News and Events
[printer friendly version]posted on 11/4/09
Pumas to Play for GLFC Title
The Saint Joseph's College football team will play for the Great Lakes Football Conference title on Saturday against Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio.
The Marauders (1-8, 1-1GLFC) have been rebuilding this season, but still feature playmakers that can provide trouble for the opposition. On the season, CSU averages 241 yards per game with most of that coming though the passing game. However, a solid running game is usually what teams focus on, which provides one-on-one coverage downfield.
Josh Anderson leads the ground attack with 52 yards per game and a team-high 10 touchdowns. Jeff Brooks is the primary quarterback who has thrown for over 1,000 yards this season. Brooks' mobility has provided him with more time to throw, as well as adding a dimension to the CSU offense. Excluding tackles for a loss, Brooks has recorded nearly 400 yards on the ground this season. Jerred Hill is the primary target downfield, as he has made 44 catches this season for 800 yards and four touchdowns.
The Marauder defense has struggled this season as they are giving up 349 yards and 35 points per game. Darius Wilson and Ryan Walker are the leading tacklers for the team as they have combined for 103 tackles, an interception and two fumble recoveries. However, they have been put in tight spots where the offense has turned the ball over 31 times this season.
The Pumas (4-6, 3-0 GLFC) will be playing for the outright GLFC title, which will be their second in four seasons. Mike Hladik (So., Columbus, Ind./North) completed a strong game last week although it ended in a 28-16 loss. Hladik completed eight of the first 10 passes on a windy day with a rain-soaked field and went 22 of 34 for the game.
The running game has continued to produce through the second half of the season, as the offensive line has continued to open running room for Jashon Banks (Jr., Kankakee, Ill./Kankakee), Terrence Freeman (RSr., Gary, Ind./Indiana), and Garrick Hall (RFr., Indianapolis, Ind./North Central). The trio has helped the Pumas average over 143 yards on the ground per game. Banks rushed for 140 yards last week and 204 the week before, putting him 48 yards short of a 1,000 yard season.
Drake Gadberry (Fr., Avon, Ind./Tri-West) has been handling field goals and extra point duties the last two games. He has converted all seven of his PAT opportunities as well as making three of four field goals.
Defensively, Bill Perry is closing out a solid campaign where he has made 87 tackles, 11.5 for a loss, and 2.5 sacks. Over the past two games, the defense has allowed a total of 442 yards of total offense. With CSU's propensity to turn the ball over, another defensive showing can make the difference in the title game.
Kickoff at McPherson Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. EST.
