2008 Woodie Awards
California CLASH
Football team prepares for showdown with Vulcans
By Adam Brewer
Rocket Sports Editor
Issue date: 9/30/05 Section: Sports Extra
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"The mood on the sidelines and in the locker room has changed after we picked up our first win," coach George Mihalik said. "It's always hard to pick up that first win, but we did that and we are feeling good about it."
The Rock, now 1-3 overall and 1-0 in the PSAC West, will have its hands full. The Vulcans come into the game with a 3-1 overall record and 1-0 in the PSAC West.
"No matter the record, this is going to be an important game for us because both teams are undefeated in the PSAC West," Mihalik said.
The Vulcan's season started off with a 42-6 win over Fairmont State at home and the team followed that up by stomping Mansfield 88-12 on the road in week two. In week three, California suffered its first loss of the season by getting nipped by Monmouth (N.J.), 16-15. The Vulcans rebounded at home in its PSAC West opener as it defeated Clarion by the score of 43-7 last weekend.
The Vulcans are led by senior running back Antoine Bagwell, who has rushed for 672 yards on 66 carries in four games. Bagwell has scored eight rushing touchdowns and is averaging 10.2 yards per carry this season. Bagwell is also a receiving threat coming out of the backfield this season, compiling 10 catches for 193 yards and three receiving touchdowns.
"On defense we must stop the big plays and must make them work for scores," Mihalik said. "We must stop Bagwell, and if we can we will frustrate Cal's offense."
Sophomore quarterback Joe Ruggiero is completing 60 percent of his passes for 746 yards, with seven touchdowns and one interception.
The leading receivers for the Vulcans are junior wide receivers Marcellus Garner, with 15 catches for 134 yards with one touchdown, and Brandon Jackson with eight catches for 116 yards with two touchdowns.
This season the Vulcans outscored the opposition 75-9 in the first quarter and 117-18 in the first half.
