The Scarlet and Brown were unable to do much with the ball following the penalty, though, as they turned the ball over on downs when Kearney was tackled one yard shy of the first down line on 4th-and-4. The Saints’ defensive unit would get their team the ball back with a solid stand, but the Mariners would cease an opportunity when the visitor’s offense fumbled the ball on their own 47-yard line. Marucs Broeder recovered the ball for Merchant Marine, and the turnover would lead to a 46-yard field goal by Troy with 4:51 to play in the first half to put his team up 10-0. Kearney would have an answer only 20 seconds later, though, as he connected with Cooney on the first play on the ensuing drive for an 85-yard touchdown completion, the team’s longest offensive play of the 2008 season. Despite being hit as he threw the ball, Kearney lofted the pass right on target to Cooney, who had three steps on his defender. Senior Matt Popov added the extra point to close the gap to 10-7. Merchant Marine’s offense came right back with a sharp drive that allowed Ventre to set up 1st-and-goal at the St. Lawrence 9-yard line. The Saints’ defense wouldn’t budge, however, and forced a 26-yard field goal try by Troy that sailed wide right. Unfortunately for the Scarlet and Brown, a roughing the kicker penalty would give the home team new life, this time at the 5-yard line. In perhaps their biggest defensive stand of the season, St. Lawrence again responded by keeping the Mariners out of the end zone, though Troy did tack on three points with a 21-yard field goal with only 36 seconds left in the first half. St. Lawrence would take advantage of a miscue by Troy on the following kick-off to cut the lead to three at half time. Troy’s kick-off went out of bounds and gave Kearney and the Saints’ offense the ball at their own 40-yard line. After a ten yard pass to Cooney was followed by a 13-yard completion to junior Eric Jones, Kearney again found Cooney at the 28-yard line to give Popov a chance to inch his team closer before halftime. The Syracuse, NY native delivered with his longest collegiate field goal, a 45-yarder, to end the second quarter and give St. Lawrence momentum at the break trailing 13-10. On their opening drive of the second half, the Saints had a chance to take their first lead of the season when they marched into the red zone and set up 1st-and-10 at the USMMA 20-yard line. On second down, St. Lawrence tried to get creative with a flea-flicker, but Kearney was sacked by Karl Heimbrock, who jarred the ball loose and it was recovered by Heimbrock and returned out to the St. Lawrence 43-yard line, ending the Saints’ scoring threat. That proved to be the last scoring chance in the third quarter, as the score remained 13-10 after three periods. Troy would add his third field goal of the afternoon from 19-yards out only 10 seconds into the fourth quarter, though, to build the home team’s cushion back to six points at 16-10. Needing to put points on the board, the Saints offense came away frustrated after a three-and-out forced a punt on the following drive. Starting at the St. Lawrence 38-yard line, Ventre delivered the crucial blow on 3rd-and-4 as he found Daniel Lagomarsino for a 32-yard touchdown pass with 12:01 remaining in regulation. After Troy’s extra point sailed through the uprights, Merchant Marine had their largest lead of the game at 23-10.  Trailing by two scores, Kearney got the Saints rolling again with key first down completions to junior Anthony Patterson and Jones which got St. Lawrence to the Merchant Marine 17-yard line. After a two yard carry by Hackett, though, Kearney was intercepted by Mike Gallucci at the 5-yard line to again squash the scoring chance and keep the Mariners ahead by two scores. Though Merchant Marine wouldn’t come away with any points on the following drive, they did something much more important: milk the clock. The Mariners drove 41 yards on 12 plays and knocked 6:25 off the game clock before turning the ball back over to the Saints on their own 33 yard line with a mere 28 seconds remaining in regulation. St. Lawrence would make things a bit interesting in the waning seconds, as the offensive unit covered 67 yards in only 18 seconds, capped off by a 9-yard touchdown catch by Hackett to carve into the Merchant Marine lead. After Popov’s second extra point of the day, the Saints trailed 23-17 and would attempt an onside kick to try and have a last-second chance. However, Popov’s onside try failed, as the Mariners recovered and held on for a 23-17 victory to regain the Hoffman Cup. The Mariners held a distinct edge in time of possession, 34:55 to 25:05 for St. Lawrence. Ventre finished 14-of-28 passing for 268 yards and two touchdowns, while tail back John Watson was a machine for Merchant Marine, carrying the ball 32 times for 155 yards. Defensively, junior Gerard Bryant had a season-high 11 solo tackles, including 4.0 tackles for a loss and a pair of sacks. Junior Gabe Colas and senior Josh Miller each added 8.0 tackles a piece. St. Lawrence will look to end their current four-game losing skid next weekend when Hobart College visits Canton, NY.

St. Lawrence University's Peter Papayanakos (95) hits Alfred University quarterback Tom Secky (14) from behind and forces a fumble.  The Saints dropped their third consecutive game to open the 2008 season to Alfred University 20-3. The Saints only allowed Alfred’s All-American Vinson Hendrix to pick up 19 yards on 15 carries.  (Dan Bisaccio photo)  Game Gallery

Saints kicker Yoon Sik Jung (2) knocked the ball through the uprights for a field goal, the only S.L.U. points In the game.

WEEK 3- SAINTS BOW TO ALFRED 20-3
September 20: The St. Lawrence University football team dropped its third consecutive game to open the 2008 season to Alfred University on Saturday afternoon, as the Saxons’ defense allowed only three points in a 20-3 road win at Leckonby Stadium. The Saints’ (0-3, 0-0) defense, led by juniors Gerard Bryant and Gabe McBride, only allowed Alfred’s Pre-Season All-American Vinson Hendrix to pick up 19 yards on 15 carries. The first half was a defensive struggle between the two teams, as neither squad’s offense looked completely comfortable in the windy conditions. Alfred would grab an early 3-0 lead on a 36-yard field goal by Eric Rockwood at 4:27 of the first quarter, but St. Lawrence’s offense would march down the field on the ensuing possession and set up a 1st-and-goal opportunity at the 8-yard line. Sophomore quarterback JP Kearney, making his first collegiate start, found sophomore tight end Tim Robinson at the 3-yard line on 3rd down, but the Scarlet and Brown were forced to settle for a 20-yard field goal by senior Matt Popov to even the score at 3-3 with 2:21 remaining in the first quarter. The Saints’ secondary, which had only allowed a total of 86 yards passing in the two games leading into Saturday, would give up their biggest play from scrimmage on the opening play of the second quarter. Alfred’s rookie quarterback Tom Secky threw a beautiful ball over the middle to Trevor Bork, who caught the pass and breezed into the end zone for a 60-yard touchdown reception only 12 seconds into the second frame. Rockwood added the extra point for a 10-3 cushion. Each team’s defense then made critical plays on consecutive drives, as Alfred stopped the Saints’ drive when Kearney was picked off by Brian Nitsche at the Alfred 47-yard line.  After it appeared Alfred would follow the interception up with a score thanks to a 23-yard pass play, St. Lawrence’s senior co-captain Andy Welkley knocked the football out of Hendrix’s hands at the Saints’ 8-yard line while senior Charles Haydock pounced on the ball to keep it a one-score game.  The next several drives proved to be about field position, as neither team was able to put any points on the board, but relied on their punting units to keep the ball away from their respective end zones. Neither team reached the other’s red zone again until Alfred took over with 11:17 to play in the third quarter and drove the ball down to the Saints’ 5-yard line. However, after a tackle for a loss by McBride and a dropped pass in the end zone, Alfred was forced to settle for a 27-yard field goal by Rockwood that pushed their lead to 13-3 with 5:45 remaining on the clock in the third quarter. The Saints’ best opportunity came thanks to a miscue by Alfred punter Pete Marley with just under three minutes left in the quarter. Marley bobbled the snap and instead of trying to gain control and kick it away with the wind at his back, he took off towards the first down marker and came up well short, giving the ball to the Saints at the Alfred 21-yard line. The Saxons’ defense would not bend, though, as Rob Ritter and Jeremy Darron made consecutive plays to force a field goal attempt by Popov on the first play of the fourth quarter. With the wind now at his back, Popov had the distance, but his kick from 37 yards missed wide right, keeping the score at 13-3. Sophomore Louis Jenkins would give his team the ball back on the very next play, though, as he came up with the jump ball against Alfred wide receiver Milton Harding for his first collegiate interception. Two plays later, though, Kearney was picked off by Ron Smith at the Alfred 24-yard line and Smith brought the ball all the way back to the Saints’ 34. Though the home team’s defense would force a punt on a three-and-out, Kearney was intercepted on the following drive’s second play by Jeremy Darron at the 18 yard line. St. Lawrence’s defense continued to do their job, as they drove Secky and the Saxons’ offense back out of field goal range thanks to the wind and forced a turnover on downs, giving the ball back to Kearney and the Saints’ offense on their own 25 yard line. After they were unable to reach the first down marker, Alfred got the ball back with 9:20 to play at their own 25 after a 41 yard punt by Popov. In what proved to be the best drive of the afternoon, Secky connected with Jared Manzer, Bork and D.J. Pope on plays that went for 16 yards or more to set up in the red zone. After a 4th-and-1 was converted on a rush up the middle by Hendrix to reach the 1-yard line, Alfred rewarded their tail back by giving him the ball up the gut again for a 1-yard touchdown run, capping off an 11 play, 75 yard drive that took up 7:14 minutes. Rockwood’s extra point sailed through the uprights and brought the score to its final of 20-3 with only 2:06 remaining in regulation. Secky finished 18-of-32 for 302 yards, a touchdown and an interception while Kearney was 16-of-39 for 99 yards and three interceptions. Neither team was able to run the ball well, as Hendrix finished with 19 yards on 15 carries to lead Alfred while junior Eric Jones carried the ball 15 times for 42 yards to lead St. Lawrence. Bork and Manzer were the difference offensively, as they went for 172 and 81 yards each, respectively. Senior Ryan Cooney was the leading Saint receiver with five catches for 39 yards. Defensively, Bryant and Ritter tied with a game-high 10 tackles each, though Bryant also added a sack, four tackles for a loss, a QB hurry and a pass break-up. McBride also chipped in nine tackles at the linebacker position while Devaun McFarland had a game-high four pass break-ups. The Saints will look to get their season back on track next week in the 2008 Liberty League opener against the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. That game, which is scheduled to be played in Kings Point, NY for the Hoffman Cup, will begin at 2:00pm.

WEEK 2- NORWICH DROPS SAINTS 27-7

St. Lawrence University’s Joe Masterleo (33) gets hit by Norwich’s Jim Kiritsy (45) and fumbles the ball on the first offensive play of the game for the Saints, Norwich’s Donovan Brown picked up the loose ball and ran it in for the touchdown. (Eric Foote photo)  Game Gallery

Saints John Gatti Jr. (22) leaps and knocks down the pass intended for Norwich’s Nate Stroffoleno.

September 13: The St. Lawrence University football team received an impressive performance by junior tailback Eric Jones against Norwich on Saturday in the Saints’ home-opener at Leckonby Stadium. Jones rushed for 99 yards on 19 carries and added a touchdown, but much like last weekend against Johns Hopkins, costly turnovers would doom the Saints as they fell to the Cadets, 27-7. In a game that featured both team’s ground attacks, Norwich out-gained St. Lawrence 253-191 with the Saints holding a 96-49 yard advantage on passing plays. Though the statistics were very evenly matched, the home team turned the ball over four times, one of which led to a defensive touchdown. After the Saints’ defense forced Norwich to punt on the opening series, the home team started their first drive with junior quarterback Mike Wayne under center making his first collegiate start. However, on the opening snap, Wayne handed off to fellow classmate Chris Wagner, who was popped by Norwich’s senior linebacker Jim Kiritsy, jarring the ball loose. Norwich’s Donovan Brown scooped up the ball at the St. Lawrence 20-yard line and took it to the end zone for a 6-0 lead for the visitors. The extra point try failed. St. Lawrence appeared to have put the play behind them only moments later as the offensive unit crossed into Norwich territory. Wayne made a slick move out of the backfield on a quarterback keeper that allowed him to pick up 14-yards and reach the 26-yard line. However, Brown was there to make the play again, as he drilled the quarterback in the open field to knock the ball loose and give his team possession, keeping St. Lawrence off the scoreboard. Norwich’s senior tailback Darnell Jackson ran hard throughout the first quarter and seemed to be only a step away from breaking a big run for the Cadets. After starting a drive on his own 29-yard line, Cadet quarterback Guerschom Jean-Gilles rushed the ball from the St. Lawrence 27-yard line all the way down to the 6-yard marker on a clutch third down conversion. One play later, it was Jackson who rushed up the middle untouched for a 6-yard score. The two-point conversion attempt was successful and the Cadets held a 14-0 lead only 27 seconds into the second quarter. The Scarlet and Brown would reach the red zone on consecutive possessions after falling behind 14-0, but came away empty handed. After rookie Ramon Mignott appeared to have St. Lawrence all the way down on the Norwich 8-yard line, a penalty followed by a sack pushed the Saints out of field goal range. After the team’s defense allowed only one first down and got the ball back, senior kicker Matt Popov missed a 31-yard field goal attempt to continue the Saints’ early-season frustrations and send the team to halftime trailing 14-0. The Saints’ defense, anchored again this weekend by junior Gerard Bryant, appeared to hold Norwich on their opening drive of the second half. However, St. Lawrence was called for pass interference on third down on a ball that appeared to be well over the head of the intended receiver. The Cadets took advantage of the break, though, as Jackson broke the very next play for a 56-yard touchdown run for a 20-0 Norwich lead with 11:41 to play in the third quarter. The extra point failed for the second time in the game. The Saints would put together a hard-nosed drive midway through the third quarter that seemed to energize the team and spark the offense, as it led to the team’s first touchdown of the 2008 season. After starting at their own 39-yard line, the Saints marched 61 yards on nine consecutive running plays, with the drive capped off by a five yard touchdown run by Jones to get the Saints on the scoreboard, 20-6. Popov added the extra point. In the fourth quarter, it was the Cadets’ defense that would seal the victory, as Kiritsy along with cornerback Dan Wilde and defensive lineman Jason Springer made plays all over the field. After Wayne was forced to leave the game due to injury, Brown welcomed sophomore quarterback JP Kearney to the game by intercepting his fourth passing attempt to end the Saints’ drive in Norwich territory. After giving the ball back to the Scarlet and Brown, the Cadets’ defensive unit forced a crucial three-and-out. With the ball back in their offense’s hands, Norwich pounded away in the running game behind Jackson and Jean-Gilles. Jackson put the game out of reach when he burst up the middle, made a great move to elude a St. Lawrence defender and rumbled across the goal for a 26-yard touchdown, his third of the game, to put the Cadets on top 27-7 after the extra point with 3:28 to play. St. Lawrence did have a chance to cut into the lead on their final drive in the last minute of regulation as Kearny led the offense down to the Norwich 6-yard line. However, the Cadets’ defense held and brought the game to its final score of 27-7. Jackson finished with 209 yards and three scores for Norwich, while Jean-Gilles racked up 42 yards on the ground and was 6-of-15 passing for 49 yards. Jones was the Saints’ leading rusher with 99 yards, while Mignott added 20 yards on six carries. Wayne, who also ran for 20 yards, was 8-of-18 for 42 yards passing while Kearney was 6-of-17 for 54 yards and a pick. Bryant, who was outstanding for St. Lawrence against Johns Hopkins at the defensive tackle position, continued to prove he is one of the top players in the region with a game-high 15 tackles including 2.5 for a loss and two forced fumbles. Junior linebacker Gabe McBride (11 tackles) also had a solid day for the Scarlet and Brown on the defensive side of the ball. Kiritsy led Norwich with 10 tackles, 1.5 for a loss, and a forced fumble, while Springer and Brown chipped in eight tackles a piece. St. Lawrence, who falls to 0-2 for the first time since the 2002 season, will look to pick up its first win of the 2008 campaign when Alfred University travels to Canton, NY on Saturday, September 20th. Kick-off is set for 1:00pm.

WEEK 1- SAINTS FALL TO JOHNS HOPKINS
September 6: The St. Lawrence University football team dropped its 2008 season opener to Johns Hopkins at Homewood Field in Baltimore, MD on Saturday afternoon by the score of 34-3. The Saints (0-1, 0-0) were unable to overcome seven turnovers, including three that went for Blue Jay touchdowns. Tropical storm Hanna wreaked havoc with both field conditions and play-calling, with neither team able to get their offense going in the first quarter. It wasn’t until sophomore quarterback Michael Baraldi’s second interception of the game gave Johns Hopkins possession at the visitor’s 19-yard line that the scoreless tie would be broken. Andrew Kase, the Blue Jays top returning tail back, burst through the middle for a 19-yard touchdown run to give the home team a 7-0 advantage. On the ensuing drive, the Saints faced a 3rd-and-5 at their own 36-yard line when Baraldi was picked off by Chris Baldwin and returned for a 45-yard touchdown with 2:04 remaining in the first quarter. The score built Hopkins’ advantage to 14-0 following Alex Lachman’s extra point split the uprights. Baldwin wasn’t near done scoring yet, though, as the very St. Lawrence play from scrimmage was fumbled by junior Chris Wagner and returned by Baldwin for a 32-yard touchdown return. The score, followed by Lachman’s third extra point, brought the lead to 21-0 with 1:45 to play in the first quarter. The Saints’ defense was very sharp in the first half, allowing only three first downs to Johns Hopkins and -3 yards passing. They created two turnovers including an interception by senior captain Devaun McFarland. They didn’t allow Hopkins to score another point in the second or third quarters. St. Lawrence’s offense moved the chains very well throughout the game, racking up 296 yards to their opponents’ 113. On the drive following Baldwin’s second score, Baraldi threw a stripe to junior wide receiver Anthony Patterson to keep the team’s drive in tact midway through the second quarter to get the team into the red zone. However, the drive would stall three plays later and the Saints would settle for a 31-yard field goal by senior Matt Popov to bring the score to 21-3. Though St. Lawrence had a long field goal chance on the final play of the first half, the kick was blocked to keep it a three-score game heading into halftime. Though Johns Hopkins was slated to get the ball first after halftime, the Saints’ special teams unit popped the ball loose and recovered the fumble to start the half in the home team’s territory.  Though St. Lawrence worked the ball all the way down to the 13-yard line, they were unable to cash in yet again. This time, Popov’s 30-yard field goal try sailed wide-left and the Scarlet and Brown came away empty. Junior defensive tackle Gerard Bryant led the Saints’ defensive unit throughout the game, and with outstanding play by seniors Mike Bruno and Andy Welkley, the visitors continued to trail by the same score of 21-3. After the Saints got the football back, the offense worked the ball back inside the Hopkins 20-yard line. On 3rd-and-1, St. Lawrence appeared to have the first down when rookie Ramon Mignott, who saw playing time due to an injury to junior Connor Hackett, burst through the line and into the end zone. However, a penalty would set the visitors back five yards, and after back-to-back incomplete passes, the Saints came away with nothing. Early in the fourth quarter, St. Lawrence punted the ball away to Tucker Michels, who returned the ball 43 yards to the visitor’s 26 yard line. On the very first offensive play, quarterback Michael Murray found Sam Wernick for a 26-yard touchdown completion to put the home team on top, 28-3. On the ensuing drive, St. Lawrence junior quarterback Mike Wayne, who replaced Baraldi due to injury, looked to complete a short passing-route to Patterson. Instead, Baldwin jumped the rout and intercepted the pass, returning it for his third touchdown of the afternoon. Though the point after was blocked by Bryant, the damage was done, capping the scoring at 34-3. Bruno led the Saints’ defense with 11 total tackles, while Bryant added 10 stops including 3.5 for a loss. Baraldi finished 12-of-31 for 165 yards with three interceptions in his first collegiate start, while Patterson was the game’s leading receiver with 65 yards on five receptions. Sophomore Tim Robinson and senior Ryan Cooney each added three catches a piece as well. The loss by St. Lawrence was the first to open a season since 2002. The Scarlet and Brown will look to rebound a week from today, Saturday, September 13, when they host Norwich University at Leckonby Stadium. Kick-off is set for 1:00pm. The St. Lawrence University football team reported for the squad’s 2008 training camp on August 15th, with the returning players opening in the morning session while this season’s incoming class of first year students will take the field for the first time in the afternoon. The Scarlet and Brown are coming off of a 4-5 season that included back-to-back victories over Merchant Marine and WPI to close the 2007 campaign. However, there will certainly be voids to fill on both sides of the ball over the course of training camp as several key players graduated last spring. “Anytime you graduate the caliber players that we did in the spring, you’re going to need guys to fill the void,” said Saints’ head coach Chris Phelps, who enters his eighth season at the helm. “I’m confident in the guys that are here at camp this week; that they can step into their rolls and be effective against a highly competitive schedule this year.” The Saints will be led throughout the 2008 season by their quintet of senior captains, offensive lineman Tim LaRose, linebacker Chuck Bradway, full back Carl Festa, safety Andy Welkley and cornerback Devaun McFarland. “The leadership those five seniors bring to the table is fantastic for our younger guys, as they put forth their best effort no matter if it is on the football field, in the classroom or in the weight room,” added Phelps. “The excitement has been building for me and my coaching staff for weeks and we’re pumped to be back on the field today.”