September 29, 2008

BRYANT FOOTBALL SAVORS FIRST VICTORY OVER DIVISION I FOE

 

The Bulldogs downed Wagner 24-14 to earn their first win of the season over a Division I opponent.

SMITHFIELD, R.I. - Last Saturday's 24-14 win over Wagner College not only moved the Bulldogs back above .500 heading into the bye weekend, but will be long remembered in the record books as Bryant's first against a Division I opponent.  After notching wins over Division II Merrimack and Southern Connecticut, the Bulldogs ventured down to Staten Island and pulled out a solid win over the host Seahawks on a wet and dreary afternoon. 

While Brooklyn native Jerell  Smith carried the offense with 143 yards on the ground, it was the Bryant defense that stood tall in the end.  Behind the play of safety Bryce Martins, linemen Don Smith (2 sacks), Andrew Regan, Patrick and Peter Gauthier and linebacker Andre Whyte, the Bulldogs held Wagner to just 10 first downs and negative 17 yards rushing. 

The Bulldogs led 17-7 at the half with the lone blemish coming on a short pass to tight end Peter Zagorski that turned into an 80 yard score.  It was Zagorski's only catch of the day.

Whyte helped get the Bulldogs on the board with a blocked punt that was recovered by Anthony Castelli in the end zone.  From there, the Bulldogs racked up six sacks for a loss of 47 yards in the game and tallied 11 tackles for a loss.  Corner John Suarez had a fumble recovery and interception return for 23 yards.

Punter Brian Donnelly did a good job of pinning the Seahawks deep.  The senior averaged 46.3 yards on six punts including a long of 65.

The Bulldogs will have a week off to get healthy before heading to Poughkeepsie, NY to face Marist College in a 6 p.m. game October 11.