The Observer, September 14, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 3
Lightning and Denison overcome by Spartans
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An hour-long lightning delay was no problem for the Spartans as they soundly defeated the Denison Big Red 45-6 last weekend. "The lightning didn't help," said head coach Greg Debeljak, "but we didn't let it hurt us either." The Spartans have won their first two games of the season, and if they beat Kenyon next weekend they will be 3-0 for the third consecutive year. Rival Carnegie Mellon, who is ranked first in the preseason UAA coach's poll, is also 2-0 on the season. Once again, the Spartan defense had a strong showing, as Denison was held to a single touchdown in the third quarter of the game.
Sophomore Jeff Brown received defensive player of the game recognition from the coaching staff.
"Jeff did a really nice job. He is more aggressive than most sophomores. He has great skill and confidence and is consistently doing a good job," noted Debeljak. However, Brown downplayed his efforts by talking up his team: "I don't feel I did anything more important than any other player on the defense. I mean it's great to be named defensive player of the week, but our defense works as a unit, not just one player. If everyone isn't doing their job on any given play, it can result in a touchdown for the other team."
The defense's brilliant play over the past two weeks hasn't overshadowed the Spartan's potent offense. In two consecutive weeks, the Spartans have scored over 30 points while holding their opponents to less than 20 points.
Sophomore quarterback Dan Whalen is on fire, going 17 of 29 for 209 yards and two touchdowns. If the offense can continue scoring as they have been recently, the future will be promising. "We're staying healthy. Last year we had three linemen out at the beginning of the season." said Debeljak of his offense. "We're also not turning the ball over. We only have one turnover in two games."
Ryan Kolesar had six catches for 118 yards, including a 30-yard catch with 13:15 remaining in the first quarter that gave the Spartans a lead that they would not relinquish for the rest of the game. "It felt great to be such a big part of the team's victory this week. Starting off the game with two big catches, one being the touchdown, on the opening drive of the game really helped me, as well as the entire offense, set the tone for the entire game. We were able to throw and complete passes all over the field, and their secondary never seemed to have an answer for us," said Kolesar.
The Spartans face off against Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio tomorrow afternoon. The defense will have to play well. Kenyon, despite being 1-1, scored 70 points in their season opener against Grinnell College. However, the Spartans are not too worried.
"With the way our defense has been playing, we will do just fine against Kenyon. They usually have a powerful offense, but if we play the way our coaches prepare us to, we will be in good shape," said Brown. "Our coaches and scout team do a great job of preparing us during the week for what we will be seeing in the game on Saturday."
The Spartans will return home in two weeks to face Wooster College in the Baird Brothers Trophy game, and will seek revenge on the Fighting Scots for their 21-7 victory over Case last season.
