The Observer, November 18, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11
Football team caps losing streak with 34-10 loss
Whatever does not kill you will make you stronger.
Or at least the Case football team hopes so, as the Spartans dropped the last seven games on their schedule, finishing with a 3-7 record for the season. Injuries were much to blame to the disappointing finish of a once promising season.
The final loss came last Saturday at the hands of the Washington & Lee Generals in Lexington, VA, by a score of 34-10. The statistical breakdown of the game was much closer than the final score indicated, as the Generals outgained Case by a margin of only 43 yards (290 to 247). However, the final outcome was decided by the second quarter, thanks to a scoring blitz by the Generals in which they scored on three consecutive possessions.
The Spartans scored first when sophomore quarterback Stephen Johnson, making his first start for Case, completed a 65-yard touchdown pass to Joe Brenner, who typically plays defensive back but doubled as a receiver in this game.
"We decided before the game that we would take some risks," said head coach Greg Debeljak. "One of those was putting Joe at receiver to take advantage of his speed. We threw a little bubble screen for the touchdown. He just ran past everybody."
However, this was the highlight of the day offensively for Case, as the Spartans did not score another touchdown. The Spartans had a good chance at scoring another one early in the third quarter, but a dropped pass in the endzone forced the Spartans to settle for a 22-yard field goal by Brian Calderone.
The Generals began their offensive charge late in the first quarter when Stuart Sitterson scored on a touchdown from one yard out. This play capped an eight-play, 55-yard drive. Case had a three-and-out on its next possession, giving the ball right back to Washington & Lee. The Generals took advantage, as they scored another touchdown on a 26-yard pass from Greg Tweardy to Colton Ward. The Generals increased their lead to 21-7 just four minutes later on a 23-yard touchdown pass to Jack Martin.
Washington & Lee ensured the victory with two fourth quarter touchdowns. The first was a nine-yard pass from Tweardy to Martin after the Spartans turned the ball over on downs on their own 25-yard line. The second touchdown came when Chris Prugar blocked a Calderone punt and Chris Joseph recovered the ball in the end zone for a Generals touchdown. The score then stood at 34-10 which proved to be the final result.
Johnson finished with a good game for his first start as a Spartan, completing 20 of 36 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown, and the coaching staff took note of his strong performance.
"Considering the circumstances, he did an outstanding job," Debeljak said. "We marveled at the job he did, and this gives him some momentum heading into next season."
A loss was not the way the team wanted to see its season finish, but behind the injuries and the losses were several positives that will benefit the football program in the long run. For example, there was the stellar play of the wide receiver corps, which was expected to be a weak spot at the start of the season.
"The receivers were a nice surprise," said Debeljak. "We were real happy with the transition Scott Moyer made from quarterback to receiver. Matt Skolnicki had a good year, and Josh Dudek came on strong at the end. And we knew what he had with Marshaun [Minter]."
Young players were also able to assert themselves at the running back position. Freshman Dan Van Dyke took advantage of the playing time he received, and fellow freshman Aaron Urcheck is described by Debeljak as a "powerful, explosive runner." With James Rosenbury expected to return next year, Debeljak will have several options as he team attempts to develop its two-back formation.
One of the most frustrating aspects of the season, besides the injuries, was the team's struggles on offense, especially an inability to convert scoring opportunities within the 20-yard line.
"One of the most disappointing things down the stretch was our inability to score in the redzone," said Debeljak. "We were converting 91 percent of our opportunities earlier in the year, but finished the season horribly."
Despite the offensive struggles, the defense gave the team a chance to win in most games. With a strong linebacking crew, led by medical redshirt Tom Brew, returning next year, the defense once again should be able to stop most UAA foes.
What may help the team the most, besides an improved offense and steady defense, is the character and integrity that each player on the team possesses. The team could have quit much earlier in the season due to the injuries and losing streak, but the players battled until the end.
"This season could have been a disaster, our players could have quit, but they didn't and stayed upbeat," explained Debeljak. "That effort will only pay off in the long-term."
Obviously, the injuries and losing streak did not kill the players. They only appear to have made the team stronger heading into next season.
