Hendrix Award
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Also at the game, college honors former coach and longtime Davidsonian Dave Fagg, who retires in December
Davidson College closed out its 2009 football season Saturday with a 14-6 loss to league foe Marist at Richardson Stadium.
The loss left the Wildcats at 3-7 on the year, 3-5 in the Pioneer Football League. The Red Foxes of Marist finished at 7-3 overall, 5-2 overall.
The Wildcats defense tallied three interceptions and blocked a field goal, but Marist was able to keep Davidson out of the end zone.
Marist quarterback Chris Debowski rushed 15 times for 153 yards and completing 7-of-18 passes for 94 yards. Marist totaled 276 yards rushing. Davidson’s Tyler Lemmons, Partick Hunt and John Harrington were each able to intercept a Debowski pass, but the ‘Cats were unable to turn the turnovers into touchdowns.
The ‘Cats scored two field goals in the first half, but allowed a Marist touchdown in the second quarter. Neither team scored in the third quarter and a nearly seven-minute Marist scoring drive allowed the ‘Cats just one offensive possession in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Michael Blanchard led Davidson on the ground with 42 yards. Starting quarterback Matt Heavner and Blanchard combined for 95 yards passing, completing 11-of-18 attempts, with Heavner throwing one interception. Jonathan Adams caught five of those passes for 35 yards to lead the ‘Cats in receiving.
Peter Kidwell posted a team-high 11 tackles and one pass breakup, while Lemmons had nine stops to go along with his interception.
“We had difficulty getting the run going and just didn’t capitalize on some opportunities,” said Davidson head coach Tripp Merritt. “We did a good job defensively, but they were able to make some big plays. I am proud of our 19 seniors though, and for what they were able to accomplish for this program.”
Davidson struck first, scoring on their second possession. Starting from their own 34-yardline after Patrick Hunt intercepted Debowski, the ‘Cats drove to midfield before Heavner completed a 24-yard pass to Andrew Aldrich to place the ball on Marist’s 25-yardline. Marist kept the ‘Cats out of the red zone though, and kicker Ben Behrendt kicked a 37-yard field goal for an early 3-0 lead.
Marist responded on the ensuing possession, driving the ball 67 yards on 14 consecutive rushing plays and taking 8:04 off the clock. Debowski had the longest run of the drive (13 yards) to move Marist into the red zone. The Red Foxes moved the ball to the three where Ryan Dinnebeil then punched it in for the go-ahead touchdown.
The ‘Cats threatened late in the second quarter, but settled for another Behrendt field goal with 3:19 remaining in the second half. Blanchard led the ‘Cats to the Marist nine to setup first-and-goal, and a Kenny Mantuo rush put the ‘Cats at the five, but the ‘Cats were unable to convert on third-and-goal.
Davidson’s defense came up big in the final minute of the half. Marist drove into Davidson territory, but Tyler Lemmons intercepted a pass from Debowski at the 11-yardline with 40 seconds remaining to end the threat and send the game to halftime with Marist holding a 7-6 edge.
Neither team added to their score in the third quarter. Marist gained good field position after pinning Davidson on their own three and forcing a three-and-out, but did not convert. Starting at the Davidson-40, the ‘Cats stopped a pair of Marist rushes before John Harrington hauled in an interception on a tipped ball.
Marist responded though and ended Davidson’s ensuing possession when Nick Andre intercepted a Matt Heavner pass at midfield. Marist drove to Davidson’s 10-yardline, but the Davidson defense sacked Debowski for a loss of five yards on third down and then blocked the ensuing field goal attempt. Ellis Martin broke through the offensive line and leaped to break up the 32-yard attempt.
The Wildcats’ offense was unable to breakthrough though, and Marist put together a 15-play, 93-yard touchdown drive that took 6:59 off the clock. Marist used a mix of passes and rushes to move the ball, and converted a third-and-10 play with a 15-yard pass to move into the red zone. Dinnebell eventually tallied his second touchdown of the day, scoring from five-yards out for a 14-6 lead.
Heavner returned at quarterback but was unable to get the ‘Cats in scoring position. Marist forced a punt and ran out the remaining 3:42 to secure the win.
“We had opportunities to win each conference game this season,” said Merritt. “We’ll work hard this off season to improve and turn the results in our favor.”
Game Notes: Davidson honored it’s 19 seniors prior to the game … the loss was Davidson’s first after scoring first (2-1) … Kidwell continued to perform well after he was named the PFL Defensive Player of the Week following last week’s win over San Diego … Marist has now won a team-record six-straight games.
LINK
Davidson football coverage on DavidsonWildcats.com
