May 5, 2007

ERIE, Pa. - In the annual spring football game, the Mercyhurst College defense topped the offense by a score of 46-37. The game was played in a modified format with points awarded for particular plays.

The defense took control of the game early, when Theo Hall intercepted Joe Laffey early in the contest. That lead was extended several series later, when linebacker Aaron Parks intercepted Laffey inside the end zone and returned it 101 yards the other way for a score. Parks had already scored points for the defense with a sack earlier in the day.

The offense closed the gap to 28-23 behind two scores from Dave Stallard. Hall blocked the extra point after the second touchdown, keeping the offense from pulling within four.

A 39-yard run by Richard Stokes scored the offense some points, once again making it a five-point game at 32-27, but the defense put on a 10-1 run. A tackle in the end zone by Dustin Schwab after a fumbled snap put the defense's advantage at 39-28.

Schwab added a sack later to make it 44-29.

Cody Ladutko's 39-yard hook up with Aaron Haynes gave the offense some late life, and Ladutko connected with Josh Szeluga on a fourth down later in the same drive.

The game's final play was a 32-yard field goal by Chris Ryan for the 46-37 final.

Winds gusting to 30 miles per hour made things difficult in the passing and kicking games on an otherwise clear, sunny afternoon at Tullio Field.

Spring Game Schedule
KICKOFF - field position based on kicks (all fair catches)
FOUR SCRIMMAGE SERIES
TWO GOALLINE SERIES
FOUR RED ZONE/GREEN ZONE SERIES
TWO BACKED UP/PINNED IN SERIES
FOUR SCRIMMAGE SERIES

Spring Game Scoring System
DEFENSE
Three and out (3 points)
Defensive stop (1 point)
Fourth down stop (2 points)
Turnover (3 points + possible field goal try)
Defensive score (6 points + PAT)
Sack (1 point)
Tackle for loss (1 point)
Red zone stop (3 points)
Goalline stop (3 points)
Backed up stop, < 10 (2 point)
Backed up stop, < 20 (1 point)
Two-point play stop (1 point)

OFFENSE
First down (1 point)
Play > 20 yards (1 point)
Play > 30 yards (2 points)
Touchdown (6 points + PAT)
Field goal (3 points)
Two-point play (2 points)
Backed up 20 yards (2 points)