 | The Scot defense, spearheaded by its defensive line, held Division III's leading rusher R.J. Bowers to 127 yards rushing. |
| The Scot defense, spearheaded by its defensive line, held Division III's leading rusher R.J. Bowers to 127 yards rushing. |
Wooster appeared to be on its way to a convincing win early in the first quarter, as quarterback Rich Judd hit Reggie Ray on touchdown passes of 22 and 11 yards on its first two offensive possessions to open up a 12-0 lead.
But Grove City responded with a two-yard touchdown run by R.J. Bowers and a 29-yard field goal by Ben Shreve to make it 12-10.
With the first half almost over, the Wolverines decided to pass the ball from their own 20-yard line with only 10 seconds left. It was picked off by Mike Murray, who returned it 31 yards for a touchdown - the fourth time Murray has returned an interception for a score in his carer.
Grove City did not fold, however, and with 3:12 left in the third quarter, closed Wooster's lead to 19-17 on a Bowers 1-yard touchdown run. Reeling somewhat, the Scots responded with another big play, as Brock Wanless ran for a 47-yard touchdown. That proved to be the final points either team would score.
Statistically, Wooster controlled the game, outgaining Grove City 283-175 in total offense. The big difference came through the air, as the Scots threw for 140 yards, compared to just 33 for the Wolverines.
Individually, Jeff Elser led Wooster in rushing with 95 yards on 24 carries, while Wanless carried the ball 11 times for 56 yards. Judd completed 11-of-25 passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns. Bowers carried the ball 35 times for Grove City, gaining 127 yards. He also returned three kickoffs for 117 yards.
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