TIGERS FALL TO WESLEY, 45-17, IN NCAA OPENING ROUND

Game Box Score

DOVER, DE (November 17, 2007)—Hampden-Sydney College fell to Wesley College, 45-17, in the opening round of the 2007 NCAA Division III playoffs.  The Wolverines out-gained the Tigers 558-313 en route to victory.  With the victory, Wesley College improves to 10-1 on the season advances to the second round of the playoffs where they will host Muhlenberg, who defeated Salisbury, 31-21, in their opening round game.  The Tigers wrap up their 2007 season with an  8-3 overall record.

The Tigers tallied just five yards on the ground and 308 yards in the air but committed six turnovers in their first playoff appearance since 1977.  Hampden-Sydney was led by by their passing attack as senior wide receiver Drew Smith (Richmond, VA/Mills Godwin) caught eight passes for 156 yards, including an 88 yard reception that led to a Tiger touchdown.

In the first quarter, Wesley looked to captialize on an interception; however, the Tiger defense stood firm deep in their own territory and forced Wesley to attempt a 21 yard field goal that missed wide right.  On the ensuing possession, Hampden-Sydney took an early 3-0 advantage as junior kicker T.C. Stevens (Alton, VA/Halifax) booted a 34 yard field goal.

In the second quarter, Wesley finally got on the board at the 7:44 mark as Mike Pennewell scored on a six yard touchdown run to give the Wolverines a 7-3 lead.  Only a minute later, Collin Blugis made a 26 yard field goal to give the Wasps a seven-point advantage, 10-3, with 6:24 remaining until half.  Wesley would add one more touchdown to give them a lead at halftime, 17-3.  

In the third quarter, Wesley scored three touchdowns to open a sizeable lead, 38-3.  The Tigers; however, would not stop fighting.  At the 2:26 mark in third, sophomore quarterback Corey Sedlar (Richmond, VA/Mills Godwin) scored on a one yard run to make the score  38-10.  After a defensive stand, Sedlar found Connor Oliver (Richmond, VA/Deep Run) for an eight yard scoring strike to keep the Tigers within striking distance, 38-17. 

In the fourth quarter, the Wolverines were able to stop the Tigers and increased their lead to four scores on a Jason Schatz ten yard pass to Jon Lanouette give Wesley the win, 45-17.

On the afternoon, Sedlar completed 23-of-47 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns, one passing and one rushing, to go along with four interceptions.  For the Wolverines, Jason Schatz finished the afternoon completing 14-of-28 passes for 250 yards with one touchdown and one interception.  Senior receiver Drew Smith made eight catches for 156 yards, while running back Josh Simpson (Richmond, VA/Mills Godwin) had eight catches for 49 yards to go along with 28 yards rushing.  Pennewell led the Wesley rushing attack as he gained 159 yards rushing with one score.  

The Tiger defense was led by freshman corner Michael Ware (Goochland, VA/Goochland) with a career-high 16 tackles, while Jamie Edlow (Williamsburg, VA/Bruton) recorded 13 stops, while recovering a fumble and intercepting a pass.   Sophomore linebacker Thomas Hovis (Richmond, VA/St. Christopher's) recorded 12 tackles while also recovering a fumble.  Wesley's Chet Turner and Eddie Donisi recorded seven stops, while Donisi intercepted a pass

The Hampden-Sydney football team would like to thank all of parents, friends, students, and alumni who made the trip to Dover to watch the Tigers play.  On behalf of the coaches and players.  Thank you!