Football shut out at Charleston Southern
Posted by The Skyliner on October 1st, 2008Cory Guinn
Staff Writer
Looking to win back-to-back games, the North Greenville University football team took on in state rival Charleston Southern University on Sept. 27. The Crusaders were hoping to keep their offense running on high against a tough Buccaneer defense. However, the offense struggled once again and North Greenville came away with a disappointing loss.
Charleston Southern (1-3) was able to control the game on both offense and defense while defeating North Greenville (1-4) in a 27-0 shutout. The Buccaneers also controlled the time of possession and dictated the speed of the game. CSU held the ball for almost 37 minutes of the game including 14 minutes in the first quarter.
The CSU defense forced North Greenville to punt eight times through the course of the game and stopped the Crusader offense from ever gaining momentum. NGU was held to only 120 yards of total offense compared to 327 total yards by Charleston Southern. Buccaneers quarterback Tribble Reese, a transfer from Clemson, led CSU on offense finishing 17-27 for 216 yards and two touchdowns.
Quarterback Richard Harb, sophomore business administration, and the passing game were unable to create any positive yardage down the field. Harb finish the game 11-24 for 88 yards and one interception amid constant pressure that resulted in three sacks. Wide receiver Brandon Dobbins, senior business administration, led the team with four receptions for 38 yards. Wide receiver Sean Wright, freshman undecided, contributed on offense with three catches for 33 yards.
“We have to hit our spots [on offense],” Dobbins said. “Everyone has to come out and be on the same page in order for our offense to work.”
North Greenville’s powerful running game was also shut down by the Buccaneer defense. NGU was able to produce only 32 yards on the ground. Running back Rashad Cummings, senior sport management, finished with nine carries for 22 yards.
The North Greenville defense did all they could to stop the Buccaneers on offense but came up short. However, the stars of the game for NGU did come from the defensive side of the ball. Defensive back Nick Rasamonda, freshman undecided, finished with 10 total tackles and one tackle for a loss. Linebacker Tyrell Davis, senior sport management, also finished with 10 total tackles and one tackle for a loss. Jereme Green, freshman undecided, continued his strong season with eight total tackles and now has 24 tackles and one interception for the season. Constant pressure from the defense resulted in two sacks and three pass break ups.
The Crusaders next game will be against Presbyterian College and their high-powered offense Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. in Clinton, S.C.
Tags: Fall 2008, Vol. 108 Fall - Issue 4