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Junior Tim Hagerty started at quarterback replacing the injured Frank Wilczynski.  Hagerty  threw for 114 yards on nine completions in 17 attempts with one interception. Hagerty also had a 34 yard touchdown run.

The Profs stayed pretty consevative and tried to rely on the defense to keep them in the game.  The defense had two interceptions, one of which led to one 15 yard touchdown run by Ryan Leafey.  The inability of Rowan to convert of third down deep in their own territory combined with poor kickoff coverage, gave Cortland and average starting field position of the 50 yard line for Red Dragon scoring drives. The field position disadvantage plus a 13 minute time-of-possession deficit wore down the Profs dedense in the second half.

Rowan rushed for 177 yards on 41 attempts led by Ryan Leafey who had 124 yards on 24 attempt with one touchdown and an early fumble that led to Cortland’s first touchdown. Freshman wide receiver James Kinloch had three receptions for 52 yards. Wideouts Val Terebizh  and Mark Lisa contributed with 40 and 32 yards receiving respectively.

Profs defense was led by linebackers Kevin Taylor and Andrew Yezzi registered 10 tackles apiece. Taylor also forced a fumble. Safety Mike Barone made eight stops. Defensive end Kyle Kane tallied two sacks. Cornerbacks Husain Shakir and Malcolm Dock each had one interception. Safety Steve Wall forced a fumble and defensive lineman Steve Williams chipped in with one fumble recovery.

Quarterback Dan Pitcher threw for 192 yards and two touchdowns before leaving the game in the forth quarter with an apparent season ending injury to his right leg.  Red Dragons’ defensive end Brian Wiley posted a game-high 15 tackles, three tackles for a loss and 0.5 sacks.

The season is far from over and the NJAC title is still up for grabs and two teams from the NJAC could make the playoffs. Rowan heads to William Paterson next week at 1 pm.

The 2009 season heats up early for the Profs.  Rowan begin its second week on the road seeking to snaps Cortland’s two game win streak against the Profs.  A win would be the program’s 300th victory. The last time Rowan lost two in a row to the Red Dragons was during the 1964-65 season. The Profs are 10-5-1 against Cortland on two streaks of five consecutive wins (1996-2000, 2002-06). Last year,  Cortland scored a touchdown with 45 seconds left winning 27-20.

Cortland beat Morrisville last week 26-17. Colgate transfer Dan Pitcher, a junior now, leads the Red Dragons at quarterback. He compiled over 300 yards of offense. He threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns, and led the team with 98 yards rushing and one touchdown. Wide out Eric Hajnos grabbed six passes for 88 yards and a touchdown. Defensive end Evan Wyler paced the defense with 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.  Linebacker James Lenhart followed with 10 tackles and two sacks.

The Profs must get pressure on Pitcher who seems to be similar to the Profs’ Frank Wilczynski.  Give Pitcher running lanes and he may take off.  The Rowan defense must stay in their gaps as they apply pressure.  With the graduation of running back Andrew Giuliano, the Red Dragon backfield may take a step back this year.  Giuliano ran well against Profs, including 136 yards and two touchdowns last year.

The keys to this game will be how often Cortland is forced into third and long, which team performs better on special teams, and if the Profs improve in the passing game over week one. Rowan was really good at forcing third and longs last week.  And except for one breakdown, Profs specials teams helped win the position battle against Lycoming. I think special teams may decide this one.