Saturday, September 17, 2005

Morehead State rushed for 363 yards on 59 carries Saturday afternoon on the way to spoiling Valparaiso's home opener as the Eagles defeated the Crusaders 48-7 at Brown Field.

After both teams went three and out on their opening drives, Morehead State struck first. Rick Cornelius scored from 15 yards out, the first of six rushing touchdowns on the day for the guests.

Valpo answered with an 9-play, 80-yard drive to tie the score. Jeff Horton (Saint Louis, Mo./Lutheran North H.S.) started it with a 41 yard run and capped it off with a two yard score with 7:49 remaining the opening quarter.

Morehead State (3-0) went in front on the next possession, going 90 yards in just eight plays, with Brian Yost throwing a five-yard touchdown strike to Daniel Vagni with 4:08 remaining in the opening quarter.

Three straight possessions in the second quarter led to Eagle touchdowns, as Morehead State took a 35-7 lead at intermission. Eli Parkes scored from 15 yards out, Casey McCoy had a four-yard run, and Rick Cornelius plowed his way into the end zone from just a yard out to build the halftime advantage.

McCoy's second score of the game, from 17 yards out, made it 42-7 with 1:07 remaining in the third quarter and Chris Stockelman capped the scoring with an 11-yard touchdown run with 9:48 to play in the game for the Eagles.

Valpo tallied just 215 total yards, 139 of which came on the ground, while Morehead State racked up 495 total yards. Horton carried 15 times for 88 yards for the Brown and Gold, while Ryan Doerffler (Fort Wayne, Ind./Concordia H.S.0 was 12-of-26 for 76 yards, but was intercepted three times.

Brian Yost was 6-of-15 for 132 yards for the Eagles, while 13 different carriers ran the ball. Jabari McGee led the way with ten carries for 92 yards. Brandon McRae caught three passes for 96 yards.

Valparaiso (1-2) will look to end its two-game losing skid next Saturday as the Crusaders entertain Davidson. Kickoff at Brown Field is set for noon.