rowanfootball.com - The Independent Rowan Football Magazine

Um. Ouch.

For the second week in a row the first stringers on the Rowan football team played only the first half. Second and third teamers also received significant playing time against Brockport two weeks ago. This bodes well on so many fronts. First, it means that both offensive and defensive squads are in sync and causing opponents problems on both side of the ball. Second, the starters have had the equivalent of bye in time off, which is important since it allows the team nurse and/or avoid injuries. Third, young and hungry backup Prof players have made use of their playing time by continuing to beat and score on the opponents first team in the second half. Rowan is a team on the come in the East.

The defense limited Morrisville to 105 yards of total offense. Rowan improves to 5-1 overall and 4-1 in the conference.

The Profs held the Mustangs to 55 yards passing and 50 yards rushing. Linebacker Evan Picariello led the way with eight tackles. Linebackers Patrick Ruley, Andrew Yezzi and Steve Hague registered five stops apiece. Yezzi also had one sack. Safety Steve Wall forced a fumble and recovered two. Cornerback Steve Roane had one interception, while safety Mike Barone forced a fumble.

Superback Ryan Leafey totaled 125 yards rushing and three touchdowns on nine attempts. Quarterback Frank Wilczynski ran for 63 yards and two touchdowns on three carries. He completed 11 of 16 passes for 85 yards and one touchdown. Superback David Tejada ran for 54 yards and one touchdown on 11 touches, while superback Tariq Gaines had one touchdown on the ground. Wide receiver TJ Pratt, named the NJAC Offensive Rookie of the Week for the second time, made three receptions for 27 yards and one touchdown.

Rowan went ahead 7-0 at 11:34 in the first quarter when Leafey broke free for a 22 yard touchdown run. The Profs started on the Mustangs’ 36 yard line. Superback Jon Downes had a six yard carry and Leafey followed with an eight yard run. Leafey scored on the next play. At 8:40, Wilczynski had a 52 yard touchdown carry. He was two for two in the drive for 13 yards prior to the run. Wilczynski added a three yard touchdown run at 2:14. Rowan took over on the Morrisville six yard line after a 27 yard punt return by Wall. With 16 seconds left in the period, Leafey scored on a 55 yard touchdown run to give Rowan a 27-0 lead after the PAT was blocked.

In the second, Leafey scored his third touchdown with a 28 yard carry at 12:51. Leafey’s touchdown was set up when Wilczynski threw a 20 yard pass to wideout Dan Reed on the previous play. Just over five minutes later, Pratt hauled in a 10 yard touchdown grab. Rowan began the drive on the Morrisville 41 yard line. Wilczynski was three for three for 19 yards. At 6:15, Gaines crossed the goal on a one yard carry. On the previous play, linebacker Jerome Gordon blocked a punt which the Profs brought back to the Mustang one yard line. Kicker Mark Getsinger nailed a 24 yard field as time expired to give Rowan a 51-0 halftime advantage. The Profs started on the Mustangs’ 38 yard line. Wilczynski completed three passes for 31 yards.

Hagerty took over at quarterback in the third and scored on a 13 yard touchdown run at 14:19. Rowan started on the Morrisville 27 yard line after Barone forced a fumble and Wall recovered it. Gaines had one yard carry before Hagerty found the end zone. On the first play of the Profs’ next possession, Tejada had a 40 yard touchdown rush. Tight end Michael Wojceichowski blocked a Morrisville punt out of the back of the end zone for a safety at 8:05 in the fourth.

Rowan hosts Buffalo State College in its Homecoming game on Saturday, October 17 at 1:30 p.m. At halftime, the Profs will honor former head coach Richard Wackar by naming their newly renovated facility Coach Richard Wackar Stadium.