Oct. 10, 2009
Final Stats
Valparaiso, IN - Firing on all cylinders, the University of San Diego Toreros bounced back from a heart-breaking loss last week and trounced the Valparaiso Crusaders by a score of 48-7 at Brown Field on Saturday afternoon.
The Toreros (3-2, 2-1 PFL) had both sides of the ball under their control, as the offense generated 421 total yards while the defense held the Crusaders (1-4, 0-2 PFL) to 234 yards, including only 88 passing yards. The Toreros defense forced four turnovers as well, two of which were interceptions. The interceptions, one by senior defensive back Gabe Derricks in the second quarter and the other by outside linebacker Joe Martin in the third, were both returned for touchdowns.
Quarterback Sam Scudellari served as the offensive leader, throwing three touchdowns for the Toreros in the win, while going 11-for-19 with 232 passing yards. Scudellari completed passes to six different receivers, with wide receiver John McGough leading them all in yards (95) and receptions (4).
Valparaiso had the game's first opportunity to put points on the board with a 35-yard field goal in the first quarter. The Crusaders failed to capitalize, however, opening the door for the Toreros, who never looked back.
USD quickly responded with a 5-play, 80-yard drive, capped by a 22-yard touchdown run from running back Matt Jelmini. The 22 yards added to Jelmini's total of 76 for the day, leading all Torero rushers. The touchdown was preceded by USD's longest play from scrimmage in the game, which was a 47-yard reception between Scudellari and McGough.
Following a blocked punt by USD's Blake Oliaro, Scudellari and Kyle Warren quickly connected for a 28-yard touchdown reception, putting the Toreros up 14-0 in the first quarter.
Entering halftime, the Toreros were up 28-0 after Derricks returned an interception for a 26-yard touchdown and Scudellari hooked up with wide receiver Eric Fiege for a 41-yard touchdown pass. The score was Fiege's first of the season.
The second half was the same story as the first, as USD continued their offensive onslaught and hard-nosed defense. Running back JT Rogan scored one of the three second-half touchdowns for the Toreros, a 14-yard rush in the third quarter. The score was a historic one for Rogan, as he now holds the school record for career touchdowns (51) and points (308), passing former Torero wide receiver John Matthews, currently on the practice squad with the Indianapolis Colts.
Valparaiso added their lone touchdown in the third quarter after Eddie Morelli ran in from 3 yards out. The scoring drive was set up by quarterback Bobby Wysocki, who finished the day with 114 rushing yards on 14 attempts and 88 passing yards on 9 completions over 25 pass attempts.
USD returns to action on October 17th at Torero Stadium for Homecoming, as they will face-off against Drake. Kickoff is slated for 2:00 p.m. PST.
