Bison finish off Bearcats 32-13 in season opener
34-game NCAA losing streak snapped
Latrobe, PA—Clad in white uniforms donned with gold domes,
the Bison kicked off the 2007 season at Chuck Noll Field. After a
three-and-out opening possession, defensive back Robin Shannon
stopped the Bearcat offense on a blitz from the backfield. Then the
Bearcats fumbled the ball, giving the Bison an offensive
opportunity on the Bearcat 30. The rest of the first quarter saw
strong defensive play from both sides of the ball as the score
remained deadlocked at 0-0. Safety Rantz Teeters picked off a
Bearcat pass and returned it 44 yards, good to quash the offensive
momentum as first quarter action expired.
After the Teeters pick, the Bison started another offensive
series. Less than a minute into the second quarter, the Bison mojo
started flowing—Jason Coleman connected with receiver Kevin
Alley off a 20-yard pass to post the Bison on the scoreboard, 6-0.
The ensuing point-after attempt was blocked by the Bearcat defense
to hold the Bison lead to six.
Gallaudet President
Dr. Robert R. Davila was one of the many Bison fans in
attendance.
At the 6th minute mark, Robin Shannon blocked a Bearcat punt in
the end zone, setting up a brief hot-potato contest as the ball
changed hands in midair. However, the pigskin found itself within
the arms of Shannon as he recovered his own block for another Bison
score, making it 12-0.
Despite Bearcat advances on offense, the Buff and Blue defense
retained its iron grip, not allowing any points and holding the
offense to just 88 yards over 34 plays.
Within the final seconds of the half, Coleman again found Alley
(#18 pictured at left) in the end zone for another six, and kicker
Justin Wilson split the uprights to add another point, 19-0 in
favor of the Bison.
During the second half, the Bearcat offense showed signs of life
as it wet the length of the field and scored, to make it 19-6. The
ensuing point-after failed.
Coleman then answered swiftly, finding Alley once again in the end
zone to make it 25-13.The Bearcats followed suit a few series
later, with a receiver catching a bobbled pass and taking it in for
another score, 19-13.
Linebacker Calvin Doudt intercepted a fake punt pass, which then
set up the next Bison drive, seeing Coleman connect with Chester
Kuschmider for a 22-yard gain. The drive was highlighted by stellar
offensive line blocking, with Coleman running the ball in from
three yards out. Justin Wilson booted the ball in to make it 32-13.
Coleman finished the day on 22-for-30 passing and 227 yards in the
air, while Alley led the receiving corps with two touchdown
receptions and 118 yards over 8 catches. Senior receiver Shawn
Shannon had the other touchdown catch. Senior defensive back Robin
Shannon led the defense with 8 tackles and 3 sacks, plus a fumble
recovered for a touchdown, off a punt blocked by Daniel Alexander.
#3 Robin Shannon moments after he sacked Bearcat QB Phil Hamilton
The Bison open at home in non-divisional play against Walter
Reed on September 8th. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
