Oct. 1, 2005
Final Stats
(San Jose, CA) - The USD Torero football team soundly defeated Menlo College by the score of 56-0 this afternoon at San Jose City College's Stadium. With the win USD improves to 4-1 on the season and will return next Saturday to host Butler in its annual homecoming game at 2:00 pm. Menlo falls to 0-5 on the year. Sophomore QB Josh Johnson threw for three first half touchdowns, two to Nick Garton and one to Adam Hannula, as the Toreros led 49-0 at halftime. Senior DB Philip Bretsch added an interception return for a TD to help the cause.
USD set the tone early as they took the opening kickoff with John Matthews returning it to midfield. After three straight completions by Josh Johnson, redshirt freshman running back JT Rogan rambled 38 yards for a TD and 7-0 lead just 1:57 into the game. The Toreros would also score on their next three possessions in the period to jump to a 28-0 first quarter lead. Johnson connected with senior WR Nick Garton for a 17-yard TD strike at the 7:17 mark; he hit Garton again for 45 yards with 3:55 to go; and the Toreros closed out the quarter with Kevin Herron busting in from 3-yards with 1:24 to go.
USD continued its offensive onslaught in the 2nd quarter scoring on their next two offensive possessions with junior fullback Jon Polk rumbling in from 3 yards at the 12:09 mark, and Johnson connecting with WR Adam Hannula for a 15-yard score with 8:17 left in the half to extend the lead to 42-0. Senior DB Philip Bretsch picked off Menlo QB Dustin Guglielm's pass at the Menlo 28 yard line and returned it for a TD with 8:01 to go for USD's commanding 49-0 halftime advantage.
In the second half the Torero coaching staff emptied their bench and elected to run the ball and the clock while finding the endzone just once more. The final score came in the final period with freshman QB KC Patterson connecting with a wide open Eric Gregg for a 39-yard score with 4:03 left in the game.
The USD defense turned in another stellar performance as they notched their second shutout and kept their streak alive by not allowing a touchdown in the 2nd half through five games this season. Mark Johnson totaled a team-best 7 tackles while Philip Bretsch added 5 tackles, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception return for a 28 yard TD. Eric Stern also turned in a solid effort with 6 tackles and 2 quarterback sacks for -18 yards.
For the game USD totaled a season-best 508 yards of offesne (178 rush, 330 pass) while limiting the Menlo Oaks to just 230 yards (26 rush, 204 pass). JT Rogan finished with 60 yards rushing and 1 TD on 5 carries. Josh Johnson completed 11-of-15 passes for 204 yards and 3 TDs in the 1st half before turning it over to David Perez late in the half.
The Toreros host their annual homecoming game next Saturday when they open up PFL play with the Butler Bulldogs (0-6) on October 8th at 2 pm.
