Offense runs over KWC as football team earns its first win
Posted by The Skyliner on September 24th, 2008Cory Guinn
Staff Writer
After having a few extra days to recover from a number of injuries, North Greenville University won their game against Kentucky Wesleyan College in convincing fashion on Sept. 20. The Crusader defense played tough and the offense was firing on all cylinders.
The defense played smart and aggressive against a Kentucky Wesleyan team known for their offense. The defense held KWC to 74 rushing yards and forced four turnovers, which allowed the offense to start each drive with good field position.
“Our secondary played great,” defensive end Andre Bernardi, senior sport management, said. “We got good pressure up front.”
The defense was lead by linebacker Nathan Batchelor, freshman undecided, who finished the game with six tackles and one pass break up. Batchelor, along with two other starting linebackers, was back from injury to provide a spark for the NGU defense.
Bernardi, known primarily for his defense, caught his first career touchdown pass in the first quarter. He was put into the game as a tight end and received the pass from quarterback Richard Harb, sophomore business administration. Harb finished the game 11-22 for 203 yards for two touchdowns and one interception. Harb also scored one touchdown on the ground. His second passing touchdown of the game went to wide receiver Travis Neesmith, senior accounting, in the second quarter. Neesmith finished the game with two receptions for 86 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Brandon Dobbins, senior business administration, had a team high five receptions for 84 yards.
The Crusader offense put up their highest point total of the season against KWC (1-2) winning 44-14 after scoring only 3 points last week against Newberry.
“The offense was able to do a total 180 because we were 100 percent committed to every drill,” running back Matt Moore, senior business administration, said. “We focused everyday at practice. I am very pleased with how we put last week behind us.”
The NGU running game had their best game of the season rushing for 233 total yards and four touchdowns. Moore led the attack with 24 carries for 143 yards and one touchdown. Running back Rashad Cummings, senior sports management/business administration, contributed with 26 carries for 93 yards and two touchdowns.
This win, the first of the season for North Greenville University (1-3), was a confidence booster for the team going into the tough part of their schedule.
“As a team, we play better against tougher competition,” Bernardi said.
The Crusaders will look to put together two wins in a row on Sep. 27 as they take on in state rival Charleston Southern University (0-3) in Charleston at 1:30 p.m. NGU’s next home game is not until Oct. 9 against the University of North Alabama.
Tags: Fall 2008, Vol. 108 Fall - Issue 3