Round Up: Tigers Take Season Opener With a Convincing Win Against Albion
The first test for Tigers football team was Albion College, a traditionally strong Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association squad that was coming off an 8-2 season in 2001.
The first test for Tigers football team was Albion College, a traditionally strong Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association squad that was coming off an 8-2 season in 2001. As season openers go, this was appeared to be a barnburner on paper, but it didn't materialize as the homestanding Tigers used several big plays to break the game open early and cruise to a convincing 44-7 win.
After a first-quarter blocked punt put the Tigers under early pressure, the Wittenberg defense forced a fumble and the next play resulted in a new Wittenberg record as senior quarterbackGreg Cornett (Franklin, Ohio/Franklin) hit the junior wide receiver Skip Ivery (Columbus, Ohio/Groveport-Madison) on a 94-yard touchdown pass. Jacob Thomas (New Albany, Ohio/New Albany) converted a 24 yard field goal to end the quarter to put the Tigers up 10-0.
The second period turned into a scoring frenzy as Wittenberg put 21 points on the board and Albion registered its only touchdown. The home team's second touchdown came on a great defensive play as the defensive line forced an interception by senior linebacker Dustin Goldsbury (Columbus, Ohio/Ready), who ran it back 19 yards to register his first score of the season.
The second period also was when senior tailback Daniel Grove (Uhrichsville, Ohio/Claymont) come alive and registered the first two of his four touchdowns. He ran through the Albion defense on a 77-yard scoring play and then added a 1-yard run five minutes later.
The second half was more a formality than anything else as Grove added the only score in the third on a 2-yard run following a 13-play drive of 76 yards. Grove finished his excellent day in style with a 94-yard run, the second-longest rushing play in Tiger history.
In addition to his touchdown, Goldsbury starred for the defense, finishing the game with four solo tackles and four assists. He was ably assisted by Andy Pope (Hamilton, Ohio/Lakota East), who completed three solo tackles and six assists.
For his outstanding performance in the game, which included three receptions for 122 yards, all of which went for either a first down or a score, Skip Ivery was named NCAC Offensive Player of the Week.