Oct. 21, 2006

Bulldogs storm past Thunder, 42-10
Complete team effort gives Adrian happy homecoming

By Ed Patino, Sports Information Assistant

ADRIAN, Mich.-- Don’t count the Adrian College Bulldogs out of the MIAA title race just yet.

A big first half sparked by the receiving core propelled the Bulldogs to a 42-10 victory over the Tri-State University Thunder on “Homecoming Saturday” at the Adrian College Performance Stadium.

Adrian (3-3, 2-1 MIAA) retained possession of the Black and Blue Border Brawl Trophy and kept pace in the MIAA championship race. Olivet and Hope are currently tied for first in the conference, with the Bulldogs sitting one game back. The Bulldogs scored their third straight victory over Tri-State (0-6, 0-3 MIAA).

The Bulldogs started hot, scoring on their first four possessions of the game. Andy Denryter scored on a 3-yard sneak 4 ½ minutes into the game, capping a 10-play, 61-yard drive. Denryter ran in a two-point conversion, giving Adrian an 8-0 lead.

Matt Spangler intercepted Tri-State quarterback Levi Knatch on the ensuing drive, and the Bulldogs increased their lead when Denryter hit Brian McKenna for a 21-yard touchdown pass. The Thunder had their next drive end in another interception, this time by Mark Westenberg, setting up the next Adrian score. Denryter connected with Desmond Upshaw for a 17-yard touchdown just over a minute into the second quarter, making it 21-0.

Tri-State drove to the Adrian 4-yard line on the ensuing possession, but had to settle for a 27-yard Justin Hoover field goal. Adrian answered as Denryter hit Patrick Reagan for a 30-yard completion to the Tri-State 1, then Denryter snuck in a touchdown on the next play, giving the Bulldogs a 28-3 lead at halftime.

Denryter and Reagan hooked up for a 19-yard touchdown midway through the third quarter. After Denryter was intercepted at the Tri-State 41, the Thunder pulled closer when Knatch hit Nick Garvie for a 59-yard touchdown pass, making it 35-10.

T.J. Williams capped the scoring midway through the fourth quarter, breaking free for a 46-yard touchdown run.

Denryter finished 16-of-21 passing for 236 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Reagan led the receivers with 99-yard on six catches, while Upshaw had four catches for 59 yards. Williams led the Adrian’s running game with 90 yards on 13 carries, while Anthony Tocco ran for 50 yards on eight carries.

Tavarski “Taz” Wallace finished with 11 tackles to lead Adrian’s defense. Spangler added eight tackles, including two sacks while Joel Howland and A.J. Marry each had six tackles. Howland recorded two sacks and Marry intercepted a pass.

Knatch was 9-of-16 passing for 129 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. Garvie had three catches for 80 yards, while Mikeal Glidden ran for 30 yards on 10 carries. For the game, Tri-State was held to 91 yards rushing on 36 attempts.

Travis Foster and Matt Eby each had 11 tackles for the Thunder, while Brandon Conlin intercepted Denryter twice.

The Bulldogs will return to action Oct. 21 when they travel to Hope College. Adrian will look to avenge last year’s 42-21 loss to the Flying Dutchmen at Holland Municipal Stadium.