The Observer, November 9, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 10
Spartans maul Bears, continue winning streak
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The Spartans are 9-0 and UAA champions after defeating the Bears of Washington University 35-27. The win marked the first time since 1991 that the Spartans have beaten Wash. U. and the first time in school history that Case has claimed an outright UAA championship. The Bears defense tested Case early and often, allowing the Bears offense to score first on an 11-yard run from running back Matt Glenn. The Bears took the early lead, 6-0, after linebacker Tom Brew blocked the point after attempt. The Spartan offense did not respond on the next drive, but an interception by Luis Goncalves at the 50-yard line allowed quarterback Dan Whalen and company to start from midfield.
In resounding fashion, Whalen threw a 50-yard pass to wide receiver Shaun Nicely for the touchdown on the very first play after the interception. The unrelenting Bears scored on the next possession, driving 62 yards on nine plays and scored on an 11-yard rush by Matt Glenn. The Bears also connected on a two-point conversion when quarterback Buck Smith completed a pass to Joe Lubelski in the end zone.
The slugfest continued when the Spartans responded with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Whalen to Nicely, tying the game at 14. It was at this point that the defense finally adjusted to the Bear offense.
The final three-and-out was caused by Ben Chlebina's interception of Smith at the Washington 34-yard line. The offense capitalized on the turnover by driving down the field 34 yards and scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Corey Checkan. At the end of the second quarter, the Spartans led the game 21-14.
The second half started with a flurry of offense as the Bears made their move. On their first possession of the second half, the Bears marched 61 yards on 13 plays and scored on another Matt Glenn rushing touchdown. Momentum seemed to shift in the red and green's favor after a fumble by Whalen at the 50-yard line that allowed the Bears to run their offense on a short field. After a nine-yard rush by Glenn, Smith passed to wide receiver Matt Koenigsknecht for 34 yards and the touchdown. The point after was once again blocked by the special teams unit, but the Bears led 27-21.
In the ensuing drive, Whalen led the offense 60 yards down the field and scored on a 22-yard strike to Nicely, his third receiving touchdown on the afternoon. "They were by far the toughest defense we've played this year," said Whalen. "But we've been getting 35 points per game all year. The offense has really stepped up its game this year."
But after Nicely's third touchdown that put Case up 28-27, it was the defense's time to shine, and Brian Calderone was the spark for the Spartans. Washington's Kyle Gray dropped a backward pass and Calderone recovered the football and ran it in for a 32-yard touchdown. "The turnover game and special teams play that our staff preached about all week was the key difference," said offensive lineman Tom Zagorski. "When Brian Calderone picked up that fumble and took it to the house, that was our 'Pontiac Game changing moment."' The Spartans led 35-27 at the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter was just pure defensive effort. The Spartan defense held the Bears scoreless for the sum of the fourth quarter despite drives that seemed promising for Washington. The turnover battle was the crucial battle in this game and the Spartans came out on top.
"We are one of the leaders in the nation in turnover margin and our coaches have always preached to us that whoever wins the turnover battle will win the game," said Goncalves. Tomorrow afternoon, the Spartans will host Ohio-Wesleyan and have a chance at a perfect 10-0 season. With a win they will likely secure a spot in the Division III playoffs. This game is also special because it will be senior day.
"These seniors deserve a 10-0 season and a chance to play in the playoffs," said Nicely. " They work hard and are great role models for freshmen players." Despite the fact that playoffs loom in the near future, the players are focused squarely on the game against Ohio-Wesleyan. As Gian Genovesi pointed out, "Saturday has to be just another day at the office for us. We can't underestimate them at all. We've worked way too hard this season and in the off season to lose this last game. Their record (4-5) can be deceiving because they have played a number of good teams."
