Susquehanna 8, WPI 7 

Box Score

Worcester, MA --- Junior quarterback Derek Pope (Selinsgrove, PA) flicked a two-yard touchdown to receiver Nick Macia (Hampton, NJ) with no time remaining in the fourth quarter and found Macia again for the game-winning two point conversion as visiting Susquehanna stunned WPI 8-7 on a windy and rain-filled Saturday afternoon. 

The win was the first Liberty League victory for the Crusaders, who began conference play this fall.  Susquehanna improves to 2-7 on the season and 1-5 in the Liberty League while the Engineers drop to 4-5 overall and 1-5 in conference play. 

The game was a hard-fought defensive battle with the remnants of Hurricane Noel providing a heavy, wind-swept rain throughout the contest.  The game was scoreless until the fourth quarter when WPI embarked upon a methodical 80-yard drive that lasted 9 minutes and 24 seconds.  Aided by a key fourth and four-yard double reverse by receiver Mike Butler (Athol, MA) to the SU 12, quarterback Rob Pantalone (Camp Hill, PA) scored on a one-yard plunge on third and goal. Freshman kicker Ben Carter (East Providence) converted the extra point to give the Engineers a 7-0 lead with 5:23 remaining in the game. 

After the teams traded turnovers and failed fourth-down conversations, the Crusaders took over on their own 42 yard line with 2:08 remaining and no timeouts.  Pope, who until the final drive, had not completed a pass on the day, connected on 28 and 23-yard plays to receiver J.J. Moran (Pottsville, PA) to bring the ball down to the WPI 2.  After Pope spiked the ball to stop the clock, Susquehanna tried to pound it in twice with work-horse running back  Dave Paveletz (Warrior Run, PA) but was stopped both times for no gain.  With the clock continuing to run, Pope went to the a play-action pass to Macia, who corralled the ball in the back of the end zone as time expired. 

After a WPI timeout, Susquehanna elected to go for the win and converted the two-point conversation when Pope rolled right and found Macia in the back of the right side of the end zone for the game-winning points. 

The wild fourth quarter overshadowed both teams' defensive efforts.  After Susquehanna open the contest with three first downs on its drive and WPI countered with one of their own on its opening possession, the two teams combined to go three-and-out on the next nine possessions.  The Crusaders enjoyed the best scoring opportunity of the first half when then took advantage of a botched snap on a punt and downed the hurried kick at the WPI 18. The Crimson and Gray defense stiffened and SU's attempt at a 37-yard field goal was aborted due to a bad snap. 

On the day the teams tallied a total of just 21 first downs with WPI enjoying a slight edge in total offense (201-187).     

The Crusaders were led by Pavelez, who rushed a season-high 35 times for 107 yards. Linebacker Nate Moore (Selinsgrove, PA) paced the Crusaders defensive attack with 10 solo tackles while Dan Golias (Johnston, PA) chipped in with eight stops, including 2.5 for loss. 

The WPI defense played a remarkable game with linebacker Micheal Toto (Agawam, MA) amassing eight tackles and effectively ending two drives with stops on fourth down. Senior Matt Boudreau (Rensselaer, NY) led the Engineers with a game-high 11 tackles while Jimmy Bellafatto (Braintree, MA) had six stops (two for loss) on the day. Defensive back Andrew Sides (Acton, MA) also finished the game with two interceptions and six tackles. 

On offense, freshman running back Manny Cambra (Bethel, CT) and Pantalone combined for 29 rushes and 67 and 66 yards on the ground respectively.  

Both teams with close out the 2007 season with contests next Saturday.  WPI will travel to Canton, NY to take on St. Lawrence at noon while Susquehanna will host the United States Merchant Marine Academy at 1:30pm. 

Story written by Athletics Intern Steven M. Miller, Jr