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THREE SAINTS NAMED TO EAST ALL-REGION TEAM

 

Chris Fee '07

Jason Antin '06

Brett Young '08

Jan. 6: Don Hansen's Football Gazette released the East All-Region Team Friday afternoon. Three St. Lawrence University Football players were among those honored. Junior offensive lineman Chris Fee, senior defensive end Jason Antin, and sophomore tight end Brett Young were named.

 

Fee, a three-time All-Liberty League team member, was named to the Third-Team Offense. He started all nine games at left tackle this season. Because of his blocking, the Saints rushed for 1,428 yards and passed for 1,906 yards and 23 total touchdowns. The Saints averaged 3.8 yards per carry and 158.7 yards per game rushing, and 211.8 yards per game passing. St. Lawrence averaged more yards rushing and passing this season than last season.

 

Antin, a 2005 captain and two-time All-Liberty League honoree, was named to the Third-Team Defense. He started all nine games, and finished third on the team with 57 tackles (27 solo, 30 assists). He led the team in solo tackles (27), tackles for loss (13.0-55 yards), sacks (7.5-37 yards), and quarterback hurries (6). Antin led the league in sacks and ranked second in tackles for loss. He had a career high 12 tackles (9 solo, 3 assist) against Rensselaer. He also had a career high 3.5 tackles for loss twice – against Rensselaer and Kings Point. Against Kings Point he had a career high 3.5 sacks for 13 yards.

 

Young, a 2004 All-East second-team honoree, was named to the Honorable Mention team. The 2004 Liberty League Rookie of the Year, Young caught 25 passes for 321 yards and one touchdown. A true tight end, Young also blocked for the Saints backfield, as St. Lawrence totaled 1,428 yards this season. He ranked second on the team in receptions and receiving yards.

 

FEE EARNS FIRST-TEAM HONORS; EIGHT SAINTS NAMED ALL-LIBERTY LEAGUE

 

Nov. 15: The Liberty League announced its 2005 Football Awards Tuesday morning. Among those honored were eight St. Lawrence University Football players. Junior left tackle Chris Fee led those, earning First-Team Offense honors. Three Saints earned Second-Team honors and four were named to the Honorable Mention team.

 

Fee, a three-year starter on the offensive line, earned Liberty League honors for the third consecutive season. This is his first time earning First-Team honors. He started all nine games at left tackle this season. Because of his blocking, the Saints rushed for 1,428 yards and passed for 1,906 yards and 23 total touchdowns. The Saints averaged 3.8 yards per carry and 158.7 yards per game rushing, and 211.8 yards per game passing. St. Lawrence averaged more yards rushing and passing this season than last season.

 

Sophomore wide receiver Mike O’Donnell earned Second-Team Offense honors after a break-out season for the Saints. He caught 37 passes for 688 yards, averaging 18.6 yards per catch. He led the team in receptions, receiving yards, points (56), and all-purpose yards (772). O'Donnell had a career long reception of 57 yards and had five catches of 30+ yards. He had four 100+ yard receiving games and two 2+ touchdown games. He earned MVP honors of the Hoffman Cup with five catches for 110 yards and one touchdown. O'Donnell now has 1,084 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns, and 1,340 all-purpose yards in just two seasons.

 

Senior defensive end Jason Antin earned Second-Team Defense honors for the second consecutive season. He started all nine games, and finished third on the team with 57 tackles (27 solo, 30 assists). He led the team in solo tackles (27), tackles for loss (13.0-55 yards), sacks (7.5-37 yards), and quarterback hurries (6). Antin led the league in sacks and ranked second in tackles for loss. He had a career high 12 tackles (9 solo, 3 assist) against Rensselaer. He also had a career high 3.5 tackles for loss twice – against Rensselaer and Kings Point. Against Kings Point he had a career high 3.5 sacks for 13 yards.

 

Senior placekicker and punter Nick Little earned Second-Team Special Teams honors. Little, a 2004 First-Team All-East selection, connected with 18-of-22 PATs, and 7-of-12 field goals. He went 2-of-3 from 40-49 yards, including a long of 46 yards. He finished the season second on the team in scoring with 39 points. He finished his career with 138 points. Little punted 50 times, averaging 35.6 yards, including a long of 61 yards. On kick-offs he averaged 51.5 yards per kick, placing 15 inside the five-yard line and had six touchbacks.

 

Earning Honorable Mention honors were senior fullback Carl Althans, senior offensive lineman Rich Mellon, sophomore tight end Brett Young, and junior defensive tackle Joe DeLaura. Althans rushed for 368 yards, losing just six yards, on 70 carries. Althans also caught 24 passes for 208 yards and three touchdowns. He was third on the team in receptions and receiving yards. He also completed two passes for 57 yards and a touchdown, finishing second on the team in total offense (425 yards) and third in all-purpose yards (576).

 

Mellon, a premiere pass blocker, Saints quarterbacks passed for 1,906 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also aided the Saints pile up 1,428 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. Young, the 2004 Liberty League Rookie of the Year, caught 25 passes for 321 yards and one touchdown. A true tight end, Young also blocked for the Saints backfield, as St. Lawrence totaled 1,428 yards this season. Young ranked second on the team in receptions and receiving yards.

 

DeLaura earned Liberty League honors for the second consecutive season, after another solid campaign on the line for the Saints. He finished fifth on the team in total tackles with 44 (18 solo, 26 assist) and third on the team in tackles for loss with 6.5 for 49 yards. He was second on the team and fifth in the league with 5.5 sacks for 44 yards. He also had 4 quarterback hurries, 1 fumble recovery, and blocked two kicks.

 

NINE SAINTS EARN ALL-ACADEMIC HONORS

 

Nov. 15: The Liberty League announced the Football All-Academic honors this week. Nine Saints Football players earned All-Academic honors. To be eligible, a student-athlete must be atleast a sophomore in standing and have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.

 

Senior fullback James Buchanan is a three-time All-Academic honoree. A Sports Marketing major, Buchanan is a native of Calgary, Alberta. Juniors Joe Kondratowicz and O.C. West are honored for the second consecutive season. Kondratowicz, a fullback from Pulaski, N.Y., is majoring in Environmental Studies and Biology. West, a native of Salem, N.Y., is a Math and Education major. Joining them on the All-Academic team for the first time, are senior Jeff Cohen, and sophomores Brandon Bates, Rob Bracho, Charles Cannan, Brail Heil, and Anthony Paul.

 

Cohen, a linebacker majoring in Government, is a native of Chester, Conn. Bates, a defensive tackle from Swampscott, Mass., is a majoring in Government. Bracho, a defensive tackle majoring in Chemistry, is a native of Germantown, Md. Cannan, majoring in History and Government, is a native of Buffalo, N.Y. Heil, a quarterback from Fayetteville, N.Y., is a Biology/Pre-Med major. Paul, a linebacker majoring in Math, is a native of Spring Valley, N.Y.

 

Brandon Bates   Sophomore   Government   ( Swampscott , Mass. )
Rob Bracho   Sophomore   Chemistry   ( Germantown , Md. )
James Buchanan   Senior   Sports Marketing   ( Calgary , Alberta )
Charles Cannan   Sophomore   History & Government   ( Buffalo , N.Y. )
Jeff Cohen   Senior   Government   ( Chester , Conn. )
Brad Heil   Sophomore   Biology/Pre-Med   ( Fayetteville , N.Y. )
Joe Kondratowicz   Junior   Environmental Studies & Biology   ( Pulaski , N.Y. )
Anthony Paul   Sophomore   Math   ( Spring Valley , N.Y. )
OC West   Junior   Math & Education   ( Salem , N.Y. )

 

SAINTS DROP TOUGH 40-33 LOSS TO WPI ON SENIOR DAY

 

Nov. 12: The Saints (2-7, 1-6) jumped out to a 16-0 lead, before falling 40-33 to WPI (6-3, 4-3) in a high scoring affair in Canton, N.Y. Saturday afternoon. St. Lawrence bid farewell to its 22 seniors in an emotional ceremony before the game. In the loss, senior quarterback Tom Anderson became the Saints career passing leader, finishing his career with 4, 327 yards passing.

 

The Saints opened with some trickery, going for the onside kick on the opening kick-off. The move paid off, as sophomore Mike O’Donnell pulled in the ball, giving the Saints possession at the WPI 42. St. Lawrence capitalized on the drive, on a four-yard run by Anderson. The St. Lawrence defense held on the Engineers first two drives, and then scored on its third drive of the game. Anderson moved the Saints 74 yards in five plays, connecting with O’Donnell on a 42-yard pass. The point after try was blocked, and the score stood at 13-0 with 2:17 to play in the first. Early in the second, senior Nick Little converted on a 26-yard field goal to push the Saints lead to 16-0.

 

On the Saints next drive, Anderson became St. Lawrence’s career passing leader. On the third play from scrimmage, Anderson connected with junior Jeremy Cronin on a 43-yard pass to tie Kirk Dempsey’s record of 4,152 yards. On the very next play, he broke the record when he completed a 32-yard pass to O’Donnell.

 

The Engineers finally got on the board at 3:03 in the second, capping a four-play, 80-yard drive with a six-yard run by Justin Wells. WPI then cut the lead to 16-13 when Wells connected with Matt Burger from 15 yards out with just 13 seconds remaining in the half.

 

St. Lawrence extended its lead to 19-13 midway through the third quarter, when Little converted a 22-yard field goal. WPI answered with 13 straight points to take a 26-19 lead at 2:30 in the third quarter. WPI took a 20-19 lead at 5:17 when Butler rushed into the end zone from eight yards out, converting on a St. Lawrence fumble. The Engineers extended their lead to 26-19 when Wells broke free for 46 yards. Junior Joe DeLaura broke through the line, and blocked Jeremy Griffin’s punt, the fourth blocked kick of his career.

 

St. Lawrence tied the game at 26-26 when Anderson marched the Saints 66 yards in 12 plays. On the 12th play of the drive, Anderson connected with senior fullback Carl Althans from four yards out to make it 26-25. Little converted the point after, knotting the game at 26-26 with 11:54 to play in the game. WPI retook the lead with 9:43 to play on a one-yard run by Billy Orfalea. The Saints answered right back with a nine-play, 66-yard drive. Anderson threw his third touchdown pass of the game, this time connecting with sophomore Brett Young with 6:05 to play. Once again, the Engineers answered, taking a 40-33 lead on a six-yard pass from Wells to Burger with 1:22 on the clock.

 

The Saints got the ball back, and marched 61 yards on 11 plays, with Anderson completing passes to senior James Buchanan and Cronin. The drive ended on fourth-and-13 from the WPI 19 when Dustin Bradway picked off Anderson’s pass in the end zone with just nine seconds on the clock.

 

On the day, Anderson completed 19-of-31 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns. O’Donnell led the Saints with seven catches for a career-high 140 yards and one touchdown. Senior Tom Gipson had 65 yards rushing on 21 carries. Althans rushed for 59 yards, caught 2 passes for 13 yards, and completed a pass to Buchanan for 17 yards. Young caught four passes for 73 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, senior Joe Bertino led the team with nine tackles, followed by seniors Mike Reed (8), Jason Antin (7), Jon Shaw (5), and Terrell Foster (5). Reed also had two tackles for loss.

 

 

THE MARINERS RETURN BLOCKED

PUNT FOR 27-21 WIN

Nov. 5: Kings Point’s Frank Dore blocked a Nick Little punt that was returned by Brandon Brooks 40 yards to give the mariners a 25-21 lead with 29.3 seconds left in the game. After a two-point conversion, Kings Point held on to the 27-21 win and took home the Hoffman Cup for the third straight year. Sophomore wide receiver Mike O’Donnell earned MVP honors for the Saints (2-6, 1-6).

 

Kings Point jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead with 8:32 to play in the first. On their first drive, Geoff Troy converted a 38 yard field goal to give the Mariners an early 3-0 lead. Kings Point came back on after forcing a Saints three-and-out and capped a 62 yard drive with a 47 yard touchdown pass to Preston Morgan.

 

Late in the first, junior Hank Anderson tipped Ryan Perruquet’s pass which landed in Jerred Jones’ hands. The junior defensive back ran the interception back 27 yards for the first Saints’ score. The touchdown made the score 10-7.

 

Late in the second, junior Joe DeLaura blocked Troy’s 47 yard field goal attempt, but the Saints were unable to take advantage. On Kings Point’s next drive, senior Joe Bertino made his third career interception to give the Saints the ball back in Mariners’ territory. St. Lawrence would convert off this turnover with 5:51 to play in the half to take a 14-10 lead. On 4 th and three, senior quarterback Tom Anderson handed off to senior fullback Carl Althans. Althans rolled out and connected with junior Jeremy Cronin on the Mariners 20 yard line. With the defense beat, Cronin pulled in the pass and ran into the end zone for his first touchdown of the season.

 

With :22.7 on the clock in the first half, Troy converted on a 26 yard field goal to cut the Saints’ lead to 14-13.

 

In the second half, the Saints took advantage of a failed fake field goal attempt to take a 21-13 lead. Junior Matt Bezio marched the Saints down the field connecting with O’Donnell on a 57 yard pass. O’Donnell shook off a defender and hurried into the end zone for his team-leading 8 th touchdown of the season.

 

With 11:45 to go in the 4 th quarter, Troy converted a 25 yard field goal to cut the Saints lead to 21-16. Four and a half minutes later, Kings Point would again cut the lead, this time to 21-19 when Troy connected on a field goal from 29 yards.

 

The Saints looked to be holding on for the win when they took over possession with just over three minutes to play. With the drive stalling, the Saints were forced to send the punting unit on the field with 29.3 seconds left. Little was unable to get the punt away as Kings Point brought tremendous pressure and created the turnover.

 

The Saints wrap up the 2005 season at Leckonby Stadium Saturday, November 12 th on “Senior Day” versus WPI. Kick off is set for 12:00 p.m.

 

SAINTS FALL TO UNDEFEATED UNION 40-21

 

Oct. 29: St. Lawrence (2-5, 1-4) could not hold down the powerful Union offense, as the Dutchmen (8-0, 5-0) defeated the Saints 40-21 at Leckonby Stadium Saturday afternoon in Liberty League action. Senior quarterback Tom Anderson added another record to his resume in the loss. With his fourth pass attempt of the day, Anderson surpassed Kirk Dempsey’s career pass attempts record of 637, finishing the day with 671.

 

Union came out firing, scoring on their first four drives, taking a 27-0 lead by 10:34 in the second quarter. The Saint defense kept the Dutchmen off the board midway through the second when Ben Rapple’s 38-yard field goal fell short of the goal posts. However, on the ensuing drive, Chris Nappi intercepted Anderson’s pass. Three plays later, Union took a 33-0 lead when Anthony Marotti connected with Andrew Reigle on a 33-yard touchdown pass.

 

The Saints got on the board with 00:51 to play in the half on a long nine-play, 65-yard drive. Carl Althans caught his second touchdown of the season on a 14-yard pass from Anderson. Nick Little’s kick was good and the score stood at 33-7 heading into the half.

 

St. Lawrence held the Union offense in check for the second half, surrendering just seven more points. The Dutchmen scored on their first drive, on a 13-yard pass from Marotti to Steve Angiletta. But that would end the scoring for Union. The Saints offense came alive and scored 14 points in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 40-21. But that was as close as they would come. Mike O’Donnell caught his team-leading seventh touchdown of the season at 7:13 in the fourth. Anderson connected with O’Donnell from 24-yards out to cut the lead to 40-14. The pass capped a nine-play, 72-yard drive.

 

The final score of the game came with 3:39 to play. Junior Matt Bezio checked in at quarterback for the Saints and led the team on a short scoring drive. Bezio went three-for-three for 74 yards on the drive, connecting with sophomore Andrew Ross on a 48-yard pass to make it 40-21.

 

Anderson finished the day 19-of-37 with two touchdown passes for 199 yards. That leaves him just 165 yards shy of tying Dempsey’s career passing record (4,192 yards). He is also just 13 yards shy of eclipsing 4,000 career passing yards. O’Donnell caught three passes for 62 yards. Sophomore Brett Young had three catches for 57 yards. Senior James Buchanan led the rushing attack with 52 yards on seven carries. Defensively, senior Joe Bertino had nine tackles. Juniors Joe DeLaura and Hank Anderson had eight each. Senior Terrell Foster had a blocked PAT, giving him four for his career.

 

The Saints return to action next weekend, as they travel south to face the Kings Point Mariners in the third-annual Hoffman Cup. Kick-off from Capt. Tomb Field in Kings Point, N.Y. is set for 1:00 p.m. The Mariners were off this week.

 

SAINTS UPSET BID FALLS SHORT, LOSE TO HOBART 13-9

 

Geneva, N.Y.: The Saints (2-4, 1-3) came into Geneva with an upset in my mind as they faced the No.11 Hobart Statesmen (7-0, 5-0). Their upset bid fell short, as the Statesmen rallied from a 9-6 halftime deficit to win 13-9 Saturday afternoon in a muddy affair at Boswell Field.

The Saints got on the board in the first, when senior Nick Little lined up for a 37-yard field goal. Instead, sophomore holder Brad Heil pitched the ball out to senior James Buchanan who ran to the sideline and then barreled his way 20 yards into the endzone for his second touchdown of the season. Little’s point-after try was wide and the score stood at St. Lawrence 6-0 at 4:23 in the first.

At 9:26 in the second, Hobart sent kicker Kevin Olson out for a 29-yard field goal to try and cut the lead to 6-3. But junior Joe DeLaura broke the line and knocked the ball down giving the Saints the ball back. On their ensuing drive, senior quarterback Tom Anderson was intercepted by Ryan Smith at the Statesmen 26-yard line. Hobart then marched 74 yards on 11 plays, capped by a nine-yard reception from Shawn Mizro to knot the score at 6-6. Olson converted the extra point and Hobart took a 7-6 lead.

The Saints took over on the kickoff with just 41 seconds left in the half. Anderson moved the Saints down to the Hobart 15-yard line, thanks to a 22-yard reception by sophomore Joe Shehata. With eight seconds left, Anderson hurried the offense to the line and then spiked the ball. Little came on and nailed a 32-yard field goal with just .03 seconds remaining in the half. The Saints headed into the half with a 9-7 lead.

In the second half, Olson came on with 3:53 to play in the third for a 26-yard field goal, trying to give the Statesmen the lead. Olson shanked the ball of the left side of his foot and the score stood at 9-7. On the Saints ensuing drive, Dyshawn Washington intercepted Anderson’s pass with 43.5 seconds remaining in the quarter. Hobart took the field and at 13:20 in the fourth took a 13-9 lead. Mizro connected with Colby Feane on a 31-yard touchdown pass to take the lead. Hobart lined up to go for two and senior Jason Antin sacked Mizro to leave the score at 13-9.

The Saints would get the ball back with 5:41 to play, but turned it over on downs. The St. Lawrence defense came on and held Hobart in check, giving the Saints the ball back with 2:03 to play. A 36-yard punt from Dom Ancona left the Saints on their own 8-yard line with 2:03 to go and down by four. On third down from the Saints 24-yard line, Anderson connected with junior Jeremy Cronin for 30 yards. Four plays later, on fourth and 10 with 1:07 to play, Jeff Sanders picked off Anderson’s pass at the Hobart 35-yard line. The Statesmen took over and kneeled on the ball, taking the win.

The Saints racked up 212 yards rushing on the Statesmen, who led the league in rush defense averaging just 68.0 yards per game. Buchanan, senior Tom Gipson and Anderson all had 50+ yards rushing for the Saints. Sophomore Brett Young led the Saints with 41 yards on four catches. Sophomore Josh Hodges led St. Lawrence defensively with eight tackles. Seniors Jon Shaw and Joe Bertino had seven each. Anderson was 8-of-28 for 122 yards, finishing the game just three shy of tying the Saints career pass attempts record (637). Anderson now has 634 pass attempts.

The Saints return home to Canton next weekend to face the Union Dutchmen. Kickoff at Weeks Field at Leckonby Stadium is set for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29. Fans can listen to all the action on 1470 AM WPDM.

 

SAINTS FALL TO ENGINEERS IN RAINY AFFAIR    

 

Troy , N.Y. : In a cold and rainy game at ’86 Field in Troy , N.Y. , St. Lawrence (2-3, 1-2) fell to Rensselaer (4-1, 2-1) 35-13 in Liberty League action. Sophomore wide receiver Mike O'Donnell led the Saints with career highs for receptions (9) and yards (133) and two touchdowns.    

 

The Saints got on the board early, when junior Matt Bezio connected with O’Donnell on a 21-yard pass to put St. Lawrence up 6-0 with just 2:08 gone in the first quarter. The touchdown strike capped an eight play-68 yard opening drive. The Engineers tried to answer with a long drive, marching down to the Saints two-yard line. But two bad snaps and a 26-yard tackle for loss by junior Hank Anderson and the Engineers were pushed back to the 26-yard line for fourth down. RPI quarterback Jimmy Robertson was injured on the Anderson tackle and back-up Josh Chiappone came in and threw a 21-yard pass to Jon Branche, but the Saints defense stepped up and brought him down at the five-yard line where the St. Lawrence offense would take over.    

 

After forcing a three-and-out for the Saints offense, Rensselaer answered with a five-play 35-yard drive with 6:26 to play in the opening quarter. Robertson returned at QB on the drive and threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Branche to bring RPI within one. The point-after was good and the score stood at 7-7. RPI took over again after another three and out by the Saints. Eleven plays and 53 yards later, Robertson connected with Branche on an 11-yard toss to give the Engineers the lead. On the point-after, sophomore Josh Hodges stepped through and blocked Drew Taranto’s kick. With just 38.1 seconds remaining in the quarter, RPI held a 13-7 lead.    

 

In the second quarter, Rensselaer ’s drive was interrupted by an injury to an offensive lineman who had to be taken off on a stretcher. Several plays later, at fourth-and-26 from the Saint 20-yard line Robertson was flushed out of the pocket by senior Jason Antin. Freshman Andy Welkley, getting his first start at corner, went up high and pulled in his first career interception for the Saints. St. Lawrence was unable to capitalize on the turnover and went three-and-out. After holding the Engineers on fourth down, the Saints took over and on third down, Bezio fumbled. RPI recovered on the first play, Robertson connected with Branche on a 22-yard strike to push the lead to 19-7. With a bad snap on the point-after, holder Brendan McGowan rolled out and connected with Adam Van Horn for the two-point conversion. Forcing another third-and-out, Rensselaer added to its lead with a 25-yard run by Jay Bernardo on fourth down with 1:51 to play in the half.    

 

Bernardo rushed for his second touchdown of the day with 7:25 to play in the third quarter on a one-yard scramble. On the preceding play, Bernardo had rushed for 29 yards before being brought down by Welkley just shy of the goal line. The Saints got back on the scoreboard after a fumble recovery by senior Joe Bertino on the Engineers 27-yard line. Bezio connected with O’Donnell on a 24-yard strike for his second of the day. Little’s point-after try was wide left and the score stood at 35-13 with 4:11 to play in the third. The catch was O’Donnell’s team-leading sixth touchdown reception of the season, giving him nine for his career.    

 

O’Donnell posted his fourth 100+ yard game and his third two-touchdown game of his career. Defensively, the Saints were led by Antin with 12 tackles. Reed, Welkley and Anderson each had nine tackles. Antin also had 3.5 tackles for losses of nine yards.  

 

SAINTS COMEBACK FALLS SHORT, FALL 27-22 TO ROCHESTER

 

Oct. 1: The Saints (2-2, 1-1) comeback late in the fourth quarter against the Rochester Yellowjackets (2-3, 1-1) fell short, as St. Lawrence lost 27-22 to Rochester at Leckonby Stadium Saturday afternoon in Canton, N.Y. in Liberty League action.

 

The Saints got on the board quickly in the first quarter with a seven-play, 66-yard drive. St. Lawrence got on the scoreboard when senior quarterback Tom Anderson connected with sophomore Mike O’Donnell on a 25-yard pass. Senior Nick Little connected on the PAT and the Saints had a 7-0 lead at 12:51 in the first.

 

Fifteen minutes later, Rochester cut the lead to 7-6 with an extended drive, taking 11 plays and 78 yards. The drive was capped by an 11-yard pass from Aaron Molisani to David Ferris. On the PAT, senior Terrell Foster blocked Rob Corey’s kick and returned it over 90 yards for two points, giving St. Lawrence a 9-6 lead with 12:11 to play in the second quarter. Little would add a 46-yard field goal with 8:07 to play in the half to push the Saints lead up to 12-6.

 

The tables turned in the second half, as Rochester came out and took the lead with a 37-yard touchdown pass to Daniel Rivers from Molisani at 10:36 in the third. The scoring strike finished a 10-play, 80-yard drive. Corey’s PAT was good and the Yellowjackets took a 13-12 lead.

Nate Gibbons added to the Yellowjackets lead with a 30-yard run on the reverse with 8:42 to play in the fourth quarter. Forty-six seconds later, Anderson was picked off by Ted Hardenstine, who returned it 20 yards to give Rochester a 27-12 lead with the PAT. The Saints defense held Rochester on fourth down, giving St. Lawrence the ball back with 2:51 to play on the Saints 31-yard line. Anderson marched the Saints down the field, capping a 13-play drive with a three-yard touchdown strike to senior Carl Althans. Anderson then connected with sophomore Brett Young for the two-point conversion, cutting the lead to 27-20.

 

St. Lawrence went for the onsides kick, but Rochester’s Mike MacKenzie fell on it at the St. Lawrence 45-yard line. With 1:50 to play in the game, Rochester went to the run game to run down the clock. On fourth-and-22, in punt formation and just 4.5 seconds on the clock, punter David Ferris ran back and out of the end zone taking the safety as time expired.

 

Anderson finished with 173 yards passing on 19 completions with two touchdowns. Althans finished as the Saints leading receiver (47 yards) and rusher (45), with one touchdown. Anderson also rushed for 33 yards. Sophomore Judin Pierre Louis and Foster led St. Lawrence with 10 tackles each. Foster had 3.0 tackles for loss (18 yards), one QBH, and the blocked PAT. Jon Gorom paced Rochester with 12 tackles, including 1.0 for loss. Bielecki led the Yellowjackets with 129 yards on 32 carries. Molisani passed for 130 yard and two touchdowns on 13 completions, and ran for 50 yards.

 

 

 

 

SAINTS OPEN LEAGUE PLAY WITH 21-7 WIN  

 

Sept. 24: Senior quarterback Tom Anderson threw a pair of fourth quarter touchdown passes to Mike O'Donnell in a span of two minutes and 38 seconds leading St. Lawrence (2-1, 1-0) to a 21-7 win over Coast Guard (2-1, 0-1) in the Liberty League opener for both teams. Anderson broke the Saints career completions record with his 12 th completion of the day. The record was held by Kirk Dempsey (1974-77). Anderson finished the day with 303 career completions.  

 

Anderson (13 of 21, 165 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT) threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to O'Donnell (4 catches, 106 yards, 2 TD) with 13:50 left in the game to increase the Saints lead to 14-0. Anderson converted a third-and-six from the Coast Guard 37-yard line with 14-yard run to keep the drive alive. It was an eight play, 70-yard drive which took just two minutes and 21 seconds.  

On the Saints next possession, following a 66-yard punt by Coast Guard's Jesse Harms, it took St. Lawrence just four plays to go 62 yards capped by a 44-yard touchdown pass from Anderson to O'Donnell for a 21-0 lead with 11:12 left.  

 

Coast Guard got on the board on a three-yard touchdown run by Lance Lynch (24 carries, 81 yards) with 8:18 left in the game. The Lynch touchdown run capped a 12 play, 88-yard drive. On its next possession, following a St. Lawrence punt, Coast Guard drove to the Saints 17-yard line, but turned it over on downs following back-to-back incomplete passes on third-and-eight with 4:33 left, ending any comeback hopes.  

 

A sloppy first quarter saw each team turn the ball over two times as Coast Guard fumbled twice and Anderson threw a pair of interceptions for St. Lawrence. Alan Grosse and Ben Leuthold had the interceptions for the Bears.   Nick Little missed a 33-yard field goal with 1:07 left in the first quarter as the game remained scoreless. Little also missed from 37 yards with 7:09 left in the third quarter.  

 

The Saints drove 84 yards on their first possession of the second quarter before James Buchanan fumbled at the Coast Guard 11-yard line and the Bears' Shane Johnson recovered at the three-yard line with 11:04 left in the first half as it remained scoreless.   St. Lawrence running back Tom Gipson (10 carries, 31 yards) broke the scoreless tie as he scored on a two-yard run, capping a 12-play, 80-yard drive for a 7-0 lead with 1:19 left in the first half.  

 

The Saints totaled 454 yards of total offense, 289 of those on the ground led by Buchanan's 15 carries and 109 yards. Coast Guard had 311 yards of total offense, but the St. Lawrence defense did not allow a rushing yard on 14 carries in the second half.  

 

The Saints are 2-1 to start the season for the first time since the 1991 season. St. Lawrence remains at home next weekend as the Rochester Yellowjackets come to Canton . Game time from Weeks Field at Leckonby Stadium is set for 1:00 p.m. Fans can listen to the action on 1470 AM WPDM with Chris Engel and Rob Larrabee calling the actions. Fans can also follow the stats live on the web at: www.stlawu.edu/sports/football/livestat/xlive.htm  

 

SAXONS HAND SAINTS 42-7 LOSS

 

SAINTS TAKE ON ALFRED SATURDAY

 

Sept. 16: The Saints Football team (1-0, 0-0) looks to continue their winning ways when they travel to Alfred, N.Y. to take on the Alfred Saxons (0-1, 0-0) Saturday, September 17. St. Lawrence opened its season with a dominating 36-0 win at Norwich last Saturday. The Saxons lost to Washington & Lee 36-22 in their season opener last weekend.

 

Saturday’s game marks the 64th meeting between the Saints and the Saxons. Alfred holds a significant edge in the series, leading 40-23. Last season, Alfred scored late in third quarter to break a 9-9 halftime tie and take a 16-9 win over the Saints at Leckonby Stadium. The Saints last defeated Alfred in 1990, a 30-28 win.

 

The Saints are led by senior quarterback Tom Anderson who passed for 240 yards and one touchdown on 18 completions. In addition, Anderson ran for 26 yards and another score. Sophomore tight end Brett Young led the Saints with 66 yards on five catches. Senior fullback Carl Althans also caught five passes for 65 yards. Senior Nick Little, the Liberty League Special Teams Player of the Week, scored 12 of the Saints 36 points last weekend at Norwich. He converted 3-of-4 PATs and was 3-of-3 on field goals, including a long of 42 yards.

 

Defensively, the Saints were led by sophomore Judin Pierre-Louis with seven tackles. Seniors Joe Bertino and Jerred Jones had six stops each, while Jones also forced a touchdown-saving fumble. Senior Jon Shaw pounced on that fumble, giving the Saints possession. Shaw had two stops on the day. Seniors Terrell Foster and Jason Antin had five stops each. Antin had 2.0 TFL for 12 yards, including one sack for nine yards.

 

The Saxons’ offense had seven turnovers against Washington & Lee, four of which led to touchdowns for the Generals. WR Craig Zarzycki caught a five-yard pass from QB Paul Keeley in the second quarter giving the Saxons a 7-3 lead. WR Shay Nelson caught six passes for 65 yards, while Zarzycki caught four for 53 yards, two of which were touchdowns for AU. Keeley threw for 228 yards and three touchdowns. Alfred was unable to run the ball, finishing with only eight yards rushing.

 

Alfred’s defense was led by DB Aaron Meyers who had 12 tackles (two for loss) and an interception. Also helping the Saxons’ defense was DT Don Miller and LB Nicholas Gatto who had 11 and eight tackles respectively.

 

Fans can listen to the action on 1470 AM WPDM with Chris Engel calling the action. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. from Merrill Field in Alfred.

 

LITTLE EARNS LIBERTY LEAGUE HONORS

 

Sept. 12: Monday afternoon, senior placekicker Nick Little was named the Liberty League Special Teams Performer of the Week. Little had a strong start to his senior season in the Saints 36-0 win over Norwich on Saturday. He was 3-4 on PATs and 3-3 on FGs, totaling 12 points on the day. He converted field goals of 42, 38, and 26 yards. With his first PAT of the day, Little reached the 100 point mark for his career. He finished the day with 111 career points. He is the first player under Head Coach Chris Phelps to reach the century mark. Little also averaged 60.4 yards on eight kickoffs and 37.0 yards on three punts.

 

The Saints return to action on Saturday, September 17 at Alfred University. Game time for St. Lawrence’s match-up with the Saxons is set for 1:00 p.m. Fans can listen to the action on 1470AM WPDM with Chris Engel calling the action.

 

SAINTS TOP NORWICH 36-0 IN SEASON OPENER

 

Northfield, Vt.: The Saints Football team (1-0, 0-0) opened their 111 th season of football with a 36-0 win over the Norwich Cadets (1-1, 0-0) in Northfield, Vt. Saturday afternoon. For the third straight season, the Saints opened with a win. Senior quarterback Tom Anderson led the Saints with 240 yards passing on 18 completions. Senior Nick Little tallied his 100 th career point and tied a single game record with three field goals.

 

Anderson gave the Saints a 6-0 lead with his sixth career rushing touchdown with 29.3 seconds remaining in the opening quarter. Little converted the extra point giving St. Lawrence a 7-0 lead. The PAT marked Little’s 100 th career point, making him the first player under Head Coach Chris Phelps to reach the century mark.

 

Little converted a 42-yard field goal with 5:11 to play in the half to push the Saints lead to 10-0. Senior fullback James Buchanan extended that lead to 17-0 with his first career touchdown with a 25-yard reception from Anderson with just seven seconds left to play in the half. At the half, the Saints had 268 yards of offense to Norwich’s 177 yards. The Cadets were hampered by penalties in the first half with five for 89 yards.

 

Norwich had the ball to start the half and with a 33-yard completion to Nate Stroffoleno to the Saints 44-yard line, finally got some offense going. But the St. Lawrence defense held and got the ball back. Anderson marched the Saints down the field on a drive that lasted 12 plays and ate up 5:47 off the clock. The drive was capped by a one-yard run by senior tailback Tom Gipson. Little converted the PAT and the Saints held a 24-0 lead.

 

After forcing a third-and-out on the Norwich offense, the Saints took the field for another extended drive. Anderson once again marched the Saints on a 10 play drive that used up 3:28 off the clock. The drive was capped by a 38-yard field goal by little for a 27-0 lead with 53.2 seconds remaining in the third period. Junior Matt Bezio replaced Anderson at quarterback on third and goal.

 

Following another third-and-out by the Cadets offense, Bezio led the Saints on a 12 play drive, capped by a 26-yard field goal by Little. The field goal tied a school record for field goals in a game with three, held by six players, including Little. On the ensuing drive, Norwich fumbled on second down and junior Jordan Burger fell on it for the Saints. St. Lawrence converted on the turnover with a 10-yard run by junior Terrance Harris, the first of his career. Little missed the PAT and with 6:30 remaining in the game, St. Lawrence held a 36-0 lead over Norwich and the Saints held on for the win.

 

For the game, the Saints had 574 yards of total offense on 90 plays, including 275 yards rushing on 58 carries, and nearly 41 minutes of possession time. St. Lawrence also had 31 first downs to Norwich’s four. The Cadets had 237 yards of offense on 42 plays. This is the first win for the Saints over the Cadets since 1997, when St. Lawrence shutout Norwich 17-0. The 36 points is the most for the Saints since a 38-27 win over Hartwick on November 15, 2003. This is also the first shutout for Coach Phelps and the first for the Saints since that 1997 win over Norwich.

 

The Saints hit the road next weekend as they visit the Alfred Saxons on Saturday, September 17 for a 1:00 p.m. game. Fans can listen to the action on 1470AM WPDM with Chris Engel calling the action.

 

SAINTS OPEN 111 TH SEASON OF FOOTBALL AT NORWICH

 

Sept. 6: The St. Lawrence University football team opens its 111 th season of football at Norwich University Saturday, September 10 in Northfield, Vt. For the second consecutive season, and third time in four years, the Saints open their season on the road. St. Lawrence has won its last two season openers.

 

The Saints will be led by senior quarterback Tom Anderson, who is on pace to break several career records this season. In 2004, Anderson started all 10 games under center, passing for 1,563 yards and nine touchdowns on 130 completions. The Saints top four receivers from 2004 (sophomores Brett Young and Mike O’Donnell, junior Jeremy Cronin and senior Carl Althans) return for Anderson. The quartet combined for 1,284 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Leading the way was 2004 Liberty League Rookie of the Year, Brett Young with 29 receptions for 429 yards.

 

Defensively, the Saints will look to returning starters Chris Young, Joe DeLaura, Jon Shaw, Jason Antin, Bo McDougall, Joe Bertino and Terrell Foster. Bertino led the Saints with 75 tackles, followed by DeLaura in third with 72 tackles. DeLaura also had 8.0 TFL, including a team-leading 4.5 sacks. Antin led the team with 12.0 TFL and had 3.5 sacks.

 

Saturday’s meeting marks the 50 th meeting between the Saints and the Cadets. Last season, Norwich outlasted the Saints 22-16 in Canton, and has won eight straight over St. Lawrence. Norwich holds the edge in the series 25-24.

 

Fourteen starters, six on offense and eight on defense, return for first-year Head Coach Shawn McIntyre. Sophomore Marcus Adames has beat out senior Matt O'Kier for the starting quarterback position. Seniors Andreas Craig (35-535-4) and Chase Jenne (11-123-2) are the top returning receivers. In the backfield, John Yonnone (71 carries, 169 yards) and Greg Felix (45-144) return.

 

The onus will fall on the defense. The Cadets allowed 26 points per game and allowed 31 or more in all four losses. Two-thirds of the starting defense returns anchored by 2004 Empire 8 first-team defensive backs Jamar Rawles (46 tackles, eight interceptions). Sophomore Evan Thomas (31 tackles, interception) will round out the secondary. Coming back from an injury-shortened campaign, junior Greg Abdell (75 tackles, 12 tackles for loss) is one of the top returning tacklers and joins Marc Goncalves (42 tackles, 3½ TFL) and Jason Henika (54 tackles, 7½ TFL) as returning linebackers. Junior Micah Lieberman recorded 63 tackles and three sacks and may take over for the departed Drew DeRenzis (70 tackles, 6½ TFL). Three defensive linemen return, led by junior tackle Steve Brockman (33 tackles, 11 TFL, eight sacks). Akeem Cedeno (40 tackles, eight TFL) and Jimmy Baker (59 tackles, 8½ TFL) return as well.

 

Norwich opened its season with a 42-39 win over Moutn Ida College on September 3. The Mustangs (0-1) were down by 17 points early on in the fourth quarter when they scored back-to-back touchdowns to pull to within three. But Norwich DB Taylor Brown saved the day for the Cadets (1-0) as he snagged his second interception, preserving the final score. Adames threw for 206 yards and four touchdowns, tight end Adam DeJong topped all pass catchers with five grabs and 107 yards and a score. Norwich rolled up 439 yards in total offense, while Mount Ida finished with 357. Defensively, Mount Ida’s George Abele led all tacklers with 15 stops, while Baker finished with nine total tackles.

 

 

SAINTS PRESEASON DIARY: DAY NINE

Associate Director of Athletic Media Relations Jill Olsen will chronicle the progress of the Saint football squad during preseason camp.

Aug. 24: Today marked the final day of preseason camp for the Saints football team and the final entry of my 2005 preseason diary. I hope everyone has enjoyed my little glimpse into the world of Saints preseason football and I hope to see plenty of you at Leckonby Stadium this fall.

Though their first game is still two and a half weeks away, the Saints have stayed pumped up. This Saturday, the team will take the field under the lights of Leckonby at 6:45 for the annual Scarlet and Brown scrimmage. The seniors will split up into two groups and draft players for the scrimmage.

Senior quarterback Tom Anderson is looking strong this season and looks ready to lead the team to a winning season in 2005. His passes are hitting the target and he’s making better decisions. With the help of a strong, veteran offensive line, look for Anderson to make some noise around the league this season. Wide receivers Mike O’Donnell and Jeremy Cronin made some nice catches, while tailbacks Tom Gipson and Terrance Harris ran the ball well. On the defensive side, senior outside linebacker Mike Reed intercepted the ball pumping up the defense during team drills.

 

SAINTS PRESEASON DIARY: DAY EIGHT

Associate Director of Athletic Media Relations Jill Olsen will chronicle the progress of the Saint football squad during preseason camp.

Aug. 23: The Saints finished the two-a-days with a live scrimmage at the end of their second practice today. But first, I’d like to send out a special shout to the offensive line who feels like I’m not giving them enough love in my daily diaries. You’re my boys and my favorite group to heckle … Fee you’re only special in your own world! Now, back to that scrimmage.

On third-and-seven on the first drive, senior quarterback Tom Anderson was forced to scramble and picked up about 15 yards for the first down. On first down, senior corner Jon Shaw had a nice pass break-up on a long ball from Anderson to sophomore wide receiver Mike O’Donnell. Later on third-and-eight, junior wide receiver Jeremy Cronin went up high over Shaw and pulled in a 30-yard pass along the sideline.

On the second drive, sophomore quarterback Brad Heil completed a 16-yard pass to freshman tight end Dan Reger for a first down. Freshman tailback Donald Cunningham fumbled on the next play and freshman defensive tackle Corey Puckey pounced on the ball and recovered it for the defense. Later, Heil completed another long pass, this time to freshman tailback Chris Hoffman for about 20 yards and the first down. Junior inside linebacker Ryan McConville then came up with a big tackle for a loss of about three yards on Hoffman.

On the next drive, freshman defensive end P.J. Connors came around the corner untouched and sacked Heil. On third and long, Heil recovered from a high snap and completed a 30-yard pass to Reger. A few plays later, Connors flushed Heil out of the pocket and he scrambled for the first down. On third and short, McConville broke through for another sack on Heil.

On first down of the next drive, sophomore defensive end Josh Hodges sacked junior quarterback Matt Bezio for about seven yards. On the ensuing down, Bezio completed a 60-yard pass to O’Donnell for a touchdown. On the following drive, Bezio completed a pass to sophomore tight end Chris Lutgens for a first down. On the next play, Bezio ran for 15 yards to extend the drive. The drive ended when sophomore defensive end Rob Bracho sacked Bezio on third down. On the ensuing drive, freshman linebacker Chuck Bradway intercepted the ball after it was tipped. Sophomore defensive tackle Brandon Bates followed with a five-yard TFL on Cunningham.

Bradway picked off his second pass of the day on the following drive and had a good return to the sideline. Freshman quarterback Luke Burris made a nice tackle on Bradway to prevent the touchdown. On the final drive of the day, senior defensive end Jason Antin opened up with a four yard sack on Anderson. On second down, senior fullback Carl Althans carried back to the original line of scrimmage. On third down, Anderson rolled out to the right and completed a pass for the first down, but threw the ball over the line of scrimmage and lost the down.

Tomorrow the team hits the practice field in the afternoon for the final time before classes start on Thursday and will mark my final entry in the preseason diary for 2005.

 

SAINTS PRESEASON DIARY: DAY SEVEN

 

Associate Director of Athletic Media Relations Jill Olsen will chronicle the progress of the Saint football squad during preseason camp.

 

Aug. 22: Just a few more days left of preseason camp and then classes start on Thursday. Today turned out to be a beautiful day for practice, though some ominous clouds loomed over the practice fields and rained threatened.

 

During Pass Skill, sophomore outside linebacker Ben Buskey looked sharp with several tackles and an interception. A few plays later, freshman corner Chris Leon cut in front of sophomore wide receiver Mike O’Donnell on a deep throw and intercepted the ball. Senior inside linebacker Joe Bertino followed with a nice pass break up. Senior fullback James Buchanan had a nice breakout run to the outside during Inside Run drills.

 

During Team and Team 2 drills, senior quarterback Tom Anderson twice had to scramble to avoid sack and then completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to O’Donnell. Anderson was forced to scramble a few times during Team drills. Once he had a dump-off pass to Buchanan and then went forward to block for the fullback. Later, he faked the hand-off to senior tailback Tom Gipson and then threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to a wide opener Jeremy Cronin. A few plays later, sophomore inside linebacker Judin Pierre Louis broke through for a nice tackle for loss on Gipson. Senior outside linebacker Terrell Foster also had a TFL on junior tailback Terrance Harris. Buskey closed out practice with a TFL on Harris too.

 

SAINTS PRESEASON DIARY: DAY SIX

 

Associate Director of Athletic Media Relations Jill Olsen will chronicle the progress of the Saint football squad during preseason camp.

 

Aug. 21: The rain stayed away this morning as the Saints prepared for their first day of two-a-day practices. Most of the guys looked ready to go as the team gets ready for their first game against Norwich on Sept. 10 in Northfield, Vt.

 

After the periods, the Saints split into two groups and ran goal line drills. Senior fullback Carl Althans scored two touchdowns. He caught a pass from senior quarterback Tom Anderson and then ran in for another. Sophomore tight end Chris Lutgens had another falling touchdown pass for the offense. Senior fullback James Buchanan turned the corner for a nice running touchdown, while senior tailback Tom Gipson barreled his way up the middle for a score.

 

During pass skill, junior Jeremy Cronin caught a nice pass while crossing the middle, followed by a nice sideline catch by sophomore Mike O’Donnell. Junior outside linebacker Jordan Burger made a nice interception on Anderson. Sophomore Sean McElduff had a nice long bomb to freshman Wade McDonald. Followed by a short pass to freshman tailback Donald Cunningham, who made a nice turn to beat his defender and then took off for a touchdown. Sophomore Brad Heil had a nice long pass to junior Terrance Harris.

 

On to the team drills, freshman corner Devaun McFarland got up for a nice pass break-up on Anderson in the end zone. On the other side, sophomore outside linebacker Nate Saler made a nice pick when the ball was tipped by a back just past the line of scrimmage. Junior outside linebacker Ryan McConville made a nice stop at the line on Gipson. Sophomore Troy Lassial showed some bursts of speed after the catch this morning. Closing out the first practice of the day, O’Donnell had a nice long catch in the end zone.

 

In the second practice of the day, senior Nick Little closed out the field goal drill with a 57-yard kick that went right down the middle. During the inside run drills, senior Terrell Foster had a nice tackle on Harris when he tried to change directions. Junior Hank Anderson tackled Cunningham so hard he went backwards.

 

During pass skill, freshman Mike Bruno went up high and made a nice interception, followed by a nice pass break up by Foster a few plays later. An alert Jeff Cohen picked off a pass when it went through the hands of freshman Kyle McDonnell. Sophomore Tom Kennedy made a nice grab coming across the middle before being brought down.

 

In team drills, Althans had a nice run after a short pass from Anderson, followed by a touchdown run by Harris when he found a hole and exploded down the field. Senior Jon Shaw broke up a pass from Anderson to O’Donnell as the pair dove into the end zone. A few plays later, Buchanan cut back right and broke through for about 20 yards before he was brought down by sophomore Ben Buskey.

 

During Team 2, sophomore Judin Pierre Louis broke through and would have flattened Anderson if they were allowed to touch the QBs. On the next play, sophomore Brett Young pulled in a nice pass up the middle and converted it into a touchdown.

 

SAINTS PRESEASON DIARY: DAY FIVE

 

Associate Director of Athletic Media Relations Jill Olsen will chronicle the progress of the Saint football squad during preseason camp.

 

Aug. 20: It was another rainy day this morning for the first practice in full pads. But after a week with no hitting, nothing was going to dampen the guys’ spirits as they strapped on the pads.

 

Freshman tailback Donald Cunningham showed off his speed again this morning as he had a couple good runs during Team 2 drills. On the defensive side, freshman free safety Michael Bruno is not a big guy at 5’8” but he packs a big punch as he had a couple nice hits this morning. Freshman corner Chris Leon also had some nice hits – he’s got speed and good hands and I’ve been looking forward to seeing him hit. He didn’t disappoint.

 

Freshman linebacker Jahmaar Dawes continued to impress today. Any ball that gets thrown in his direction he seems to come away with. Junior outside linebacker Jerred Jones had some great hits today. One in particular on senior tailback Tom Gipson. Gipson looked to find a good hole in the defensive line, until Jones came and plugged it up. It looked like Gipson had hit a brick wall.

 

SAINTS PRESEASON DIARY: DAY FOUR

 

 

Associate Director of Athletic Media Relations Jill Olsen will chronicle the progress of the Saint football squad during preseason camp.

Aug. 19: The rain came this morning, but it didn’t dampen the Saints spirits today marked the last practice with just the upperclassmen. Tomorrow morning the whole team will come together for the first practice in full pads.

 

Senior Nick Little opened practice kicking field goals from he referred to as the “ Augusta rough”. Despite that, his distance was pretty good, finishing with a 47-yarder that hit the scaffolding behind the goal posts.

The defense was flying this morning and was pumped up to start the day. They must have had more coffee then me this morning.

 

The quarterbacks were using Head Coach Chris Phelps as a target this morning while the receivers were working with Coach Diagostino. Coach Phelps, the former Saints quarterback, made some pretty good catches. Speaking of good catches, sophomore Mike O’Donnell and junior Jeremy Cronin, and sophomore tight ends Chris Lugtens and Brett Young continued to look sharp in practice. Lutgens had two great diving catches, including one along the sideline. O’Donnell also made a nice one-handed sideline grab.

 

During the 11-v-11 drills, the defense was looking nasty. I don’t know what Coach Farr, the defensive coordinator, has done to get the defense so inspired this August, but they look they are ready to do some damage around the Liberty League this season. Senior outside linebacker and captain Mike Reed and sophomore defensive end Josh Hodges each had nasty sacks. That is, if they were allowed to actually take the quarterback down. Not long after, senior defensive tackle Bo McDougall found a hole and made a nice tackle in the backfield on senior Tom Gipson.

 

In the afternoon, inside linebackers Anthony Paul and Chris Finch were like vacuums with loose balls. On the offensive side, tight end Wade McDonald had a couple good catches, including a sliding catch. Tailbacks Donald Cunningham and Chris Hoffman continued to impress me today with good hands.

 

Later on, when the wide receivers were going up against the defensive backs, Ryan Cooney had several great catches. In the 11-v-11, sophomore Joe Shehata made a great one-handed catch when coming across the middle with a guy on his back. Tailback Keith McEwen had a couple good runs, thanks to big holes opened up by the offensive line.

Well, tomorrow morning the guys will be in full pads and the whole team together on the field for the first time this season. It should be an interesting practice, the guys have been getting antsy because they’re ready to hit and tomorrow they’ll get their first chance to do that this season.

 

SAINTS PRESEASON DIARY: DAY THREE

 

Associate Director of Athletic Media Relations Jill Olsen will chronicle the progress of the Saint football squad during preseason camp.

Aug. 18: Today was the first day in shoulder pads for the Saints football team and I could tell that the guys were ready to start hitting.

 

On the run drills and 11v11, the backs looked really good. The line opened up some holes and the backs found their way through. In particular, seniors James Buchanan, Carl Althans, and Tom Gipson looked good. The tight ends also looked good during the 11-on-11 drills. Sophomore Brett Young, the 2004 Liberty League Rookie of the Year, was looking stronger then last season. He’s got great hands and made some great catches this morning. Also looking good is sophomore Chris Lutgens, he’s a big strong guy and can also make some great plays.

 

The rookies started out with special teams this afternoon, and took a humorous note when freshman Chris Hoffman had the fingers ripped off his glove during punt returns. The punt returners were practicing the reverse and when Hoffman went to hand the ball off, the fingers of his glove went with it! Luckily the only damage done was to his glove.

 

During the 11-on-11 drills near the close of practice, freshman Michael Bruno made a great diving interception on his classmate, quarterback Luke Burris. Also looking good today was rookie tailback Donald Cunningham, who had a few good runs this afternoon.

 

SAINTS PRESEASON DIARY: DAY TWO

Associate Director of Athletic Media Relations Jill Olsen will chronicle the progress of the Saint football squad during preseason camp.

Aug. 18: On Wednesday morning, the Saints hit the weight room for testing. Head Coach Chris Phelps was pleased to see the team’s improvement. The team then hit the field for practice. Coach Phelps felt that the team was more focused then on Tuesday, now that the 110s test was out of the way.

 

Assistant coach Mike Mahoney has a saying he’s trying to instill into his defensive backs – “If I don’t get it, nobody does”. Coach Mahoney spends parts of each practice working on interceptions and pass break-ups. Assistant coach Mark Tallman is doing the same with the outside linebackers. Well, it worked last season, as the Saints defense intercepted twice as many passes in 2004 than in 2003. So maybe this season, they can double that number again. Among the outside linebackers, junior Jordan Burger was working hard and had several good PBUs.

In the afternoon, I checked out the freshmen to see how they were doing. They seem to be adjusting, looking a little less like deer-in-headlights than on Tuesday. Just a couple more days and then they join the rest of the team. Coach Mahoney has got some athletes in the secondary, with real good hands. I can’t wait to see them in pads and see how hard they hit.

 

SAINTS PRESEASON DIARY: DAY ONE

 

Associate Director of Athletic Media Relations Jill Olsen will chronicle the progress of the Saint football squad during preseason camp.

 

Aug. 16: The Saints football team opened preseason camp this morning, with the upperclassmen. The freshman will practice this afternoon. The team began with some conditioning drills, with the team split into the “skill” and “semi” players. Sophomore wide receiver Joe Shehata led the skill players, while sophomore tight end Chris Lutgens could see out in front of the semis.

 

The team then broke into their positions. The guys are playing without pads these first couple of days so it’ll be a “light” day. With the team split up onto two practice fields, I got the chance to watch the backs, receivers and quarterbacks. Senior Tom Gipson, who Head Coach Chris Phelps will look to step up after the graduation of all-league tailback Brett Hughes, had a lot of good looks. Among the receivers, sophomore Mike O’Donnell and junior Jeremy Cronin are looking to pick up where they left off at the end of last season. While Shehata and sophomore Troy Lassial are looking to make their mark this season. Quarterbacks Tom Anderson and Matt Bezio are looking sharp early. Then it was time for special teams. Senior Nick Little was punting for the returners, and was looking real sharp. The returners, Gipson, Bezio, O’Donnell, and junior Terrance Harris among others, made some great catches.

 

For the second half of practice, the team scrimmaged. First up was the offensive line with the backs versus the defensive line. Some of the guys look ready to hit hard and had to be reminded to stay on their feet because they are playing without pads. Then it was time for the receivers and the linebackers to go head-to-head. Practice finished with some 11-on-11 drills. The defense was flying and looked like they are ready to make some noise this season.

 

I have been looking forward to the start of football season and it was good to see the guys again – even if some of them have changed a bit. Senior outside linebacker Terrell Foster shaved his head because “it was way too hot at home”. Just wait until November! Also sporting a new look was junior defensive tackle Joe DeLaura. DeLaura retired his patented knee-high blue socks from last season and opted for black this year to match the practice jerseys. But Coach Phelps pulled a switch on him and the defense will have red jerseys in practice this year.

 

SAINTS AIM TO FINISH WHAT THEY STARTED IN 2004

 

Aug. 16: The fall season is upon us and that mean's football season. The St. Lawrence Saints football team reported for preseason practice yesterday afternoon and will hit the field this morning for the first practice of the 2005 season.

 

The team's motto this year is "Finish". Which is fitting for this year's team and indicative of the unsatisfying feeling leftover from 2004. Despite the fact that last season was the best for the Saints in 13 seasons, the team still feels like they did not take care of business. Four of the team's six losses last season came by less than a touchdown, including a disappointing overtime loss to Kings Point in the Hoffman Cup.

 

Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be looking in on practice and see how the team's doing, see who was working the hardest over summer. But for now, here's a peek at the team's outlook for 2005.

 

OFFENSE
Head Coach Chris Phelps is excited about the return of eight starters on offense this season, despite the loss of two-time all-conference tailback Brett Hughes, and linemen Pat Reagan and Marc Tapscott. In 2004, the Saints offense averaged 19.7 points and 337.0 yards per game. Three of the top five receivers and two of the three top rushers from last season are returning in 2005 for the Saints.

 

QUARTERBACK
Senior Tom Anderson (Syracuse, N.Y.) returns at the quarterback position for Coach Phelps. Anderson started all 10 games last season and has played in 23 games in his career. Last season, Anderson threw for 1563 yards on 130 completions with nine touchdowns. He was also the third leading rusher with 186 yards and three scores. He had career games against Coast Guard and WPI last season, setting two single-game records (yards gained passing and total offense) against the Bears. With another season like 2004, Anderson is on pace to break as many as four career school records this season. His experience with the offense and against the Saints opponents will be a huge contributor to the team’s success this season. Looking to challenge Anderson will be junior Matt Bezio (Morrisonville, N.Y.). A two-time all-state honoree, Bezio was hampered by injuries in his first two seasons, but has shown his talent and versatility.

 

THE BACKFIELD
Senior Tom Gipson (Lake George, N.Y.) will step into the starting role at tailback, vacated by the graduation of Hughes. Gipson was the Saints second-leading rusher with 386 yards on 118 carries. He was the team MVP of the Hoffman Cup, after rushing for 72 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Gipson also saw time on special teams, returning 21 kicks for 395 yards. Junior Terrance Harris (Kingston, N.Y.) will challenge Gipson at tailback. There is a talented corps of tailbacks in the recruiting class, including all-state selection Keith McEwen (Dover, N.H.), Donald Cunningham (Coral Springs, Fla.), and Chris Hoffman (Greenacres, Fla.).

Returning at the fullback position are two productive players from 2004 – seniors Carl Althans (Ellicottville, N.Y.) and James Buchanan (Calgary, Alberta). Both are very versatile, with the ability to run, block or catch the ball. Althans averaged 15.9 yards per carry and 15.6 yards per catch in 2004. Buchanan rushed for 68 yards and caught seven passes for 43 yards last season. Carl Festa, an all-state recruit from Auburn, N.Y. will look to challenge for playing time in 2005.

TIGHT END
Returning at tight end is 2005 Liberty League Rookie of the Year and All-East selection Brett Young (Sanbornville, N.H.). Also returning is sophomore Chris Lutgens (Greenwich, N.Y.). Young had a breakout season for the Saints and led St. Lawrence in receptions with 29 and receiving yards with 429. He was the first rookie to post more than 400 yards receiving in more than eight seasons. Lutgens played in all 10 games last season at tight end. Both Young and Lutgens are physical and tough when blocking or they can be flexed and used at wide receiver.

 

WIDE RECEIVER
A young receiving corps returns for Coach Phelps in 2005. Sophomore Mike O’Donnell (Haverhill, Mass.) and junior Jeremy Cronin (Warrensburg, N.Y.) stepped up in 2004 after the season-ending injury to Gary Gaines. O’Donnell proved to be a difference maker, coming into his own as the season progressed and became one of the premiere rookies in the league. He was the team’s second-leading receiver with 27 catches for 396 yards and three touchdowns. Cronin finished third on the team with 303 yards on 19 catches, including a long of 61 yards. He also caught three touchdown passes. Looking to challenge for playing time in 2005 are sophomore Joe Shehata (Orangeburg, N.Y.), Charles Cannan (Buffalo, N.Y.) and Troy Lassial (Ogdensburg, N.Y.). Leading the recruiting class is all-state selection Matt Carrigg (Endwell, N.Y.).

 

OFFENSIVE LINE
Three starters return on the line in 2005. The Saints lost experience in Tapscott and Reagan, but return great experience with tackles senior Rich Mellon (Taunton, Mass.) and junior Chris Fee (Ogdensburg, N.Y.), and senior center Michael Chaffee (Van Etten, N.Y.). Seniors Chris Barone (Yonkers, N.Y.) and Mike Konyak (Whitesboro, N.Y.) have returned from injury and will be ready to go in 2005. Also returning are juniors Dave Angeline (Scottsville, N.Y.) and O.C. West (Salem, N.Y.), both of whom saw playing time last season. Coach Phelps also expects great things from incoming freshmen Jason Arnold (Lake Clear, N.Y.), Randy Cardenas (Swarthmore, Pa.), Tim LaRose (Weedsport, N.Y.), Brendan Mitchell (Somers, N.Y.), Kevin Tyler (Vermontville, N.Y.) and Josh Tyler (Vermontville, N.Y.).

 

DEFENSE
Seven starters return on defense for Defensive Coordinator Kevin Farr and five of those seven have earned all-league honors in the past two seasons. The linebackers and defensive linemen have the most experience and have played the most football at St. Lawrence. In 2004, Saints opponents scored 4.6 fewer points per game (46 on the season), posted 471 fewer rushing yards, 410 fewer yards of total offense and ran 62 fewer plays. St. Lawrence sacked opposing quarterbacks twice as many times (26) and intercepted twice as many passes (8) as in 2003.

 

DEFENSIVE LINE
Senior co-captain and all-league defensive end Jason Antin (Pepperell, Mass.) returns in 2005. Antin finished fifth on the team in tackles with 66, including 12.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Looking to fill the void left by the graduation of Andy Steele will be outstanding sophomores Josh Hodges (Cornwall-on-Hudson, N.Y.) and Rob Bracho (Germantown, Md.). The addition of recruits P.J. Connors (Pittston, Pa.), Jonathan Edwards (Weston, Fla.), and Alan Rajapa (Queens, N.Y.) should provide for some stiff competition at the defensive end position.

Senior co-captain Bo McDougall (Quechee, Vt.), senior Chris Young (Shutesbury, Mass.), and junior Joe DeLaura (Tuckahoe, N.Y.) return at defensive tackle in 2005. These three returners have proven to be productive in the league and possess the most experience. McDougall, a 2003 all-league selection, totaled 24 tackles in 2004, had 5.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. Young posted 24 tackles at nose guard, including 2.0 tackles for loss and one sack. DeLaura had a breakout season, earning all-league honors after posting 72 tackles, including 8.0 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Add in incoming freshman Corey Puckey (Castle Creek, N.Y.) and the defensive line should be even tougher than in 2004.

 

LINEBACKERS
Senior and three-year starter Joe Bertino (Ossining, N.Y) returns at inside linebacker. Bertino led the Saints in tackles in 2004 with 75 and had two interceptions. Senior Sean Regan (Hinsdale, Mass.), junior Hank Anderson (Duxbury, Mass.), and sophomore Judin Pierre Louis (Nyack, N.Y.) will look to challenge each other for the position left vacant by the graduation of Matt Gulley. Also returning is sophomore Matt Manchester (Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.). All-league honorees, seniors Terrell Foster (Pomona, N.Y.) and Mike Reed (Angola, N.Y.) return at outside linebacker. Foster and co-captain Reed, bring experience and depth at linebacker. Foster posted 63 tackles in 2004, including 10 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. Reed finished second on the team with 74 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Senior Jeff Cohen (Chester, Conn.), junior Jordan Burger (Ilion, N.Y.), sophomores Ryan McConville (Cold Spring, N.Y.) and Ben Buskey (Hanover, N.H.), and incoming freshman Dan O’Sullivan (Clinton, N.Y.) will challenge for playing time in 2005.

 

SECONDARY
The secondary is the area hit hardest by graduation, with the loss of all-league selections Dan Haley and Randy Pifer. Senior Jon Shaw (Hamburg, N.Y.) is the sole returner in the secondary. Shaw totaled 24 tackles last season and had six pass break-ups. Juniors John Decker (Tupper Lake, N.Y.) and Jerred Jones (Bedford Hills, N.Y.) will battle at the free safety position. Incoming freshman Mike Bruno (Westport, Conn.) will push the upperclassmen and look to make an impact. There is little depth at corner with lone starter Shaw returning. Sophomore Rob LaMere (Tupper Lake, N.Y.) and newcomer Tony Fidd (Lake George, N.Y.) will look for playing time. In addition, Coach Farr is excited about the addition of a great recruiting class, including Devaun McFarland (Binghamton, N.Y.), Hakiem Greenhut (New York N.Y.), and Chris Leon (Ozone Park, N.Y.).

 

SPECIAL TEAMS
Returning for his senior season is Liberty League and All-East first-team selection Nick Little (Kenmore, N.Y). Little was second on the team with 51 points and finished the season with 99 career points. He led the Liberty League in field goals, field goals per game and was third in PAT percentage (91.3%). Little averaged 34.1 yards per punt, placing 11 inside the 20, and had a long of 62 yards. He was 10-of-14 on field goals, including going 4-of-6 from 40+ yards. On point after tries, he was 21-of-23. Incoming freshman Kyle Phillips and Matt Popov will look to challenge Little in 2005. Bezio and Gipson will again return kicks for the Saints this season. In 2004, Gipson returned 21 kicks for 395 yards, averaging 18.8 yards per return. Bezio returned 11 kicks for 212 yards, averaging 19.3 yards per return. On punts, Bezio totaled 132 yards on 13 returns, including a long of 66 yards.

 

THE SCHEDULE
Coach Phelps is excited about the second year of the Liberty League and the team’s goal of winning the league championship. The start of the league in 2004 with the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament created great competition in the league. Great rivalries were created with the new members while maintaining the traditional rivalries. The Saints will once again play Norwich and Alfred, both of whom played in ECAC post-season games in 2004, at the start of the season. The Liberty League has proven, from top to bottom, to be on of the best, with league champion Hobart advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

 

The Saints open league play at home against Coast Guard on September 24, followed by Rochester on October 2. St. Lawrence hits the road to face Rensselaer on October 8 and Hobart on October 22 before returning home to face Union on October 29. The Saints will travel to Kings Point to face the Mariners on November 5 for the Hoffman Cup and close the season at Leckonby on November 12 against WPI.

 

CAPTAINS ANNOUNCED FOR 2005

 

Apr. 29: St. Lawrence Head Football Coach Chris Phelps announced the captains for the 2005 season this week. Seniors Jason Antin, Bo McDougall and Mike Reed will captain the Saints next season.

 

Antin, who was awareded the prestigious John Burger Memorial Award as Lineman of the Year, had a breakout season for the Saints at his defensive end position. He doubled his tackle total from 2003 (32) and led the Saints in tackles for loss with 12.0 for 77 yards. Antin also sacked opposing QBs 3.5 times for 41 yards and blocked one kick. In three seasons, he has totaled 120 tackles.

 

As a junior, McDougall totalled 24 tackles from his defensive tackle position. He had 5.0 tackles for losses of 25 yards and 3.0 sacks for 23 yards. In three seasons, McDougall has 125 tackles. McDougall earned second-team all-league honors in 2003 with 62 tackles, including 7.0 tackles for losses of 36 yards.

reed was named the Saints 2004 Defensive MVP. Reed was second on the team with 74 tackles and ranked 12th in the league with 7.4 tackles per game. He tallied three double-digit tackle games with a career-high 16 tackles against Hobart. Reed has registered 217 tackles in three seasons with the Saints.