The Observer, September 7, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 2
Spartans steamroll past the Yeomen en route to first win of the season
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Starting the season with a win is always good. And when you defeat a team as soundly as the Spartans did the Oberlin Yeomen, there is reason to celebrate. John Tiemeier and the defense held the Yeomen to just 15 points, as the offense, led by sophomore quarterback Dan Whalen, lit up the scoreboard to win 37-15.
Whalen went 17 of 28 for 204 yards and two touchdowns. After an early interception by the Yeomen, Whalen settled down quite well.
"I didn't need to be negative by yelling at Dan after the interception," said Coach Greg Debeljak. "He's good at not dwelling on a mistake." Whalen could have faltered in throwing to inexperienced wide receivers sophomore Tim Cowdrick, freshman Shaun Nicely, and sophomore Ryan Kolesar, but as the coaches planned simple routes for the receivers, Whalen thrived, passing for 122 yards to Cowdrick and 53 yards to Nicely.
After the Yeomen's Michael Evans interception off Whalen put Oberlin up 6-0, the Spartans scored 27 unanswered points: a three-yard touchdown run by junior running back Corey Checkan, a 27-yard touchdown pass from Whalen to Nicely, a four-yard touchdown pass from Whalen to freshman Brian Webster, and another touchdown run by Checkan for two yards. The defense was certainly playing its part in the win, as they continued to hold the Yeoman offense in check for much of the game.
John Tiemeier lived up to his role of team co-captain as he led the team in tackles, registering seven for the game. The defense set the tone by shutting out the Yeoman offense for nearly three quarters. The quality play of the defense can be attributed not only to the leadership of the upperclassmen, but also to the coaching staff. As Tiemeier explained, "The coaches do a really good job designing a defensive scheme for an upcoming opponent through film study. We came together really well against Oberlin, but there is definitely room to improve."
In the third quarter Oberlin finally scored, as Yeoman R.V. Carroll rushed for a 10-yard touchdown. The Spartans, however, did not let up as kicker Sam Coffey answered with a 22-yard field goal in the third quarter and senior running back Brendan Jones rushed for a seven-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The Spartans seemed to be clicking on all cylinders as Checkan rushed for 89 yards on 20 carries. "If they don't stop him, we'll keep running. We didn't use him as much last year, but now we knew what he is capable of," said Debeljak. If the offense can continue this balanced pass/rush attack in future games, the Spartans will be a tough team to beat.
With young wide receivers, it's hard for the Spartan coaches to run intricate plays, but they are making do by having the receivers run simple routes to perfection. "We have guys that can make plays. They might not know the offense as well, but they are really good players," said Debeljak of his receivers.
The Spartans face off against rivals Denison tomorrow night. Last year, after allowing 14 points in the first quarter, the defense shut out the Big Red for three consecutive quarters en route to a 27-14 victory at Denison University. This year the Spartans hope to do the same in the home opener. Not only will the game be at night, but for many of the Spartans, it will be their last home opener at CWRU. Asked about his feelings toward his final home opener at Case, Tiemeier, a senior, responded, "I'm really excited. I love playing under the lights, as I know many of the other guys do. Waiting all day for a night game you get jacked up in anticipation."
With the support of a home crowd behind them, the Spartans seek to remain undefeated on the season. The game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. with the athletic department's third annual fireworks display immediately following.
