Scots End 12-Game Losing Streak to Gators

Seth Mastrine intercepted a school and NCAC record four passes against Allegheny.

MEADVILLE, Pa. - The College of Wooster ended a 12-game losing streak to Allegheny and handed the Gators only their second North Coast Athletic Conference home loss this decade with a 13-10 overtime victory at Meadville, Pa.

Junior defensive back Seth Mastrine (Apple Creek, Ohio) intercepted a school- and conference-record four passes, including one in the end zone in overtime to clinch the win for Wooster. It was the second straight season Wooster and Allegheny went to overtime as the Gators won 40-39 in double overtime at Wooster in 1998.

The Scots, who improved to 4-1 overall and 2-1 in the NCAC, trailed 10-3 with 2:30 left in the fourth quarter when it got the ball back at their own 47-yard line after an Allegheny punt. Wooster proceeded to drive 53 yards on seven plays in 1:34, capped by an 11-yard touchdown run by sophomore Kyle Mueller (Westlake, Ohio) on a draw play. The extra point by junior Joe Zombek (Olmsted Falls, Ohio) tied the game at 10 and forced overtime.

Allegheny (2-3, 2-1 NCAC) won the coin toss in overtime and decided to let Wooster take the ball first. After failing to gain a first down, the Scots were forced to attempt a field goal. Zombek, who made only one of four field goal attempts in regulation, tied his career long kick by converting a 42-yard field goal.

The Gators got the ball, and on a 2nd down and 6 play from the 21-yard line, Mastrine intercepted Allegheny quarterback Scott Neill's pass in the back of the end zone to clinch the victory for Wooster.

The two teams combined for 12 turnovers, including eight interceptions. A constant, brisk wind of up to 30 miles per hour had a big influence on the passing game for both teams. Neill completed only eight of 23 passes for 127 yards and had five intercepted, while Scot junior signal caller Justin Abraham (North Olmsted, Ohio) was 16 of 44 for 120 yards, including three picks.

Wooster had numerous opportunities to score in the first half, but Zombek failed to convert on field goals of 34, 38, and 44 yards. The lone points of the first half came on a 38-yard touchdown pass from Neill to Matt Majocka. The play was set up after a rouging the kicker penalty on Wooster, keeping the Allegheny drive alive.

The Scots cut the lead to 7-3 in the third quarter on a 29-yard field goal by Zombek, but that was answered by a 19-yard field goal by Mike Allgeier.

Senior Will Schober (Avon, Ohio) went over 100 yards for the second straight week as he finished with 115 yards on 25 carries. Mueller finished with 51 yards on just nine carries. Leading the Gators was Jeremy Snyder, who gained 96 yards on 16 carries.

Defensively, senior Kevin Brown (Doylestown, Ohio) led Wooster with 13 tackles and one interception, while Corey Belaney recorded 12 tackles for Allegheny.