Crusaders Impressive in Opener

August 30th-The Bishop McDevitt Crusaders opened their 2002 season in style, overpowering the State College Little Lions 24-7, at Memorial Field. The game wasn't as close as the score indicates, as the Crusaders posted an unofficial 458 total yards and 21 first downs. The defense, led by Linebackers Mike Dawson and Jesse Pitt, allowed only one controvertial touchdown, in the 3rd quarter, and consistently came up with clutch plays. McDevitt opened the scoring in the first quarter, when Quarterback Marcus Stone found fleet Sophomore Wide Receiver Mike Goldston over the middle for a 27 yard TD. The extra point was wide ( a sore spot for the Crusaders all evening) and McDevitt led 6-0 The Crusaders quickly added to the lead at the start of the second quarter After another strong defensive series featuring a Pitt sack, McDevitt took over on their own 23. On the 1st play, Stone found Wide Receiver Vince Beamer on a quick out. Beamer spun away from a defender and outraced the Little Lion's secondary to the end zone for a 77 yard touchdown and a 12-0 lead. State College then launched a 12 play, 67 yard drive featuring the running of Tailback Jamel Felder, reaching the McDevitt 10. On the key defensive play of the game, Safety Mark Accorsi intercepted a Kevin Suhey pass at the goal line, wrestling the ball away from heralded Tight End Jon Stupar. The ensuing McDevitt drive covered 80 yards in 5 plays. It featured 3 Pitt carries for 35 yards, a 13 yard Dawson scamper,and finished with another Stone-to-Beamer strike, this one covering 33 yards. After Safety Thomas Dunn swatted away a desparate State College pass, McDevitt ended the half with a dominating 18-0 lead.

The Little Lion's only scoring drive opened the second half. Starting at their own 30, State College relied on 8 Suhey carries to move to the McDevitt 10. An 8 yard Cedrick Bowing sack moved the Lions back to the 18. Then, Suhey launched a pass into the corner of the end zone. Dunn and Wide Receiver Richard Ciambotti jumped for the ball, bobbling it as they sailed out of bounds. The officials huddled, then stunningly signalled a touchdown, to the disbelief of the McDevitt faithful. With their lead narrowed to 18-7, the offense responded with a time consuming drive in 13 plays, covering 57 yards. Thought the drive ended on a Stone sack and fumble, the defense held again. This time Stone and Co. found paydirt, ending the 10 play, 56 yard drive with the 3rd Beamer touchdown pass of the night, a 15 yarder. The game ended with  Stone taking a knee at the State College 9. 

Unofficially, Stone was 11-15 for 231 yards with 1 interception and 4 touchdown passes. Pitt led the rushing attack, carrying 27 times for 153 yards. Dawson was 5 for 36, and Stone added 39 yards on 9 carries (including 3 sacks for -22). Beamer caught 5 passes for 149 yards and 3 TD's. Goldston added 4 grabs for 65 yards and a score, and Dunn had 2 for 18. McDevitt recorded 3 interceptions, by Accorsi and Cornerbacks Ryan Williams and Eddie Rodriguez. Official stats will be posted later this week. McDevitt's next game is Saturday, September 7th, against CD East. The 7:30 PM contest at Landis Field will be televised live by WLYH-15.  

Quotes

Head Coach Jeff Weachter

I'm very happy with our effort tonight.  The kids gutted it out and were a little banged up.  I was happy with our D all night.  We made some adjustments at halftime, then had to move our outside people further out.   Accorsi's interseption in the first half was huge, it really picked us up. 

Offensively, I was happy with the kids.  I was mad at the O-line in the first half, but they blocked well in the second half.  We didn't show a lot of our passing game in the scrimmages, most of our underneath stuff that worked so well tonight.  I think they were suprised by Goldston.  This is a big win for us; we'll enjoy it this weekend and start thinking about East.

Assistant Coach Shawn Lee

State College did what we thought they would do.  We gave up some big plays, but they didn't really hurt us with them.  In the first half they were in double tight and we adjusted at halftime.  Then they came out in shotgun trips and their quarterback ran the ball well.  We adjusted again and that worked.   I'm so proud of the way the're working. 

C Josh Stepanic

We were ready for their defensive line.  We've won this one, now we have to get ready for next week.  It was a lot of fun!

DB Marc Accorsi

On the interception, it was a play we had to have.  We were expecting the bootleg, and it happend.  I made my move on the ball and then..... I had it. 

WR/DB Thomas Dunn

 This is such a big win for us.   It feels great, just great!  We still have to work to get where we want to go.  

QB Marcus Stone

I was real confident out there.  We had a couple sacks, but I still have a lot of confidence in our line.  It's all about the line making their blocks and the receivers making their moves.  The receivers, I just get it to them and they go.  I feel confortable being surrounded by so much support.  This was a great win for us.

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