Saturday, September 21, 2002

Cookeville, Tenn. - Derek Lee caught 73, 38 and 33-yard touchdown passes from Robert Craft as Tennessee Tech defeated Valpo 62-10. Trey Bonner added three second-half touchdowns. The Crusaders (0-3) scored on a 9-yard touchdown pass from David Macchi to Ryan Barno in the third quarter and on a 37-yard field goal by Adam Hudak in the second quarter.

Macchi, who passed for 300 and 283 yards in the first two games, completed 10 of 12 passes for 186 yards and one touchdown. Rob Giancola made a big play on Valpo’s touchdown drive, catching a 56-yard pass from Macchi. Kevin Knutson added a 15-yard reception to set up the touchdown catch by Barno just inside the pylon in the short right corner of the end zone.

Tennessee Tech (2-2), a full-scholarship NCAA I-AA program, also received a 4-yard touchdown run from Mikhal Kornegay, as well as a 7-yard scoring pass to Matt Lollar and a 32-yard touchdown pass to Anton Thomison in the first half – both from Lewis Kuffour.

Lee, who tied a Golden Eagle record for touchdown receptions, caught four passes for 183 yards. Craft and Kuffour both had big games for Tennessee Tech. A sophomore, Craft completed nine of 12 aerials for 266 yards and three touchdowns. Kuffour completed six of seven passes for 125 yards and two scores.

The Golden Eagles increased their lead in the second half on Lee’s 38-yard touchdown reception and touchdown runs of 2, 21 and 49 yards by Bonner. A freshman, Bonner rushed for 143 yards on 12 carries.

Tennesssee Tech finished with a school-record 644 total yards to 248 for Valpo. The Golden Eagles, who passed for 391 yards, outrushed the Crusaders 253-46. Valpo finished with 202 passing yards. For the second straight Valpo game, neither team committed a turnover.

Valpo plays at Saint Joseph’s College next Saturday beginning at noon.