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November 16, 2002 |
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PROFS PREVAIL! |
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The Rowan University Profs wrapped up a perfect 10-0 regular season and clinched their second consecutive NJAC Football Championship with a 48-12 victory at Montclair State. The win earns the Profs the 2002 NJAC Championship and the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by virtue of their 7-0 conference record. In a driving rain, Rowan took command of the game early, opening up a 17-0 lead early in the second quarter. Prof senior quarterback Tony Racioppi threw for 262 yards and three touchdowns on the day, despite less than ideal passing conditions. "We stepped up as an offense and did what we needed to do today to be successful," Racioppi said. "I'm proud of the way our offensive unit performed, but I have to give credit to our defense for making big plays when we needed them." The biggest defensive play of the day came with just 1:14 remaining in the second quarter when Rowan linebacker Dominic Tomeo intercepted a pass and returned it eight yards for a touchdown, giving the Profs a commanding 32-6 lead at the half. Tomeo's big play was just one of many for a Rowan defense which held the Montclair offense to just 205 total yards. "I think that our defense is sometimes overlooked, but I'll take our defense any day of the week," Rowan first-year head coach Jay Accorsi said. "It's not about not giving up yards, it's about not giving up points." With a perfect 10-0 regular season record, No. 3 ranked Rowan now awaits the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament draw which will be announced November 17 at 4:00 PM. "I couldn't be prouder of our kids and the effort that they've given all season," Accorsi said. "We've put ourselves in the position that we wanted to be in by winning the NJAC. At the same time, we realize that we still have a lot of work ahead of us in terms of what we hope to accomplish." |