The Observer, September 9, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 2
Newcomers shine in 30-27 win against rival Oberlin
It just wouldn't be Cleveland sports without a little drama or excitement, would it?
The Spartan football team followed suit last Saturday, pulling out a 30-27 in riveting fashion in a game that, up until midway through the fourth quarter, was more of a yawner than a barnburner.
The game did not start out well for Case, as Oberlin jumped out to a quick 7-0 behind the running of freshman R.V. Carroll. The Spartans looked lethargic, as they went three and out on their first offensive possession.
However, the momentum began to turn as Case's defense settled down and the Yeomen began burying themselves deep in their own territory. The Spartans capitalized on great field position, as Marshaun Minter caught a high pass in the corner of the end zone from quarterback Angelo Mirando for a touchdown, tying the game at 7-7.
Minter and Mirando, two players new to the team after transferring from different schools, were the difference-makers on offense, working as though they had been playing together for years. "I've been working with the receivers all summer," Mirando said. "So we pretty much have our rhythm down already."
Minter made an excellent catch on a deep ball in the second quarter, adjusting to the path of the ball and hauling it in while in midair. The play set up a two-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Matt Skolnicki, who made an incredible play by getting the football over the pylon while being tackled out of bounds.
Mirando made an impact with his arm, but it was his legs that truly befuddled the Oberlin defense. The Yeomen had no answer for the sophomore quarterback's scrambling ability, as the Jefferson, Ohio native ran for a 27-yard touchdown to put Case ahead 14-7. He later scored another in the third quarter. For the game, Mirando gained 64 yards on the ground, and his running changed the complexion of the game in the first half.
"They're both big play guys," said head coach Greg Debeljak. "And Angelo gives us such a threat with his legs."
At halftime, Case went into the locker room in control, 20-7. They added to their lead early in the third quarter with Mirando's second TD run. Then Oberlin started crawling back into the game as Case seemed to adopt a more conservative game plan on both sides of the ball, scoring a touchdown late in the third quarter to make the score 27-14.
Joe Brenner made a 42-yard field goal early in the fourth to increase Case's lead 30-14. The field goal turned out to be the deciding score in the game, as Oberlin roared back with two more scores in the fourth quarter. When Oberlin quarterback Andy Stein connected with receiver Cassius Harris for a touchdown with 2:48 remaining in the game, the home crowd was suddenly alive again, and the Yeomen had cut the deficit to three and captured the momentum.
After the Oberlin score, Case quickly went three and out, giving Oberlin one last chance to win the game with just over a minute left. However, Oberlin's luck ran out when Stein threw a pass after he had passed the line of scrimmage, resulting in a loss of down and a five-yard penalty. The Yeomen could not recover, and the Spartans walked away with the 30-27 victory.
At the end of the game, Case bent but did not break when the team needed it most.
"Our defense came through, and that's all that matters," Mirando said. "Everyone has complete confidence in our defense. It's the strength of our team."
All in all, it was a very positive day to start the season for the Spartans.
"Any win is a great win, and the way it happened [holding the lead at the end], we can really build off of it for next week," said Debeljak.
And next week turns out to be tomorrow, as the Spartans host their first-ever home game at the new stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. against Denison.
