WARRIOR FOOTBALL WINS BIG IN OPENING GAME

DOYLESTOWN, PA – The Lycoming College football team opened up the 2002 campaign in impressive fashion with a 54-0 victory over Delaware Valley College. The Warriors were stifling on defense allowing just 60 yards of total offense en route to shutting out the Aggies. Lycoming’s offense was nearly as good, piling up 441 total yards and reaching the endzone eight times.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Warriors scored three times in the second to take a 21-0 lead into halftime. Jon Neve (Sr./Norristown, PA; Germantown Academy) tallied the first touchdown from two yards out. The score was set up when Joe Dumas (So./Philadelphia, PA; Archbishop Ryan) caused a fumble that Brian Bond (Sr./Philadelphia, PA; Father Judge) returned for 21 yards to the Delaware Valley five-yard line.

Lycoming’s defense set up the second score, as well, when Matt Henrich (Sr./Huntingdon, PA; Huntingdon) intercepted an Adam Knoblauch pass on the Aggies next possession. Jared Morris (Sr./Canton, PA; Canton) then capped a five-play drive with a one-yard touchdown dive.

The Warriors’ next score came with just four seconds remaining in the half. Phil Mann (So./Mill Hall, PA; Central Mountain) connected with Brandon Johnson (Jr./Franklin, PA; Franklin) from 23 yards out to cap a 10-play, 84-yard drive.

Lycoming put the game out of reach in the third quarter, putting another 26 points on the scoreboard. Jon Slemmer (Sr./Levittown, PA; Harry S. Truman) carried the ball in from seven yards out, Neve scored his second rushing touchdown from three yards out, and Bob Miller (So./New Columbia, PA; Milton) posted a pair of scores on the ground from 17 and 15 yards out, respectively. Matt Mangold (So./Marlton, NJ; Cherokee) added the Warriors’ seventh rushing touchdown of the afternoon in the fourth quarter to end the game’s scoring.

As a team, Lycoming ran for 327 yards, led by Neve and Morris with 105 yards each. Mann completed 8-of-15 passes for 106 yards and one touchdown. Johnson and Ricky Lannetti (Jr./Philadelphia, PA; Father Judge) each caught three passes to lead the receiving corps.

The Warriors’ defense played a spectacular game, causing eight turnovers and allowing just seven yards rushing and 53 yards passing from the Aggies. Henrich led the team in takeaways with three interceptions, tying a school record. Steff Chortanoff (Sr./Middletown, PA; Middletown) was the squad’s leading tackler with five stops in the game. Zach Latsha (Sr./Sunbury, PA; Line Mountain) added four tackles, including a pair of sacks.

Lycoming will be on the road again next Saturday when they travel to Lebanon Valley College for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.