Oct. 29, 2005

Final Stats

(Valparaiso, IN) It was a record setting day for the USD Toreros (8-1, 4-0 PFL) as they defeated league opponent Valparaiso 63-21 on Saturday afternoon to finish undefeated in league-play and win the conference outright for the first time in the team's history.

San Diego brought their `A-game' again as the team scored 56 points in the first half. Quarterback Josh Johnson tied the single-game touchdown record of 7 TD passes, all of which were in the first half. Wide Receiver Adam Hannula had 4 touchdown receptions bringing his career total to 32 which also ties the school record for all-time touchdown receptions. Finally, defensive back Mark Johnson had an interception which he returned for 100 yards and a score, also matching a USD record.

"That was the best half of football we played all year," said Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. "We're really thrilled about the PFL championship. That has been our team's goal all season."

USD running back JT Rogan found the endzone from 8 yards out with 11:44 remaining in the first quarter capping off a drive of 9 plays for 80 yards. The USD defense stuffed Valparaiso on their first drive forcing them to punt. Torero Quarterback Josh Johnson once again found JT Rogan, this time from the air and into the endzone from 31 yards out ending a 5-play, 62 yard drive at the 7:27 mark.

It was wide receiver Adam Hannula's turn as he and Johnson connected on USD's next two drives. Hannula caught his first touchdown pass from 9 yards, and his second pass from 26 yards. The Torero defense forced Valparaiso to punt again with less than two minutes left in the first quarter. USD was up 28-0 at the changing of the quarter.

San Diego tallied four first downs at the beginning of the second quarter when Johnson caught tight end Dustin Owen on an 11 yard pass capping off an 80-yard drive in 9 plays. The USD Toreros found themselves in awesome field position at Valpo's own 37 yard line. On the first play of the drive, Johnson connected with Rogan in the air on a 37 yard pass-play and the Torero's sixth touchdown giving them a 42-0 lead.

Once again, receiver Adam Hannula found the endzone twice in-a-row in the second quarter. His third reception of the day came with 8:38 remaining as Johnson hit him with a 7 yard pass to end a 3-play, 38 yard drive. Punt returner Ben Hannula barreled down-field for a 68 return and again awesome field position at Valparaiso's 12 yard line setting up older brother Adam for a 12 yard pass from Johnson finishing off a 2-play, 12 yard drive. USD's lead was now 56-0.

"This win feels really good," said wide receiver Adam Hannula. "We knew coming out here it would be a tough game and we were ready. Josh was putting up some good passes for the receivers and our offensive line did an outstanding job giving [Josh] great protection all day."

The offense was once again driving down field when they went for it on 4th down and were not able to convert, being stopped for the first time. The Crusaders took advantage of the opportunity when quarterback Ryan Doerffler completed a 12-yard pass to wide receiver Steve Ogden in the endzone going 57 yards in 4 plays. The Toreros ended the half ahead 56-7.

At the 7:52 mark in the third quarter, Valparaiso was on San Diego's 4 yard line on second down. Quarterback Ryan Doerffler looking for a receiver in the endzone had his pass intercepted by USD defensive back Mark Johnson. Johnson ran the length of the field for a Torero touchdown and a commanding 63-7 lead.

Crusader Quarterback Ryan Doerffler led his team for two more touchdowns, one with 2:14 remaining in the third quarter off of a pass to wide receiver Joe Blahowicz from 15 yards out. His second with 11:43 left in the fourth quarter also to Blahowicz from 30 yards out for a final score of 63-21.

Josh Johnson ended the game going 20-26 for 345 yards, no interceptions and 7 TD passes. Running back JT Rogan had 13 carries for 77 yards and 3 touchdowns (1 rush, 2 receptions). Wide Receiver Adam Hannula caught 10 passes for 172 yards, finding the endzone four times. Freshman linebacker Vincent Atofau recorded 6 solo tackles. Defensive lineman Adam Ullrich recorded 2 sacks totaling 13 yards lost. Linebacker Brenden Nakata also recorded one interception. Kicker Hutch Parker added another school mark by converting 9 PAT kicks in a single game.

This is the Toreros' 5th straight win and the team has now won 13 of their last 14 games. USD will host Chapman on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7:00 pm at Torero Stadium, followed by Marist on Nov. 12th (1 pm). The Toreros will also take on Morehead State in the PFL Championship at Torero Stadium on Nov. 19. A kickoff time will be announced prior to the game and posted online at USD's website.