Sept. 20, 2008

Final Stats

(Buies Creek, NC) - The USD Toreros (3-0; 1-0 pfl) used a balanced offensive attack and stifeling defense in handing Campbell University (0-4; 0-2 pfl) a 43-7 defeat today. Campbell, which has brought football back for the first time since 1950, is in its first year with the Pioneer Football League. Sophomore running back Phil Morelli set the tone with 151 yards on 21 carries to go with 3 rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Seb Trujillo completed 22-of-31 passes for 264 yards and 2 scores with his main targets being John Matthews (7-for-109 with 1 TD) and Ben Hannula (6 catches for 80 yards). The Torero defense held Campbell to 8 yards rushing on 28 attempts, and 191 yards of total offense.

"Overall I'm pleased with today's game," said head coach Ron Caragher. "Our plan was to run the game and the offensive line did a great job, and Phil (Morelli) turned in a solid effort. And the defense held Campbell to 8 yards rushing I believe. Anytime you can get a win in the league with all the cross country travel, you have a reason to celebrate."

Morelli, who tallied all three of his rushing scores in the first half, helped USD to a 27-7 intermission lead. He scored from 4 and 15 yards out in the first quarter, and added a 1-yard burst in the 2nd quarter. Campbell pulled to within 20-7 on Paul Constantine's 38-yard TD reception from QB Matt Vollono. USD's fourth scored came through the air as Trujillo connected with WR John McGough for a 4-yarder with 1:53 left in the 2nd quarter.

The only score of the 3rd quarter came from Torero fullback Nick Coppedge who busted in from 2 yards out at the 8:36 mark. The final points came on a 7-yard TD reception by John Matthews from Trujillo, and a 24-yard field goal from James Cullen. Matthews now has 35 career TD receptions and is one shy of Torero leader Adam Hannula.

For the game USD totaled 448 yards of offense led by its season-best 184 yards on the ground. Besides his 151 yards of rushing, Morelli also caught 3 balls for 22 yards. Once again the defense received a balanced team effort with Derek Pilkington leading the way with 6 tackles. Sophomore end Julian Strickland chipped in with 5 tackles, with 2.5 going for sacks (-16 yards) and 3.5 going for tackles-for-loss (-20 yards). Kyle Negrete and Paul Tremblay also played well and added 5 stops each.

USD will continue PFL play next week with a road trip to Des Moines, Iowa to take on the Drake Bulldogs (11 a.m. PT kickoff).