Game Stats                                                                                                                              September 28, 2002

Wolverines move into first place in PAC

BETHANY, W. Va. -- Junior Steve Roberts (East Petersburg, Pa./Hempfield) ran for three touchdowns, including two in the second half to help Grove City College rally for a 28-20 win over Presidents' Athletic Conference rival Bethany at Bethany Field Saturday afternoon.

Roberts ran for 153 yards on 30 carries. His 57-yard touchdown sprint on a trap play gave Grove City a 21-20 lead with 6:45 left in the third quarter. With 5:13 left in the game, Roberts plunged in from the 1, extending the lead to 28-20.

Meanwhile, the Wolverine passing game posted its best outing of the season. Quarterback Todd Smargiasso (New Wilmington, Pa./Wilmington) completed seven of eight attempts for 133 yards and a touchdown. His 27-yard scoring strike to freshman split end Jason DeMeo (Washington, Pa./Trinity) gave the Wolverines a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter.

DeMeo pulled in a career-high three passes for 70 yards. Bo Danton (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) caught two passes while a 26-yard reception by Tim Flenner (Perry, Ohio/Perry) set up Roberts' first touchdown run.

Grove City (2-2, 1-0 PAC) led 14-12 late in the first half but Bethany grabbed the lead when quarterback Jeremy Lacaria scored on a one-yard run with 16 seconds left. The two-point conversion extended the lead to six.

But the Wolverine defense held the Bison (1-3, 0-1) scoreless in the second half, allowing Grove City to come back. Inside linebacker Mike Choby (North Huntingdon, Pa./Norwin) made a dozen stops while Mike Prioletti (Harmony, Pa./Seneca Valley) had 11 tackles and a sack.  Free safety Ross Trimmer (Hermitage, Pa./Hickory) added 10 stops.

Cornerback Dan Roseum (Chesterland, Ohio/West Geauga) sealed the win by intercepting a Lecaria pass with less than a minute remaining. He also broke up a pair of passes and made seven tackles. 

Grove City's special teams also excelled in the win. Mike Titzel (Greenville, Pa./Greenville) went 4-for-4 on extra points and also placed four of his five punts inside the 20. Titzel averaged over 42 yards per punt. The Wolverines also blocked a Bethany extra point.

The victory is Grove City's sixth in a row over Bethany. The Wolverines have also won three consecutive games at Bethany.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

OFFENSE -- Steve Roberts    35 carries, 153 yards 3 TDs

"Steve was the running back that represented Grove City football," head coach Chris Smith said. "Three touchdowns, 35 carries, 150-plus yards -- it was a hard, great work day."

Todd Smargiasso    7-for-8 passing 133 yards

"Todd really played like an outstanding senior leader," Smith said. "He was very productive and very intelligent in his decisions."

DEFENSE -- Dan Roseum    7 tackles, two pass breakups, game-clinching interception

"Dan played extremely well in all aspects of the game all afternoon," Smith said. "His interception at the end of the game was a big play."

Monte Bell    7 tackles and blocked extra point

"Monte turned in another very solid performance," Smith said. "Monte plays hard all afternoon, every afternoon."

SPECIAL TEAMS -- Mike Titzel    Four punts inside the 20; 4-for-4 on PATs

"Mike's punting and place-kicking were big factors in our victory," Smith said.

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