Mallory Rushes for 167, CCSU Scores Two Defensive Touchdowns in First Shutout Since 1998

Junior James Mallory ran for 167 yards and two touchdowns, and the defense scored two touchdowns to lead Central Connecticut (6-4, 3-3) in a 36-0 home win over St. Francis (PA) (0-9, 0-6). Sophomore Dominique Rose had two of five Blue Devil interceptions, including one he ran back 85 yards for a touchdown. Senior Ernie Greywacz, meanwhile, had a 21-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown in his final game on Arute Field. The shutout was Central Connecticut's first since a 12-0 home victory over St. Francis (PA) on Oct. 10, 1998. The win also assured CCSU of its fifth straight winning season.

Following a scoreless first quarter SFPA had a chance to put the first points of the game on the board, but freshman Zak Campbell missed a 22-yard field goal attempt on the Red Flash's first possession of the second quarter. After punts by both teams on the next two drives, Central Connecticut took over at its own 43 yard line with 3:10 to play in the half. Junior Hunter Wanket hit sophomore Josue Paul for 12 yards to start a 57-yard scoring drive. Mallory went for 22, eight, 13 and two yards over the proceeding four plays. The last two yards put CCSU in the end zone. Sophomore Joe Izzo missed the extra point, making it 6-0 with 1:25 left to play in the first half.

A 24-yard pass play from junior George Little to sophomore Omar Winston helped St. Francis (PA) get into Blue Devil territory, but junior Marcus Dorsey intercepted a Little pass two plays later to end any chance for a Red Flash score before the break.

The Blue Devil defense limited St. Francis (PA) to minus two yards rushing over the first 30 minutes. CCSU's offense, meanwhile, totaled 78 yards on the ground, including 68 from Mallory. Junior Ray Saunders had six tackles and a pair of sacks in the first half.

Central Connecticut received the ball to start the second half but was forced to punt after a three and out. Rose intercepted a Little pass on the Red Flash's first play of the half, giving the Blue Devils possession at their own 38 yard line. They would go 62 yards in 14 plays to make it a 13-0 game. Wanket, who was 4-of-5 for 39 yards on the drive, scored on a nine-yard run on third and goal.

SFPA punted on the ensuing possession, and the Blue Devils then took just two plays to extend their lead. Wanket scrambled for 12 yards to bring the ball out to the CCSU 30 yard line. He then handed it off to Mallory on the next play. The Buffalo, NY native went 70 yards to paydirt for his 13th touchdown of the season. It also put him over 100 yards for the eighth time on the year. An Izzo point after made it 20-0.

The Red Flash again moved into CCSU territory through the air on the following possession, but Rose's second pick ended another scoring opportunity. The Hartford, CT product again intercepted Little, and this time he went 85 yards the other way for a touchdown. It was the first time a Blue Devil returned an interception for a score since Coree Tucker's 40-yard return against Colgate on Sept. 3, 2005. Things didn't get much better for the Red Flash after that pick.

Sophomore Jeff Marino ended the next SFPA drive with his second interception of the season, and, after a Blue Devil punt, senior Cory Robinson intercepted Little for CCSU's fifth interception of the game. Robinson's pick and 19-yard return put the Blue Devils on the St. Francis (PA) 28 yard line, and junior Aubrey Norris led Central Connecticut to a field goal. Izzo's make gave CCSU a 30-0 lead with 2:05 left in the game.

After the Blue Devil kickoff, St. Francis tried to run the ball. However, junior Roberto Rodriguez stripped Red Flash junior Calvin Williams. Greywacz recovered and went 21 yards for the game's final score. Izzo's extra point was blocked. The fumble recovery for a touchdown was Central Connecticut's first since Rodriguez fell on a loose ball in the end zone at Saint Peter's on Sept. 30, 2006.

Central Connecticut finished the game with a 233-92 advantage in rushing yards. It was the fourth time this season the Blue Devil defense held an opponent under 100 yards on the ground. Saunders led CCSU with eight tackles, including the two sacks. Senior Lamont Tillery had seven stops and a pass break-up, while Rose made six tackles in addition to the two interceptions. Mallory, meanwhile, moved into the top-10 on the CCSU career rushing leaderboard. He jumped four spots from 13th to ninth, passing Mark St. Germain, Meredith Payton and William Gelsomino. Mallory now has 1,743 yards in two-plus seasons.

Little completed 18-of-28 passes for 166 yards to lead the Red Flash offense. Winston had 10 catches for 97 yards. Sophomore Scott Lewis had 16 tackles and a fumble recovery in the loss.

Prior to the game Central Connecticut honored its 11-player senior class, which included Greywacz, Robinson, Tillery, captains Michael Bailey, Mike Cooke and Josh Vargas, Matt Gomes, Frank Leon, Ralph McKenley, Jermaine Roberts and Anthony Wilson. CCSU ended the year 5-0 at home.

Central Connecticut will close out the regular season at Sacred Heart next Saturday, Nov. 15. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m.