The Rocket

Issue date: 8/31/07 Section: Online Extra

Some players who miss an entire year of football because of an injury are never the same. For Rock running back Corey Manfull, it was like he never left.

Manfull, who missed all of 2006 with a hand injury, marked his return in a big way, rushing for 145 yards on 25 carries along with four touchdowns in the Rock's season opening 51-24 victory over Seton Hill on Thursday night.

The Rock racked up 487 yards of total offense, scoring on five of its first six possessions. Senior quarterback Nate Crookshank completed 12 of 24 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns. Junior Terry Grossetti led the Rock's receiving corps with four receptions for 82 yards. Paul Favers hauled in an 18-yard touchdown pass and Colin Golden grabbed four balls before leaving the game with an ankle injury.

"We came out hot in the first half," said Crookshank. "You really have to give them (Seton Hill) credit. Their defense forced us into a lot of adjustments. But I think we did a nice job of wearing them down in the second half. You have to give it to our line tonight."

The night, however, belonged to Manfull.

"It was great to be back out there," Manfull said. "I just wanted to go out tonight and prove myself, because I worked hard to become more physical and keep my speed. It was just great to be out and taking hits again."

The Rock led 20-7 after the first quarter of action before Seton Hill cut the lead to nine at 30-21 by halftime.

"I don't think many people know just how good that squad is," said Head Coach George Mihalik. "We talked about some things at half and I told the guys that we just needed to be patient."

A Seton Hill field goal made it 30-24 heading into the fourth quarter before the green and white blew the game wide open with three touchdowns.

The Rock will now have more than a week to prepare as it gets ready for its Sept. 8 tilt with visiting Millersville.

"We will watch some film tomorrow and then these guys will get a well-deserved weekend off before coming back to work on Monday," Mihalik said.

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