2008 Woodie Awards
Football blasts by Millersville on homecoming
By Mike Mallory
Rocket Editor-in-Chief
Issue date: 10/21/05 Section: Sports
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Amongst a number of students both past and present, the Slippery Rock University football team didn't disappoint Saturday afternoon.
Avenging a 17-14 loss from 2004, the Rock (3-4 overall, 3-1 PSAC West) defeated the Millersville Marauders (3-5, 1-2 PSAC East), 21-15. Coach George Mihalik is now 15-3 in homecoming games at SRU.
"Alumni are back, former players, and a large crowd," Mihalik said. "The whole weekend gets better when you win."
Running back Josh Kniess rushed for three touchdowns in the victory and had a career-high 210 yards on 29 carries. Kniess has rushed for at least two touchdowns in each of the past four games.
"He's the heart and soul of this team," Mihalik said. "He makes it happen."
With the Rock leading 7-0 at the 3:30 mark of the second quarter, Kniess ran 61 yards for his second touchdown of the game.
The Rock allowed only a safety to the Marauders in the first half. With less than a minute remaining, punter Ray Rotell's kick was blocked in the endzone, but the Rock was able to recover.
"Some of the long snaps hit the ground and the protection was very weak on most punts," Mihalik said. "The combination of mistakes was one of the poorest punt performances we've seen in a long while."
The Rock held Millersville quarterback Derek Pope to 11 passing yards in the game. SRU recorded seven sacks totaling 47 yards. Defensive linemen Corey Lacek and Josh Zeisloft earned three sacks apiece.
"Any time you have eight sacks, that's a great effort by your defensive front," Mihalik said.
Mihalik said he is especially impressed with Lacek's performance to this point in the season. Lacek entered spring workouts as a linebacker, but the coaching staff felt he would gain more success by making the switch to end. Lacek embraced the move.
"Corey is having an outstanding year," Mihalik said. "He brings a never quit attitude, energy and desire to compete."
In the first quarter, Kniess ran for a 43-yard touchdown on the third play of a drive covering 63 yards. Kniess' final touchdown came at the 11:09 mark of the third quarter when Kniess ran it in from two yards out.
Despite earning the victory, the Rock defense allowed Millersville running back, Juan Jones to rush for two fourth quarter touchdowns. Jones rushed for 235 yards in the loss.
"Jones is a good running back, but it was an embarrassing performance of tackling by our secondary," Mihalik said.
Several scuffles broke out during the game, including Millersville wide receiver Omar Sanders earning an ejection for throwing a punch at an SRU defender.
"Many times during the game tempers flare," Mihalik said. "I'm glad we were able to maintain and keep control."
The Rock looks to win its second straight game against the nationally ranked Edinboro Fighting Scots tomorrow at 1 p.m. Mihalik said the game has the feel of a conference championship game.
