Oct. 17, 2009
Box Score | Photo Gallery
(San Diego, CA) - The USD Toreros (3-3; 2-2 pfl) dropped a hard-fought 21-14 contest to the visiting Drake Bulldogs (5-1; 3-0 pfl) today at Torero Stadium before 2,357 fans here for homecoming. With the game tied 14-all late in the 4th quarter, Drake QB Mike Pitatkowski connected with WR Stephen Platek for a 20-yard touchdown score that ended up being the game-winner with 4:23 to go in the game. USD went three-and-out on its final possession and Drake was able to run out the clock over the final 3:17.
"This was a game of missed opportunities," said third-year head coach Ron Caragher. "We got to the other side of the 50-yard line on several occasions, and just weren't able get points out of it. We just need to become a more consistent football team, and play all four quarters. Right now we are not there."
USD jumped out to a 7-0 lead on its first possession of the game as QB Sam Scudellari completed three straight passes with the third one going 37-yards to WR Kyle Warren at the 13:44 mark. Drake responded with two straight touchdowns of their own. The first came with 6:32 to go in the first quarter as Stephen Platek's 1-yard rush culminated a 14-play, 63-yard drive that took 7:06. In the 2nd quarter Piatkowski connected with Pat Cashmore for a 20-yard score with 8:36 to go in the half. That scoring drive was 9 plays, 71 yards in 3 minutes and 48 seconds. Drake would take that 14-7 lead into the locker room at halftime.
In the third period Scudellari connected with Warren again for a touchdown, this time for 30 yards. That scoring play culminated a 6-play, 81-yard drive over 3:08 that knotted the score at 14-all. From there both defenses forced punts until Drake's winning score with 4:23 to go.
For the game USD totaled 336 yards of offense. Scudellari completed 26-of-41 for 317 yards and 2 TDs. Junior Godfrey Smith (8 receptions for 107 yards) and John McGough (8 receptions for 62 yards). Drake limited USD's rushing game to 19 yards on 16 carries. Sophomore punter Kyle Negrete had a busy afternoon, punting 7 times for 267 yards (38.1 ave.) with a long of 51 yards. Defensively the Toreros were paced by SS Derek Pilkington (11 tackles), LB Joe Martin (9 stops) and FS Chris Wilson (8 tackles).
Drake's Piatkowski finished 11-of-27 for 119 yards and 2 scores. Stephen Platek caught 4 balls for 57 yards and the game-winning score. Pat Cashmore was the work horse in the backfield finishing with 127 yards on 18 carries.
USD is back at Torero Stadium next Saturday, October 24th, for a 1:30 p.m. contest against Jacksonville.
