WASHINGTON – For the second consecutive year against the AMCATS of Anna Maria, The Catholic University of America Cardinals set a new season record, as the Cards notched a season-high 54 points in Paxton, Mass., on Saturday, September 27.

With the 54-25 victory Catholic improves to 2-1 on the season, while Anna Maria drops to 0-3 on the year.

The AMCATS lit their scoreboard up first by turning seven plays into a 56-yard touchdown run by Anna Maria's Christopher Bettano, who finished with three touchdowns on the day.  The Cards held Anna Maria to a six-point lead, as Justin Paige blocked Julian Diaz's point after touchdown attempt.

It did not take long for the Cardinals to respond with authority, capping four drives for a 26-6 lead by the half.

Catholic commenced their scoring surge at the 1:40 mark of the first quarter.  Matt Perno capped a five-play drive of 53 yards with a 27-yard run for a touchdown.  Instead of going for the PAT, CUA opted for a two-point conversion, which was unsuccessful and keeping the game tied at six.

CUA's Matt McMahon reached the end zone from three yards out to extend the lead to 13-6 at the top of the second quarter.  McMahon's rushing touchdown concluded a 12-play, 44 yard opening drive.

For the Cardinals' third touchdown, Perno completed the longest run of the day with a 67-yard touchdown on a one-play drive to advance the Cardinals to 19-6 lead with a little under four minutes remaining the in the second quarter.

The Cards concluded the second quarter with TJ Tutone connecting with Paige from 16 yards away for a halftime score of 26-6, Cardinals.

The third quarter was a more balanced scoring outing, as both CUA and AMC each scored two touchdowns in the 15-minute quarter.

The AMCATS manufactured their second touchdown of the day in the opening minutes of the third quarter with a four-yard run from Bettano.

CUA's first touchdown of the second half came at the 10:51 mark of the third.  Tutone connected his second touchdown pass of the afternoon with a 37-yard pass to Luke Morley, capping off a six-play drive.

Bettano's third touchdown for the AMCATS came on a 17-yard run with 4:56 remaining in the to make the score 33-19.

Perno followed up with his third touchdown for Catholic with a six-yard scamper increasing the lead to 40-19.

The Cardinals scored back-to-back 35 yard touchdowns to wrap up the contest.  Patrick Thomas scored on a 35-yard interception return at the end of the third quarter.  Then, Billy Smith caught 35-yard pass from McMahon for another one-play drive to wrap up Catholic's scoring summary.

Anna Maria found their end zone one last time, as Greg McGoldrick connected with Trai Weaver from 46 yards away for a final score of 54-25.

Catholic put together an even 471 yards of offense with 239 yards of passing and 232 ground yards.  Tutone was 12-of-24 on the day with 175 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.  Perno led the rushing attack with 161 yards, three touchdowns and 17 carriers.  McMahon and Lucas Morley caught four passes apiece with McMahon registering 60 yards and Morley finishing with 54 yards and one score.

Defensively, Anthony Santo, James Mooney and Scott McElroy tallied five tackles individually.  Mooney, Matthew Barton and Bill McClatchy also added one sack each to their defensive numbers.

Catholic returns to Cardinal Stadium on Saturday, October 4 to host Hampden-Sydney at 1:00 p.m to open Old Dominion Athletic Conference play. 

-CUA-