Homecoming football game

ATHENS, W.Va. – Behind another 300-yard passing game from sophomore quarterback Brian Novak, a 100-yard rushing day from junior running back Calvinaugh Jones and a tena- cious run defense, the Concord University football team routed Urbana on homecoming 50-20 at Callaghan Stadium Saturday afternoon in Mountain East Conference action

Concord opened up the scoring when Novak found redshirt freshman running back Jamal Petty for a 27-yard touchdown with 11:17 showing on the first quarter clock. Later in the quarter, Jones scored his sixth touchdown of the season, capping two Concord (6-0, 5-0 MEC) drives of 89 and 90 yards to start the game. The scores gave Concord a lead of 13-0.

The Mountain Lions ran their lead to out to 20 points when freshman wide receiver T.J. Smith caught his first of two passing touchdowns just nine seconds into the second quarter. Urbana (1-5, 1-5 MEC) quickly cut into the deficit by returning the ensuing kickoff back 97 yards for its first touch- down before scoring again with 5:06 left in the first half. After the two Blue Knight scores, Concord led 20-13.

However, junior quarterback Jermeil Douse quickly allowed CU to regain momentum. Novak found Douse in the open field as he made a couple of UU defenders whiff on tackles and Douse raced into the endzone for a 66-yard score. The Mountain Lions took a 27-13 lead into half.

The third quarter proved to a defensive battle between the two teams as the only scoring was a 40-yard field from junior kicker Andy Ellington. Throughout the duration of the quarter, the Mountain Lions allowed just one first down to Urbana and also forced a turnover as senior cornerback Mike Carey intercepted his ninth career pass at Concord. During the third period, CU’s defense produced five plays of loss yardage includ- ing junior defensive end Tre Preston recording his first sack of the season.

After three quarters of play, Concord was on top 30-13. Ellington opened up the fourth quarter by tying his own longest field goal record at Concord by splitting the uprights from 52 yards away, extending CU’s lead to 33-13. With 10:59 left in the game, senior defensive end Keith Fer- guson was able to sack Urbana quarterback Cody Schroeder and strip the ball away from the signal caller. Junior linebacker Brandon Martinez scooped up the loose ball, returning it 41 yards for Concord’s defensive touchdown of the season, giving Concord a 40-13 lead.

Concord concluded its scoring with Smith collecting his first career multi-touchdown game when Novak found him from six yards away. Ellington added a 47-yard field goal to finish a perfect 3-for-3 on kick attempts. The Blue Knights added a score of their own, but CU came away victorious, 50-20.

CU’s defense gave up just 259 of offense to Urbana in allowing -6 yards. The negative yardage is just the 13th time, a team in Division II has allowed less than 0 yards of total rushing in a game this season. Concord had 15 guys record tackles for loss (TFLs) with Preston and senior linebacker Gary Saylor leading the way with three each.

The Mountain Lions bested their previous season high of 16 TFLs they set earlier this against West Liberty by coming away with 20 TFLs versus Urbana. The seven sacks CU recorded was the 11th most in a single game this season against Division II.

Jones rushed for 108 yards and one touchdown in the win, averaging 7.7 per rush. Jones has eclipsed 100yards in every game this season. Meanwhile, Novak finished 300 passing yards and four touchdowns. Saturday marked the third time Novak has accomplished the feat this season.

Douse finished with five catches for 155 yards and one touchdown while Smith hauled in 78 yards on five receptions and two touchdowns.

Concord will take its 6-0 record on the road to West Virginia Wesleyan next Saturday for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff in Buckhannon, West Virginia.