Lightweight Football turns tables on Cornell

Last Friday night the lightweight football team continued its impressive play, defeating a talented Cornell team 13-7. For the Quakers, who are now 2-2 and 1-1 in the Eastern Lightweight Football League, it was their third straight solid outing, and a share of the ELFL title is not beyond their reach. After getting manhandled 30-6 by Cornell earlier in the season, the Quakers went into Franklin Field with something to prove. The game started slowly, as the opening possessions for both squads resulted in punts. With 6:28 to go in the first quarter, Penn got on the scoreboard on a 36-yard field goal by Bill Goebel. Jumping out to the early lead seemed to ignite the Quakers. With a steady mix of passing and running, the Quakers offense moved the ball consistently throughout the first half. Led by running backs Rich Miller and Joel Correia, who combined for 200 yards rushing, the Quakers kept the Big Red defense off balance. As the first quarter drew to a close, Cornell was able to move the ball to the Quakers 32-yard line. Here the Quakers defense rose to the occasion, coming up with a key fumble recovery. Penn began the second quarter with its most impressive drive of the game. Led by freshman quarterback Gregg Carey, the Quakers again marched down the field with a textbook mix of running and passing. This time, however, Penn was able to put the ball in the end zone. After having a touchdown pass from Carey to Todd Whitenack called back, the Quakers refused to lose their composure. They regrouped and ran another play for Whitenack, who was once again on the receiving end of a touchdown pass from Carey. This time it counted, and it put the Quakers up 10-0. During the second half the Quakers ran a more conservative offense designed to protect their lead. Cornell pulled to within three on an impressive touchdown drive of its own, only to see the Quakers increase their lead to 13-7 on Goebel's second field goal of the game. Cornell continued to threaten late in the game, but the Penn defense continued to come up with big plays. Mario Malcolm and Eric Visoky each had clutch interceptions. "Ever since the Princeton game [the second week of the season] the confidence level of the defense has continued to grow," Penn coach Bill Wagner said. "The guys have been working hard in practice and its really paying off." Wagner was quick to note the great job that defensive coordinator John Amendt and defensive backs coach Nate Scott have done. Amendt believes there are three reasons for the strong defensive play: "The three main reasons for the defensive turnaround have been the greater emphasis on weight training, the inspiring leadership of players like Zack Chan and Wellington Chang, and the tremendous team spirit," he said. With Navy coming to Franklin Field this Saturday, the Quakers hope that their spirit and individual leadership can carry them to victory.