News and Events
[printer friendly version]posted on 11/13/04
Football dominates Butler, clinches winning season
INDIANAPOLIS - The Saint Joseph's College football team participated in its second straight 34-0 shutout in the Indiana state capital on Saturday, and definitely enjoyed its role in the second one much more than the first.
After absorbing a loss to the University of Indianapolis in their last game Oct. 30, the Pumas limited Butler to 75 yards of offense, scored their first special teams touchdown of the season and got three rushing TDs from Demarreo Campbell (So., Gary, IN/Calumet) to defeat the Bulldogs.
The win assured SJC (6-4) of its first winning season since 1998. The victory was also the first shutout by an SJC team since a 37-0 shutout of Quincy, also in the 1998 season.
The Pumas' special teams unit got SJC started on the right foot, as Tony Vohwinkle (Fr., Mattawan, MI) recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff, giving SJC possession at the Butler 22-yard line. The Pumas came away empty, however, as a 36-yard field goal by Brandon Deardorff (Sr., Beecher, IL/Crete-Monee) sailed wide right.
SJC's defense forced a punt on the ensuing drive, and the Pumas took the ball 73 yards on seven plays, scoring for the first time on a 28-yard run by Campbell with 7:27 left in the first period. After another Bulldog punt, Deardorff nailed a 40-yard field goal, providing a 10-0 advantage with 2:20 on the clock.
Butler lined up to punt for a third time deep in its own territory, but John Maniaci (So., Ortonville, MI/Flint Powers) blocked the kick. Nate Raymond (Fr., Watseka, IL) scooped up the ball at the 10-yard line and ran it in for a touchdown and a 17-0 lead.
The Bulldogs' next drive ended when Deqwan Young (Fr., Pontiac, MI/Northern) intercepted a pass by Butler quarterback Ian Nelson. It was Young's fourth interception of the season and gave SJC possession at the Butler 34. Four plays later, Campbell found the end zone from nine yards out make it a 24-0 game with 13:27 to go in the second quarter.
Deardorff had a 33-yard field goal attempt blocked on the next Puma drive, but he did convert a 36-yard attempt on the next SJC possession. SJC led 27-0 with 7:20 to play in the first half, and the score remained that way until halftime.
SJC's final scoring drive was its first of the second half. SJC drove 68 yards on 12 plays, eating up 6:43. Campbell capped off the drive with a one-yard TD after gaining 43 yards on six runs and a reception during the drive.
Campbell ended the day with 85 yards on 11 carries, while Andrew Patten (Fr., Valparaiso, IN/Wheeler) ran eight times for 36 yards. Anthony Lindsey (Fr., Bloomington, IN/North) completed 14 of 32 passes for 191 yards, with Dan Paulsen (Fr., Portage, IN) catching five passes for 76 yards.
Matt Abel (Sr., Frankton, IN/Elwood) made a team-high seven tackles. Jordan Rassam (Sr., Southfield, MI/Birmingham Groves) made six stops, including four tackles for loss.
SJC held Butler (1-10) to 20 yards rushing and 55 yards passing.
The Pumas travel to Jefferson City, Mo., next Saturday to take on Lincoln University. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m.
