Ithaca 31 Lycoming 6
By: Import User
Updated: September 2, 2007
Lycoming College opened the 2007 football season hosting Ithaca College at David Person Field. The contest was Warrior head coach Frank Girardi’s 350th career game. However, the Bombers proved to be a formidable foe and upended Lycoming by a score of 31-6.
Lycoming’s defensive line held Ithaca to just 3.2 net yards per carry (34, rushes, 109 yards), but couldn’t stop Bomber quarterback Dan Juvan from throwing for a career-high 309 yards. Warrior senior captain Ryan Yaple repeatedly pressured Juvan from the defensive end position, as did co-captain Steve Bilous. Yaple finished the game with two tackles and a pass breakup, while Bilous had three tackles.
Senior linebacker Dustin Heintzelman (Herndon, PA) and junior safety Nick Reese (Shenandoah, PA) led Lycoming with eight tackles each. But the Warrior secondary had trouble keeping up with Ithaca’s Brian Hogan, who notched a career-high 148 receiving yards.
The game remained scoreless for over ten minutes until Ithaca split the uprights at 4:26 in the first quarter. Lycoming then fumbled the ensuing kickoff, leading to another Ithaca scoring drive, which culminated in a Juvan touchdown pass to tight end Brian Weverbergh. The first quarter ended with the score 10-0.
With 3:56 left in the first half, Bomber back Jamie Donovan scored from three yards out to make the tally 17-0. The Warriors crafted a productive drive before the half on a pair of quarterback Colin Dwyer (Dalton, PA) completions and his 21 yard rush. However, Dwyer could not run the ball in form the one as time expired.
Lycoming’s defense stiffened to begin the second half, but a 37-yard Juvan touchdown pass to Hogan put the Bombers up 24-0 with 4:26 left in the third quarter. First-year Warrior Mark Rosa (Honesdale, PA) returned the following kickoff 27 yards to the Ithaca 44, running over would-be tacklers to the delight of the crowd. The prime field possession set up Lycoming’s only score which came on a Dwyer touchdown pass to senior tight end Bill Margetich (Glenolden, PA).
With 9:08 left in the game, Juvan connected with Hogan again on a 56-yard score to complete the game’s scoring at 31-6.
The final frame saw some Warrior frosh getting reps. Quarterback Tim Hook (Harrisburg, PA) and running backs Josh Kleinfelter (Bellwood, PA) and Josh Dixon (Fleetville, PA) handled the ball. Meanwhile, several defensive freshmen played throughout the game.
Overall, Lycoming fumbled six times, but fortunately only lost two. Sloppy play could lead coach Girardi to go to younger players in the future. However, the Warriors managed to avoid penalties, recording only one on the day.
Sophomore Brad Shellenberger (Lock Haven, PA) averaged 40.4 yards per punt for Lycoming. He also led all receivers with six catches.
The Warriors travel to Ursinus next Saturday, September 8 for a 1:30 start. If you can’t make the game, listen to the action locally on 1400 WRAK, or on the internet at www.wrak.com (you can also link to the internet broadcast here).
