Groth converting a 43-yard field goal with 6:22 left in the first quarter giving the Owls a 3-0 lead. Photo Credit: Bobby Martinez
Bobby Martinez – Sports Writer
The cold rain, with gusty winds that took over Jess Dow Field in the Owls last home game of the season, affected the Owls throughout the game resulting into a 28-3 loss to LIU Post (Pioneers), dropping their record to 2-7 on the season.
The Owls struck first on an afternoon where it was very hard for both teams to get comfortable on both sides of the ball. Owls junior kicker, Jeffrey Groth, converted on a 43-yard field goal attempt, giving the Owls a 3-0 lead with six minutes left in the first quarter. But that would be the only points the Owls will score all game, weather conditions made it hard for the Owls to score and play defense.
“The ball just didn’t bounce our way throughout the game,” said sophomore offensive lineman Wesley Crowell. “ It was tough to get going most of the game. The weather did make it hard for us because we were constantly on and off the field. As for the line, it really didn’t affect us.
Pioneers senior quarterback Steven Laurino, gave the Pioneers a 7-3 lead in the final minutes of the first quarter, after a 2-yard yard into the end zone. The touchdown capped off a nine play, 65-yard drive.
Owls freshman quarterback, Ray Catapano, had a hard time all game trying to put points on the board. It was hard for Catapano to shred a Pioneers defense who managed to tally a total of five sacks on the game.
But the Owls defense struggled all game long, as they tried to stop a Pioneers offense that had a total of 466 yards, verses the Owls offense, which had a total of 206 yards. In addition to the loss, the heart of their defense, seniors Zachary Williams and Brian Wilcox, played their final home game of their collegiate career.
Watch Jeff Groth @SoConnFootball connect on a career-long 43 yard field goal today against LIU-Post: https://t.co/CqSk4lFhh5
— SCSU Athletics (@SCSU_Owls) November 1, 2014
Williams, who has been the Owls most consistent lineman this season, recorded two sacks against the Pioneers. Williams on the season, has a total of seven sacks, 30 solo tackles and 43 assisted tackles.
Wilcox on the other hand, has been leading the Owls in tackles the past two seasons. In 2013, Wilcox recorded total of 111 tackles, 68 solo tackles. On the season, heading into their final matchup against Merrimack College, Wilcox has a total of 76 tackles, 46 solo tackles.
In addition to both, Wilcox and Williams, Owls top receiver heading into the sason, Gary Williams, played his final home game as well. Despite having a rough season statistically compared to last season where Williams had 35 receptions for 550 yards and a team high, five touchdowns, Williams has only one touchdown on 37 receptions for 396 yards.
Crowell said, “Those three guys are very competitive. They play hard all the time and have taught me a lot in my three years playing with them.”
Part of the Owls loyal fan base, senior sociology major Bruce Escher, said, it’s was a pleasure seeing the Owls play this season despite a 2-7 record. He said, he enjoys seeing this young Owls team play hard every drive no matter the score, and to him, is the reason why he supports the Owls football team.
“I know this team is young,” said Escher. “ Not only are they young, they have a new coach. I think since they (coaches and players) have played a year together, they know the expectations Godek is looking for. You can tell when they play, they like playing under Godek.”
Escher added,” I think next season, they will have a very good year. If the coaching staff can bring in recruits who fit his style of play, I think this team might have something special in the making.”
Owls host Merrimack College in their season finale Nov. 8, in North Andover, Mass.