Football Defeats Franklin and Marshall in Home Opener

9/13/2008

WASHINGTON- Greg Brown (Philadelphia, Pa./Malvern Prep) leads Catholic University with 125 yards rushing as the Cardinals defeat Franklin and Marshall 14-7. CUA handed the Diplomats of Franklin and Marshall their first loss of the season with a 14-7 victory at Cardinal Stadium, Saturday. Brown's 125 yards rushing led the way while Keith Ricca (Poolesville, Md./St. John's Prospect Hall) threw for 154 yards and two scores as the Cardinals balanced offense totaled nearly 300 yards on the day.

The Cardinals started the scoring early with a 20 yard strike from Ricca to Ryan McManus (Malvern, Pa./Malvern Prep) with 3:59 left in the first quarter.  That play capped a six-play, 69 yard drive that consumed only two minutes.  The Cardinals lost the Time of Possession game by nearly 11 minutes, but the strong defensive effort on the day allowed only 78 yards rushing. 

Franklin and Marshall scored early in the second quarter on a seven yard pass from John Harrison to George Eager, but that would be the only time the Diplomats found the end zone.  The Cardinals forced six punts, two interceptions, and a turnover on downs that resulted in the first score of the game. 

Catholic University scored early in the fourth quarter with a four-play, 81 yard drive that was capped with a 62 yard strike to Miles Sabrick (Douglassville, Pa./Reading Central Catholic).  That, combined with Achille Kolla (Rockville, Md./Bethesda-Chevy Chase) interception with 1:16 left proved to be all the Cardinals would need to improve to 2-0 for the season.

The Cardinals return to action next Saturday, September 20, 2008, at Cardinal Stadium when they will take on McDaniel College.  Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.