The Muhlenberg Weekly

Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: Sports

The Muhlenberg Football Team has something to celebrate: a perfect season.

Quarterback Eric Santagato had a career day against arch-rival Moravian, which propelled the Muhlenberg Mules to new heights as they reached their first ever undefeated season in their 100 plus year history, with a 35-7 victory over the Greyhounds. The junior quarterback threw for two touchdown passes, ran for another, and threw for a career-high 297 yards on 15 of 19 passing. Apparently, no one told him that the best quarterback in the Conference was the "other" quarterback.

Moravian quarterback Marc Braxmeier was named as a 1st Team All-Centennial Conference performer, but hardly looked the part against the ferocious Muhlenberg defense. He managed only 95 yards on 7 of 24 passing. He also threw two interceptions, one of which was an amazing play by Centennial Conference player of the week Brandon Doyle '09. He also was plagued by the numerous drops by his wide receivers, specifically Tyler Hirsch, who had three of them. Muhlenberg's receivers had a much different story.

Wide receiver Phil Cresta '10 and tight end Matt Johnson '08 both had huge games, both collecting touchdown passes in the contest. Johnson, who had 5 catches for 83 yards, was named as a 1st Team All-Conference performer, along with center Mike Nolan '09 and running back John Deluca '09 on the offense. DeLuca also had a fine day, as he had 28 carries for 133 yards and two touchdowns. DeLuca was held in check the entire first half, but finished the second stanza with 18 carries for 113 yards and two scores, propelling his total to 1,267 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns.

Defensively, the Mules had another impressive performance, including two goal-line stands, forcing the Greyhounds to turn the ball over on downs twice, along with their two interceptions. They allowed only 193 yards and one touchdown, which was the result of a short field created by senior wide receiver Mickey Norton's fumble. Other than that, it was a near perfect day for the Mule defense, which should be no surprise, considering that 6 of the 11 starters were placed on the All-Conference 1st Team. The members, defensive linemen Chris Musselman '08 and Chris Swensen '08, linebackers Dustin Good '08 and Tom Tarsitano '08, and defensive backs Doyle and Dan Aitkens '10, all played a huge part in containing Braxmeier as well as running back Tyler McCambridge. All in all, the defense played another outstanding game, which we've all come to expect.

Because of their regular season record, Muhlenberg will host its first round play-off game as a 3-seed, facing off against 5th seed Salisbury. Salisbury (9-1) is from the Atlantic Central Football Conference, and has one of the most potent running attacks in the country, averaging nearly 350 yards rushing per contest. As of last week, they were ranked #13, and their only loss of the season was to #8 Wesley College. The game will be at noon this Saturday, at Scotty Wood Stadium. Tickets can be purchased at the Athletics Office starting Thursday.

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