9/14- Chevy Sports Saturday Part 2
By: Phil Schoener
Updated: September 21, 2012
The scoreboard didn't show it, but the Misericordia University football team made a successful home debut in front of more than 2,000 fans, Saturday at Mangelsdorf Field.
Despite losing to nationally-ranked Widener, 67-0, the Cougars once again played hard for 60 minutes and the home fans showed their appreciation.
"It was an exciting day," said David Martin, Misericordia director of athletics. "We had a great crowd and they let our kids know that they appreciated their efforts. I was proud of our kids and I thought they played hard against an outstanding opponent."
After MU president Dr. Michael MacDowell conducted the opening coin toss, Widener took the opening kick and went 60 yards on five plays for an early 7-0 lead.
Misericordia brought the home fans to their on their opening drive as Jeff Puckett connected with Paul Brace for a 26-yard gain into Widener territory.
The Cougars were forced to punt, however, and the Pride took the kick all the way back for a score and a 13-0 lead just over five minutes into the game.
Trailing 32-0, the Cougars put together one of their longer offensive drives early in the second quarter. After being stopped for no gain on first down, Cody Lamoreaux ran twice more for a first down.
Puckett and Lamoreaux combined to pick up another first down on the ground and the Cougars tacked on 15 yards on a facemask penalty.
Puckett picked up six yards on a draw play, but the drive stalled at midfield and the Cougars were forced to punt.
MU had its best offensive drive on its second possession of the third quarter as they drove 51 yards to the Widener 14-yard line.
On first-and-10 from their own 35, Lamoreaux broke off left tackle for nine yards. After Lamoreaux's one-yard plunge gave the Cougars a first down near midfield, Puckett rushed up the middle for 12 yards into Widener territory.
After Puckett and Lamoreaux both had runs to give the Cougars a first down, Puckett connected with Brace on the right sideline for a first down at the Widener 14.
The drive ended when Widener's Nicholas White intercepted an MU pass in the end zone.
Lamoreaux led the Cougars in rushing for the second straight week with 56 yards on 16 carries while Puckett added 42 yards on 10 carries.
Brace had 43 yards receiving on three catches.
Ben Camacho led the MU defense with seven tackles and an interception while Kevin Bagasevich added seven tackles.
Jordan Weber, Angelo Scaffido and Brandon Salazar all had six tackles,
Misericordia, 0-3 (0-2 MAC), will travel to local rival King's, Saturday.
