Sunday, October 13, 2002
The Purple Raiders routed Heidelberg to remain unbeaten, and next will face undefeated John Carroll.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
ALLIANCE -- There was no letdown, no looking ahead. Unfortunately for Heidelberg, the Mount Union College football team was completely focused.
With an anticipated Ohio Athletic Conference meeting with John Carroll looming next weekend, the Purple Raiders were all business Saturday at Mount Union Stadium, rolling to a 61-0 victory.
Mount Union (5-0, 4-0) now can put all of its attention on John Carroll (5-0, 4-0), which comes to town next Saturday tied for first place with the Purple Raiders and Capital.
"We've been able to establish consistency in our practices week in and week out," said Mount Union coach Larry Kehres, when asked about his team looking ahead to John Carroll.
"We're really starting to settle in and practice well," he said. "The guys understand that you have to do it that way."
The Purple Raiders also used Saturday's game against Heidelberg to sort out their issues at quarterback.
Adamson back at QB
Junior Rob Adamson, recovering from a dislocated forefinger on his throwing hand, played in just his second game this season, splitting time with sophomore Zac Bruney.
Adamson started and completed 10-for-15 passes for 164 yards, with three touchdowns and an interception, as Mount Union rolled up 572 total yards.
"There was some nervous tension at the start, but as the game went on I got more comfortable," Adamson said.
In Adamson's absence, Bruney, who completed seven of 10 passes for 142 yards, and junior Jesse Burghardt performed well under center.
Adamson said he didn't worry about losing his starting role.
"I had confidence that there was some job security," Adamson said. "If I came back and played to the level that I played before, it's my job."
Kehres understands that Adamson needs time to work his way back to full strength.
Steady improvement
"His performance in practice has gotten better each day," the coach said. "Today, he needed to perform with pressure from the rush. He'll be better on Monday and right on through."
Heidelberg (1-4, 1-3) was overmatched from the beginning by the two-time defending Division III champion. By halftime, The Berg trailed 41-0 and had gained one first down and seven total yards.
The score became so lopsided that Kehres elected to have sophomore Chad Teague kick a 21-yard field goal on first-and-goal from Heidelberg's 4 early in the third quarter. Teague later kicked a 36-yard field goal on second down.
It was Mount Union's second straight shutout. Its defense, which held Heidelberg to 98 total yards, has not allowed a point in the last 11 quarters.
Watson's view
"Regardless of the opponent, we look to get better every week," said Mount Union senior linebacker Stan Watson, an Austintown Fitch High graduate. "We want to have an aggressive attitude when we come into games."
Senior running back Dan Pugh rushed for 130 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns, his 12th and 13th this season. He reached 103 yards in the first quarter.
The top-ranked team in the Div. III coaches poll, Mount Union has won 79 consecutive regular season games and 71 straight in the OAC.
richesson@vindy.com