Mules capture 2nd straight Centennial Conference crown
Tim Murray
Issue date: 11/13/08 Section: Sports
The Muhlenberg Football Team had a lot on the line entering their game this weekend. Not only was it the last home regular season game for 16 seniors, but with a win the Mules would claim their second straight outright Centennial Conference title. Ursinus (3-6, 2-5) entered the game trying to play the role of spoiler, but the Mules would have none of that. Muhlenberg jumped on the Bears from the start and never looked back. The Mules' offense amassed for 561 total yards and the defense did not allow any points (Ursinus' only points came on a kickoff returned for a touchdown in the 4th quarter). The total domination from start to finish by Muhlenberg led to an easy 45-8 win.
The Mules received the opening kickoff but missed on a long field goal attempt on their opening drive. But the defense was ready to make some noise. On Ursinsus' second play from scrimmage, Justin Decristofaro threw an interception to senior linebacker Matt Rathbun, which he took 29 yards to the house to give the Mules an early 7-0 lead. Later in the first, senior running back John DeLuca proved that he could not only run but throw as well when he connected with junior wide receiver Phil Cresta on a 65 yard touchdown pass to give Muhlenberg a 14-0 lead after the first quarter. DeLuca would add another touchdown, this time on the ground, in the 2nd and sophomore kicker Michael Katz nailed a 37-yard field goal as time expired in the first half to give the Mules a very comfortable 24-0 lead heading into the locker rooms.
The second half seemed to be the same story as Muhlenberg continued their domination. The Mules' first drive of the half started on their own 14 yard line but that did not change Coach Donnelly's plan of attack. He called DeLuca's number each play on this drive, and 12 plays and 86 yards later the Mules led 31-0. DeLuca would add another touchdown in the 4th along with a touchdown pass from senior quarterback Eric Santagato to senior wide receiver Edward DeRisi. DeRisi had a career day with 6 catches for 113 yards and a touchdown. DeLuca was honored as Centennial Conference Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this year as he accounted for 267 total yards (202 rushing and 65 passing) and 4 touchdowns (3 rushing and 1 passing). DeLuca only needs 78 rushing yards this weekend to have the most rushing yards in a season and 255 yards to break the all-time rushing record. Both of the records are held by Matt Bernardo who graduated in 2002. Katz also set the school record for most consecutive extra points made, which now stands at 42.
The Mules received the opening kickoff but missed on a long field goal attempt on their opening drive. But the defense was ready to make some noise. On Ursinsus' second play from scrimmage, Justin Decristofaro threw an interception to senior linebacker Matt Rathbun, which he took 29 yards to the house to give the Mules an early 7-0 lead. Later in the first, senior running back John DeLuca proved that he could not only run but throw as well when he connected with junior wide receiver Phil Cresta on a 65 yard touchdown pass to give Muhlenberg a 14-0 lead after the first quarter. DeLuca would add another touchdown, this time on the ground, in the 2nd and sophomore kicker Michael Katz nailed a 37-yard field goal as time expired in the first half to give the Mules a very comfortable 24-0 lead heading into the locker rooms.
The second half seemed to be the same story as Muhlenberg continued their domination. The Mules' first drive of the half started on their own 14 yard line but that did not change Coach Donnelly's plan of attack. He called DeLuca's number each play on this drive, and 12 plays and 86 yards later the Mules led 31-0. DeLuca would add another touchdown in the 4th along with a touchdown pass from senior quarterback Eric Santagato to senior wide receiver Edward DeRisi. DeRisi had a career day with 6 catches for 113 yards and a touchdown. DeLuca was honored as Centennial Conference Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this year as he accounted for 267 total yards (202 rushing and 65 passing) and 4 touchdowns (3 rushing and 1 passing). DeLuca only needs 78 rushing yards this weekend to have the most rushing yards in a season and 255 yards to break the all-time rushing record. Both of the records are held by Matt Bernardo who graduated in 2002. Katz also set the school record for most consecutive extra points made, which now stands at 42.