Villanova Victorious After Duking It Out with JMU in CAA Battle

Villanova, paced by QB John Robertson, RB Kevin Monangai, and a fired up defense, beat the Dukes of James Madison University 35-20 in their final regular season game at Villanova Stadium, on Saturday afternoon, November 10th.

Villanova led the 9th ranked Dukes from start to finish. After JMU went three and out on its first possession, the Wildcats marched 74 yards in 10 plays to score on a 4 yard run by Robertson. On JMU’s next possession, the Wildcats defense stopped the Dukes on a fourth and one play at the Villanova 42 yard line (but failed to score after missing a FG attempt).

Early in the second quarter, the Wildcats Mark Hamilton booted a 22 yard field goal to make it 10-0. The highlight of the scoring drive was a 68 yard pass play from Robertson to Joe Price. Then, following an interception by safety Joe Sarnese, Villanova drove 45 yards in 11 plays to score on a 20 yard pass from Robertson to wide receiver Dorian Wells. At the half, Villanova led 17-0.

JMU got on the scoreboard in the third quarter after recovering a fumble by Robertson at the Villanova 18 yard line. The Dukes scored on a one yard run by QB Justin Thorpe.

Villanova quickly regained its momentum by driving 69 yards in 6 plays to score on a one yard run by Robertson. This drive was sparked by a 35 yard yard run by Austin Medley. Robertson appeared dazed after a big hit on the TD plunge and was replaced for the rest of the game by back-up QB Chris Polony.

Following an interception by linebacker Devon Bridges deep in JMU’s territory, the Wildcats looked poised to score again. But the Dukes forced a punt which Villanova downed at the JMU one yard line. The Dukes QB was sacked by the Wildcats Matt McCann and Joey Harmon for a safety to make it 26-7.

On the ensuing possession, the Wildcats traveled 55 yards in 9 plays with Monangai capping the drive with a 1 yard plunge. At the end of the third quarter, the Wildcats held a 33-7 lead over the Dukes.

Although JMU tacked on two scores in the fourth quarter to narrow Villanova’s lead to 33-20, the Wildcats maintained their composure. Villanova scored again when Joey Harmon sacked Thorpe once more in the end-zone for another safety to make the score 35-20.

Monangai, who came into the game as the leading rusher in the CAA, gained 150 yards on 25 carries. In doing so, he passed the 1,000 yard mark in rushing for the year. This was his fourth consecutive game of rushing for more than 100 yards in a game. Most impressively, he became only the fourth player in Villanova football history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season, joining the legendary Brian Westbrook (who did it 3 times in his career), Aaron Ball, and Curtis Sifford as members of that exclusive club.

Even though his day ended early, Robertson passed for 141 yards and a touchdown, while running for two more scores. Medley, who returned from injury, racked up 61 yards rushing on 10 carries. Dorian Wells was the Wildcats leading receiver with 4 receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown.

With the win, Villanova improved its record to 7-3 (5-2 CAA). JMU dropped to 7-3 (5-2 CAA) with the loss. Villanova will conclude its regular season next Saturday afternoon (330pm) November 17 at Delaware. With a win, it is almost certain that the Wildcats will once again be in the FCS playoffs.

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Villanova vs. ODU: Wildcats Lose in Royal Fashion to Monarchs

Villanova could not overcome a strong start by the Old Dominion Monarchs, or the Wildcats inability to hang on to the football, and lost the first ever meeting (football) of the schools by a margin of 37-14  on Homecoming day.

ODU got on the board with 10:47  left in the opening quarter on a 42 yard touchdown pass from the Monarch’s outstanding freshman QB Taylor Heinicke to wide receiver Antonio Vaughan. The score came a mere  nine seconds  after the Monarchs Devon Simmons  recovered  a Dustin Thomas fumble at the Wildcats 42 yard line. The Monarchs failed to convert the extra point.

A short time later the Monarchs boosted their lead to 13-0 on a 53 yard run by Lorenzo Smith and a Jarod Brown extra point. Villanova gave the Homecoming crowd a chance to cheer when it marched 57 yards in 11 plays to score on a 6 yard pass from Thomas to Joe Price. Mark Hamilton converted the extra point to make the score 13-7 with 2:43 left in the first quarter.

After the Monarchs added a 32 field goal by Brown to take a 16-7 lead, The Cats imploded when Thomas again fumbled and ODU’s Craig Wilkins recovered it at the Villanova two yard line. Heinicke ran it in from the one yard line to expand the lead to 23-7. To their credit, Villanova did not throw in the towel, instead they marched 77 yards in 11 plays to score on a 20 yard burst by Austin Medley. However, ODU closed out the first half by driving 75 yards in 11 plays to score with 24 seconds left. The score came on a 16 yard pass from Heinicke to Nick Mayers. The half ended with the Monarchs up 30-14.

In the second half, Old Dominion took a 37-14 lead after Thomas was picked off deep in Villanova territory. The Monarchs Angus Harper plunged in from the 1 yard line for what turned out to be the last score of the afternoon. At this point, Thomas was replaced at QB by freshman Chris Polony, who played the rest of the way.

All in all the Wildcats lost the ball 4 times – three fumbles and one interception. Consequently, the Wildcats were forced to chase the Monarchs from behind the entire game. With the loss, the Wildcats fell to 1-7, 0-5 in the CAA. With the win, the 21st ranked  Monarchs are now 6-2 overall, 3-2 in the CAA.  Next up for Villanova is a game against the Maine Black Bears at 3:30pm on Saturday, October 29 at Villanova Stadium. ODU will entertain James Madison next Saturday.

The Wildcats were without senior cornerback James Pitts, who was out with an injury.

You can view a full photo slideshow of the game below:

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3rd Annual Mayor’s Cup: Temple Makes It Two in a Row Over Villanova

The local college football season kicked off on Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field as the Temple Owls, under new head coach Steve Addazio (the former Florida offensive coordinator) took on the Villanova Wildcats, coached by Andy Talley, in the 3rd annual Mayor’s Cup game. The Owls, coming off back- to-back winning seasons for the first time in 30 years, were the odds on favorite coming into the game with the Wildcats, who are in the midst of rebuilding after three of the most successful seasons in Villanova football history.

Owls are known for being nocturnal and they were certainly active on this night, preying on the Wildcats’ offense, defense, and special teams.

Sparked by junior running back Bernard Pierce, who rushed for 147 yards and 3 touchdowns, and junior quarterback Mike Gerardi, who completed 14 of 20 aerials for 235 yards and two touchdowns (a 35 yarder to wideout Deon Miller, and a 47 yard bomb to Rod Streater), the Owls topped the Wildcats by a score of 42-7. Temple dominated from start to finish to win the 3rd annual Mayor’s Cup.

Temple led the inexperienced Wildcats 7-0 at the end of the first quarter, 21-0 at the half, and 42-0 midway through the fourth quarter (when backup quarterback Chris Coyer dashed 68 yards for a final Owl touchdown).

Before the game, Villanova University coach Andy Talley announced that senior wide receiver Norman White would miss the entire 2011 season resulting from a lisfranc injury of the left foot. White will red-shirt this year and return for a fifth year in 2012. In White’s absence, Mikey Reynolds led the Wildcats with five catches for 51 yards.

After a ceremonial coin-toss from Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter, Villanova received the opening kickoff and drove from its own 26 to the Temple 27 before their offense stalled. The drive ended when Dustin Thomas’ pass was picked off by the Owls Justin Gildea in the end zone and returned to the Temple 25 yard line.

Temple, led by QB Mike Gerardi, drove 75 yards in seven plays to score its 1^sttouchdown of the season. The score came on a 35 yard pass from Gerardi to Deon Miller. Miller caught 3 passes for 60 yards on the drive. Kicker Brandon McManus converted the extra point to make it 7-0 Temple.

In the 2^nd quarter, the Owls boosted the lead to 14-0 on a 19 yard burst by Bernard Pierce which culminated a five play, 62 yard drive (which began when Temple recovered a fumble by Dustin Thomas that was caused by Anthony Robey and recovered by Tahir Whitehead).

With 46 seconds left before halftime, Pierce scooted 22 yards into the end zone to give Temple a dominating 21-0 advantage at the break. Pierce gained 116 yards rushing in the opening half.

The biggest highlight for Villanova in the 1^st half was a 44 yard pass completion from Dorian Wells to Dustin Thomas which put the Cats in scoring range.

Temple scored on its first possession of the 2^nd half driving 72 yards in seven plays. The drive was capped on a 47 yard toss from Gerardi to wide receiver Rod Streater to give the Owls a 28-0 lead.

Temple scored again in the third period on a 20 yard dash by Pierce (following an interception by Temple safety Kevin Kroboth). The interception was Kroboth’s second of the game.

After Villanova drove to the Temple 17 yard line, Temple’s defense stiffened and held the Wildcats at bay. Chris Coyer, who replaced Mike Girardi at QB, then scampered 68 yards for a touchdown to give the Owls a 42-0 lead.

The Cats finally got on the board with 7:57 left in the game when Dustin Thomas ran up the middle for a 4 yard score. The score, Thomas’ first at Villanova, finished off an eleven play 71 yard drive. Nick Yako converted the extra point to make the score 42-7.

Is it me, or does this game stink?

Next up for the Owls is a MAC conference game at Akron on September 10. The Owls then return home to play the Penn State Nittany Lions on September 17th at the Linc.

Villanova next plays a Colonial Athletic Association conference game at Towson on Saturday, September 10. The Wildcats play their first home game when they host Monmouth on September 17th.

CLICK HERE for a full photo gallery of the Mayor’s Cup!

Villanova vs. Lafayette: Spotty Effort By Leopards No Match For Dominant Wildcats

Maurice Sutton Dunking

Before resuming play in the NIT Tip-Off tournament in New York next Wednesday night against the UCLA Bruins, the 3-0 Villanova Wildcats played the 1-2  Lafayette Leopards, coached by former Villanova player Fran O’Hanlon, at the Pavilion on Saturday night. Lafayette returns four starters from last year’s 19- 13 team. Sporting News magazine picked the Leopards as the preseason favorite to win the Patriot League.

Antonio Pena Boxing Out

Corey Stokes After a Hard Foul

Isaiah Armwood Jumper

Earlier in the day the Villanova football team, with their last chance to get into the playoffs and defend the 2009 FCS championship on the line, went to Newark, Delaware and beat the top ranked FCS team, the Delaware Blue Hens, 28-21 in overtime. The Cats played a gutsy game to beat a very good team on the road. Congratulations to Andy Talley and the football team on its terrific win.

Villanova Coach Jay Wright

Maalik Wayns Jumper

Villanova never trailed in the game, jumping out to a 7-0 lead before Lafayette got on the board by hitting two foul shots. Before long, Nova ran away from the Leopards. At one point the Cats  enjoyed a 21 point lead 31-10. Lafayette made its only run cutting the lead to 31-20 but Villanova scored the last seven points to close out the first half and went into half time with a 38-20 margin.

Mouphtaou Yarou With the Hook Shot

Antonio Pena After Crashing Into the Seats

For the Wildcats, the points were spread evenly between Corey Stokes with 9 (all on three pointers), Antonio Pena & Maalik Wayns 8 each, and Corey Fisher with 7. Pena also had 7 rebounds.

Lafayette Shooting Free-Throws

Student Section

In the second half the Cats flat out beat up on the Leopards. Villanova built the lead to 30 on a Maurice Sutton basket to go up 65-35. The lead ultimately  grew  to 47 points when Dominic Cheek hit a jumper, part of a 16-0 run, to make the score 86-39. The final score was 86-41, capping a great day for Villanova sports.

Mouph Yarou Put-Back

Antonio Pena Lay-Up

Except for lackluster three point shooting, the Cats played effectively. By doing so, Villanova recorded their fourth victory in as many tries this season.

Maalik Wayns Fights for Loose Ball

Maurice Sutton Sky-Hook

Leading scorers for the Cats, who had six players in double figures, were Stokes with 19, Fisher 16, Pena & Yarou with 12 (Mouph also had 12 boards for a double- double), Sutton had 11, and Wayns 10. Rebounding leaders were Yarou with a dozen, Armwood had 9 and Pena corralled 8 boards. Wayns had 6 assists to go with 3 turnovers, Fisher had 4 assists and committed his first two turnovers of the season.

Before the game Fran O’Hanlon was honored and presented with a Villanova Jersey. Some of his old teammates were on hand including Chris Ford, Tom Inglesby, and former Villanova Coach Jack Kraft.

Walk-On Dallas Ouano

V for Victory

Villanova next plays UCLA on Wednesday night (in the second game of a double-header) in the NIT Tip-Off Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Tennessee plays Virginia Commanwealth University in the first game of the doubleheader.

Check back on Sunday for our expanded photo gallery from Villanova vs. Lafayette

Villanova Loses Battle of the Wildcats to UNH and Puts Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy

Villanova Wildcats: Defending FCS Champions

The Wildcats of Villanova took on the Wildcats of the University of New Hampshire in a crucial Colonial Athletic Association game on Saturday, with playoff implications riding on the outcome, both coaches believing that seven wins will be necessary to make the playoffs. Villanova, coached by Andy Talley, began the day with an overall record of 6 -3 (4-2 in the CAA). UNH, coached by Sean McDonnell, started the day 5 -4 (3 -3 in the CAA). Ninth ranked Villanova was seeking its 16th consecutive home win.

James Pitts

Prior to the game, the senior members of the Villanova team, many of whom played a large role in helping the Cats win the 2009 FCS Championship, were honored in a pre-game ceremony. 

Aaron Ball

For the seventh consecutive game, Villanova was without the services of star player Matt Szczur, who is recovering from an ankle injury.

Szczur's Support

On a day when Villanova dominated the time-of- possession and statistically outgained its rival,  it could not draw even with University of New Hampshire at the end of the game. UNH, behind the outstanding running of Dontra Peters (12 carries for 157 yards and a touchdown), and the clutch passing of QB R.J. Toman (11- 22-for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns) beat Villanova 31 -24, in a wild game that was not finally decided until the final 13 seconds when QB Chris Whitney was sacked and fumbled at the UNH 9 yardline. Cody Muller recovered for UNH to put an end to the drama.

Chris Whitney Watching Nova's Defense

Villanova contolled the ball for slightly over 38 minutes, netting 450 yards on a staggering 92 offensive plays. By contrast, the UNH Wildcats had the ball for 21 minutes and 55 seconds, and gained 368 yards net on 59 plays.Villanova had 32 firstdowns compared to 15 for UNH.

Wildcat

Villanova began the game in ragged fashion with Whitney fumbling the ball on the first play from scrimmage. UNH recovered at the Nova 24 yardline. UNH did not take advantage of the great field position and had to punt. New Hampshire did take the lead on its next possession when Peters scampered 51 yards for a touchdown. On the ensuing kickoff, Angelo Babbaro fumbled and once again UNH pounced on the ball, this time at the VU 16 yardline. Mike Perkins was credited with the recovery . Five plays later A.J. DeLago kicked a 22 yard field goal to make it 10 -0 in favor of the visitors.

Villanova finally got some momentum going late in the first quarter and began a march covering 86 yards in 17 plays that ended with a 10 yard touchdown run by Babbaro at the 10:40 mark of the 2nd  quarter. Mark Hamilton kicked the extra point to make it 10-7. UNH promptly drove down the field in 7 plays covering 64 yards and scored on a 10 yard run by Toman. The home team returned the favor and scored on its next possession on a 29 yard field goal by Mark Hamilton, the first of his career.

Villanova Head Coach Andy Talley

Thirteen seconds later, UNH scored again on a bomb from Toman to Joey Orlando covering 56 yards.Villanova closed out the scoring in the 1st half driving 60 yards in 6 plays with Whitney running it in from the 5 yard line. The half ended with UNH holding on to its lead 24-17.

Fred Maldonado

The second half began promisingly for Villanova when Martel Moody picked off  a Toman pass and returned it 31 yards into UNH territory. A penalty on the interception against Villanova set them back to the UNH 49 yardline. However, the Cats failed to capitalize on the opportunity and Hamilton’s 40 yard field goal try was blocked by UNH’s Steve Young. UNH then  boosted its lead to 31-17 when Toman threw a 6 yard pass to Terrance Fox for a touchdown.

Nova Fans

Villanova scored early in the final quarter on a 2 yard run by Whitney, to make it a 31-24 game.Villanova teased the home crowd by driving deep into UNH territory several times in the fourth quarter but could not score. Consequently, the visitors were able to breath a sigh of relief when Whitney’s fumble in the final seconds cost Villanova a last minute opportunity to send the game into overtime.

Chris Whitney on the Run

On the day, Whitney, the senior quarterback,  ran for 88 yards on 24 carries and 2 touchdowns. Aaron Ball, the senior running back, contributed 82 yards on 19 carries, and Babbaro, also a senior, gained 43 yards and a touchdown on 6 carries. Norman White lead the Cats with 6 receptions for 67 yards , Dorian Wells caught 5 passes for 78 yards. Whitney threw 36 passes, completing 16 for 192 yards. The leading defenders for Villanova were Marquis Kirkland, the senior linebacker, with 10 tackles and a sack. Antoine Lewis, the defensive lineman, had 9 tackles and a sack.

Villanova Stadium

For Villanova, it all comes down to next week’s match up, their last of the season, in Newark, Delaware against the Blue Hens.  If the Wildcats are victorious, the possibility of making the playoffs and defending its FCS championship is still alive.  A loss will end the Cats season.