|
Tiger defense holds Wasps to 119 total yards in first shutout since 2002 HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, VA (October 11, 2008)–The Hampden-Sydney football team had been reminded all week about two of the lower points in its recent history, both of which served as keys to their Old Dominion Athletic Conference date with Emory and Henry. First, could the Tiger defense, much improved overall in 2008, respond after its 28-point hiccup in the fourth quarter of last week's narrow escape at Bridgewater? Second, could Hampden-Sydney avoid the turnover bug, which bit seven times in its stunning loss last season in Emory? Both questions were answered with a resounding "yes" as No. 24 Hampden-Sydney remained unbeaten on the year with an impressive 17-0 blanking of the visiting Wasps on Saturday afternoon on Homecoming weekend. Over 6,000 fans witnessed the first Hampden-Sydney shutout performance since 2002, when the Tigers snuck past Randolph-Macon 7-0 in the famed Mud Bowl. Hampden-Sydney (6-0, 3-0 ODAC) set the tone defensively in the opening frame, surrendering a meager 16 yards of offense to the Wasps in the first 15 minutes. The Tigers forced five consecutive three-and-outs to begin the game and did not allow a first down until the seven minute mark of the second quarter. Emory and Henry was successful on just 2-of-13 third down opportunities. Emory and Henry (2-3, 0-1 ODAC) mustered a mere 119 yards of total offense for the game and just 34 yards through the air. The Tigers, who lead the ODAC in takeaways, forced three Wasps turnovers, including a big fumble recovery by senior Kevin Morrison (Bristol, VA/Virginia) to open the second half that turned into a Josh Simpson (Richmond, VA/Mills Godwin) 12-yard touchdown scamper six plays later, extending Hampden-Sydney's narrow lead to 14-0 with 12:29 remaining in the third period. The Tigers allowed 19 yards in the pivotal third frame, and in addition to Simpson's ninth rushing score of the season, also received a 35-yard field goal from T.C. Stevens (Alton, VA/Halifax) to turn its 7-0 halftime edge into a 17-0 cushion after three quarters of action. Hampden-Sydney forced a three-and-out on the Wasps first possession of the fourth quarter, but eventually turned the ball back over to E&H on downs on its ensuing drive, which melted over five minutes off of the clock. Emory and Henry started its possession on its own 35 and drove to the Tigers' 34-yard line before quarterback Brent McDonald fumbled a snap on second-and-ten. The Tigers' Andrew Sellers (Roanoke, VA/Cave Spring) pounced on the loose football giving the Tigers possession with 5:14 remaining and essentially ending the Wasps last chance for points. Hampden-Sydney enjoyed a comfortable offensive rhythm at the outset of the contest, driving 55 yards in eight plays to open the game, but came up empty following a missed field goal. After the defense forced a pair of Wasps' three-and-outs on E&H's first offensive touches, quarterback Corey Sedlar (Richmond, VA/Mills Godwin) led the Tigers on an 11-play, 81 yard drive, completing 7-of-8 passes for 79 yards and capping the possession with a 13-yard touchdown toss to senior Travis Wertz (Boyds, MD/Damascus). The Tigers took their 7-0 lead into the locker room at the break, and sustained the defensive intensity for the duration en route to locking up its tenth straight regular season victory. Simpson made his return to the lineup and rushed for a game-high 86 yards on 26 carries. The senior also caught five passes for 28 yards. Sedlar led the offensive charge once again with 329 yards and a score on 27-of-44 accuracy. Wertz hauled in four passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Trevor Ikwild (Philomont, VA/Loudoun Valley) paced a unit that gave up only six first downs all afternoon with eight total tackles. Josh Miller (Stephen's City, VA/Sherando) made six stops and forced a fumble. Senior Sam Rosten (Fairhope, AL/Bayside) made each of his three tackles count, tallying one sack and two tackles for loss. Caleb Jennings finished with 75 yards on the ground to lead the Wasps, while McDonald completed 6-of-21 passes for 34 yards. Cameron Chaney led the E&H defensive effort with ten total tackles. Hampden-Sydney returns to the field of play on Saturday, October 18 when it travels to ODAC foe Washington and Lee for a 1 pm kick-off. www.hsc.edu/athletics |
