The Observer, September 23, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 4
Undefeated Spartans defeat Kenyon Lords 19-8
The Case football team continued its strong start on Saturday as it defeated Kenyon College, 19-8, in Gambier, Oh.. The win continued the Spartans' undefeated start and dropped the Lords to 0-2.
After the Spartan defense forced a three and out on Kenyon's opening drive, the Case offense continued their strong first-half play. Joe Brenner's field goal from 32 yards out capped an eight-play, 43-yard drive that was highlighted by a 20-yard grab by freshmen wide receiver Scott Moyer from senior quarterback Alex Harvey. Harvey started the game for the Spartans for the injured Angelo Mirando.
Kenyon picked up its initial first down of the game after Alby Coombs ran twice for 12 yards, but the Spartan defense tightened and forced another punt.
Case took over at its own 25-yard line. On third and nine, Harvey found sophomore tight end Ben McDowell for a 22-yard gain and a first down. Two passes to junior wide receiver Marshaun Minter for a combined 24 yards brought Case to the Kenyon 27-yard line. The Spartans then methodically moved toward the goal line behind the running of James Rosenbury, and, on third and goal, Rosenbury picked up a two-yard touchdown run. The extra point was missed, and Case took a 9-0 advantage with three minutes remaining in the first quarter.
In Kenyon's next offensive series, Spartan defensive back Santo Maimone intercepted a Lords' pass, and Case took over at its own 41-yard line. Case was unable to take advantage of the turnover and was forced to punt, but the Spartan defense made yet another great play during Kenyon's next possession, when defensive end Brian Calderone and senior linebacker Mike Collins combined for a sack on third and three.
Case's first possession of the second quarter was possibly the best drive of the game, as the Spartans drove 70 yards down the field and put up six points. The drive picked up steam on third and nine from the Case 31, when Moyer was able to pick up a pass interference call on a Kenyon defensive back to give Case a first down. After a few rushes, Harvey found Minter again for a 36-yard gain down to the Kenyon nine yard line. Four plays later, Harvey found Minter from five yards out for a touchdown and Case led 16-0.
When asked about the play of the team's receivers thus far, Harvey was nothing but complimentary.
"I have a lot of confidence in the receivers," Harvey said. "They have made a lot of big catches in the first three games and some crucial blocks that helped us win the games."
Case scored its final points of the day after a 14-play drive that went 54 yards and took five minutes off of the clock. Brenner's field goal from 21 yards out gave Case a 19-0 lead with 1:01 remaining on the clock.
The teams traded punts for most of the third quarter. Kenyon was able to muster one legitimate threat, but the Spartans stopped it. On fourth and three from the Case 19-yard line, sophomore defensive lineman Dawud Wilson tackled the Lords' Rafael Sanchez one yard short of the first down, ending the 11-play drive for Kenyon.
The Lords broke the shutout when they finally scored a touchdown with 1:16 remaining in the game. They converted a two point conversion to set the final score at 19-8. Once again, the defense just missed a shutout but still put forth an outstanding performance.
"The near shutouts have been a big boost to our team's confidence going into this week's game (with Wooster)," said linebacker Nick Decesare.
For the day, the Spartan offense was led by Rosenbury's 96 yards on 35 carries, while Alex Harvey led a strong aerial attack by converting on 17 of 29 passes for 212 yards. Minter led Case's receivers with 71 yards on five catches. Defensively, Nick Decesare and Tom Brew led the way, each getting 6.5 tackles.
Case returns to their home stadium on Saturday as they battle the College of Wooster at 1 p.m.
"Wooster is going to be a real tough game for us." said Decesare. "They are very solid on both sides of the ball, but I am confident that our offense and defense will rise to the occasion."
Rosenbury echoed the sentiment when it came to his squad's abilities.
"This team has the potential to be a playoff caliber team if we can continue to play as a unit and have everyone on the same page," he said.
