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Printer-Friendly Mode43-31 homecoming victory ends losing streak
October 11, 2010 —
Through five games, SVSU had only one win.
Michigan Tech, on the other hand, was undefeated though its first four games.
In the week leading up to the matchup, coach Jim Collins was determined to turn the tables at the Cardinals annual homecoming game.
The Cardinals did just that, defeating the Huskies 43-31.
“All of my players contribute something powerful on the field and that’s why they are all here,” Collins said.
The Cardinals opened the scoring in the first quarter when senior quarterback Charles Dowdell ran in from two yards out. Junior kicker Austin Borchard’s extra point attempt was good, giving SVSU a 7-0 lead.
Michigan Tech tied the game with a 16-yard touchdown pass with 2:06 to play in the quarter.
In the second quarter, Dowdell left the game with an injury after scoring on a twoyard run and did not return. Freshman quarterback Jonathan Jennings took over from there and the Cardinals offense, which averages 31 points per game, didn’t lose a beat.
Junior running back Brandon Hayes found an open lane and ran 35 yards to give the Cardinals a 20-10 lead. Sophomore kicker Thomas Goodroe gave the Cardinals a 23-17 advantage at the half with a 20-yard field goal.
SVSU got on the board first in the second half when Hayes rushed 11 yards to the end zone to push the Cardinals lead to 30-17. Hayes ended the afternoon with two touchdowns to go along with 72 yards on the ground and one reception for 21 yards.
Not to be outdone by a charging Huskies offense, SVSU continued to score points when Jennings connected with sophomore tight end Zachary Cecich from five yards out to give the Cardinals a 36-24 lead.
Sophomore running back Ronnie Lark broke open for a 50- yard run that he fumbled at the one yard-line, although Cecich recovered the ball in the end zone to complete the scoring.
Offensively, the Cardinals were led by Lark’s 150 rushing yards. Jennings, playing in his most extended action of the season, finished 18-21 for 206 yards and one touchdown and 31 rushing yards on 10 carries. Red-shirt freshman wide receiver Jeff Janis was SVSU’s leading receiver with two catches for 48 yards.
On the defensive side, sophomore linebacker Grant Caserta had 12 tackles, including one for a loss, and one pass break up. Senior linebacker Wayne Sanders had eight tackles and sophomore defensive end Nathaniel Snyder had three tackles and one sack.
While Collins was happy to lose the Cardinals two-game losing streak, as long as the team always gives 100 percent effort he will be happy.
“When my players work hard all week and take home a win, it’s a job well done,” he said. “When they work hard and take a loss, they still leave the field knowing they played and worked hard that week.”
The Cardinals had four penalties for 54 yards.
“I’m proud of my team whenever they come together on the field and show good sportsmanship because that’s what Cardinal football is all about,” Collins said.
With the win, the Cardinals improve to 2-4 overall, 2-3 in the GLIAC while Michigan Tech drops to 4-1.
SVSU will look to start its first winning streak of the season when Indianapolis (2-3, 3-3) comes to town Saturday for a noon kickoff.