Box Score
DANBURY, CT – Quarterback Frank Wilczynski scored three touchdowns and threw for three more in Rowan University’s 72-14 win over New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) opponent Western Connecticut State University on Saturday night.
Wilczynski (sr. Pine Hill, NJ/Overbrook) only played the first two quarters. He totaled 216 yards passing with 12 completions in 18 attempts and 141 yards rushing on nine attempts. His 68 yard TD run broke the Rowan record for longest gain (67 yards) by a quarterback that he set last week against The College at Brockport.
The Profs also set the school record for most points scored in game. The old mark was 71 points when Rowan defeated Salisbury University, 71-14 in 1993. It was a record for the most points ever given up by the Colonials. In addition, Rowan tied the school record for most touchdowns scored by rushing and passing with 10 (vs. William Paterson, 2002).
Superback Tariq Gaines (fr. Glassboro, NJ/Glassboro) was the Profs’ rushing leader with 143 yards on four touches and one touchdown. Superback Ryan Leafey (sr. Westville, NJ/Deptford) carried the ball seven times for 47 yards. He also had 64 yards receiving with two grabs and one TD. Tight end Kevin DelleDonne (so. Summit, NJ/Summit) totaled 69 yards with four catches. Wide receiver Dan Lisa (jr. Highland Lakes, NJ/Vernon Twp.) added two receptions for 50 yards and one touchdown.
Rowan has a 4-1 record with a 3-1 NJAC mark. Western Connecticut drops to 0-5 overall and 0-4 in the conference. The Colonials have lost 11 straight games and the streak dates back to last year when Rowan defeated Western Connecticut, 49-18 (Oct. 11).
On defense, linebacker Kevin Taylor (sr. Westwood, NJ/Westwood Reg.) compiled six tackles. End Matt Hoffman (jr. Burlington, NJ/Burlington Twp.), linebacker Evan Picariello (so. East Hanover, NJ/Hanover Park) and linebacker Andrew Yezzi (sr. Franklinville, NJ/Delsea Reg.) followed with five tackles apiece. Linebackers Steve Hague (jr. Vineland, NJ/Buena Reg.) and Patrick Ruley (fr. Margate, NJ/Atlantic City) and Picariello each recovered a fumble. Defensive back Frank Rubino (fr. Montgomery, NJ/Montgomery) recorded an 83 yard interception return for a touchdown and free safety Mike Barone (sr. Hammonton, NJ/Hammonton) had a 38 yard interception.
For Western Connecticut, running back Tyler DeRosa rushed for 72 yards on seven attempts. Starting quarterback James Williams had 46 yards passing with six completions in 16 attempts. He also had four receptions for 21 yards after Chris Sloat took over at quarterback. Sloat threw for 62 yards, making eight of 12 attempts, and one touchdown. Linebacker Mike Lacaria led the Colonials’ defense with 12 tackles and cornerback Vinnie DeAgula followed with seven.
The Profs scored three straight touchdowns on their first three drives of the game. The first touchdown was a 59 yard pass from Wilczynski to Leafey at 14:42 after a 22 yard kick return by Gaines. Wilczynski made the score 14-0 with a 68 yard TD run (12:15). He then ran 53 yards for a touchdown at the nine minute mark.
Rowan was ahead 21-0 going into the second quarter. Wilczynski tossed a 10 yard TD pass to Lisa with 13:56 remaining. Mark Getsinger (sr. Deptford, NJ/Deptford) kicked a 42 yard field goal (5:05) that made the score 31-0. Wilczynski completed a nine yard TD pass to superback Jon Downes (sr. Gibbstown, NJ/Valley Forge Military (PA)) at 3:20. With 10 seconds left in the half, Wilczynski carried the ball two yards for a touchdown. The extra point attempt was blocked by linebacker Justin Rice. The Profs were ahead 44-0 at the intermission.
In the third period, Downes scored his second touchdown with an 11 yard carry at 10:49. Ruley recovered a Colonials’ fumble on the kick return at the Western Connecticut 11 yard line. Superback Tom Rickmers (fr. Lacey Twp., NJ/Lacey Twp.) scored his first collegiate TD with a six yard carry (3:31) and Rowan was ahead 58-0. Hague recovered a fumble that put the ball on the Rowan 20 yard line. Gaines carried the ball 72 yards on the first play of the TD drive.
Rubino recorded an 83 yard interception return for a touchdown (11:21) in the fourth quarter. Sloat spoiled the shutout with a 21 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jeff Johnston with 10:22 remaining. Gaines made the score 72-7 (9:59) with a 61 yard TD run. At 5:36, tailback Lionel Assie carried the ball five yards for Western Connecticut’s second touchdown.
Next week, Rowan meets conference opponent Morrisville State College on Saturday, October 17 at noon. The game will be played at Colgate University in Hamilton, NY.
