Nov. 8, 2003
Box Score
The USD Toreros knocked off the Dayton Flyers 41-30 today in Dayton, Ohio to finish the season 8-2 overall and 3-1 in the PFL North Division. Coupled with Valparaiso's 25-21 loss today to Butler, the Toreros claim a share of the PFL title with the Crusaders, however Valpo will be the PFL North Division representative in the PFL Championship game on Nov. 22nd against Morehead State. Senior QB Eric Rasmussen threw for 6 TDs in leading the Toreros to their first ever win over Dayton since joining the PFL in 1993.
The Toreros jumped out to a 7-0 first quarter lead with Rasmussen hooking up with WR Adam Hannula from 35-yards out. Evan Harney caught an 11-yarder from Rasmussen early in the 2nd period for a 14-0 lead. UD's Cliff Sachini busted loose around the left side for a 61-yard TD with 10:19 to go in the first half. Torero receiver Nick Garton made it 21-7 at intermission when he caught the first of his two TD receptions from 20 yards out with 3:33 to play. Torero LB Andy Guzenski made a big stop at the end of the half when he tackled UD QB Brandon Staley on a 4th and goal from the Torero one-yard line.
Flyer Ryan Wrobleski caught an 11-yard TD from Staley early in the 3rd period to pull the Flyers to withing 21-14. San Diego answered with Garton catching a 24-yarder from Rasmussen for a 28-14 advantage. UD's Jason Resch then closed out the 3rd period with a 39-yard FG, then added back-to-back FGs from 26 and 32 yards in the 4th to make it 28-23 with 12:05 to play.
Senior TE Jeff Incerty hauled in a 6-yarder from Rasmussen for 35-23 cushion, but Dayton's Wrobleski found the endzone from 17-yards out on a pass from Staley to make it 35-30. The Toreros iced the game with 3:46 to go when Rasmussen connected with senior WR Brent Labarrere from 13 yards out.
Rasmussen crushed the single season record for TD passes with 35 - the previous mark was Mike Stadler's 30 (1997). Adam Hannula broke three receiving marks by finishing the season with 72 receptions for 13 TDs and 1,161 yards. Garton, who had two TD receptions, finishes with 12 which tied the previous Torero mark.
USD's 8-2 record is its best since the 1997 8-3 ball club. This is USD's first PFL championship since joining the league in 1993.
