FOOTBALL Perry's pick-offs sparked YSU win

The sophomore cornerback's two interceptions rallied the Penguins.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Jason Perry isn't one to take credit for something if he didn't do it.
But Perry definitely was the spark behind Youngstown State's second-half surge last Thursday, in the Penguins' 35-13 season-opening victory over Slippery Rock University.
The Penguins trailed 6-0 at halftime and played nowhere near their potential, getting just 56 total yards and never really threatening The Rock.
In the third quarter, after the Penguins had already had one drive that totaled nothing, Perry finally brought the Penguins to life.
Perry, a 5-8, 160-pound sophomore cornerback from Warrensville Heights, stepped in front of a Nate Crookshank pass at his own 30-yard line early in the third period and returned it to midfield.
The Penguins went on to score and take a lead they wouldn't relinquish.
"I was handing the ball to the official and the offense was coming onto the field and I could see that they were all fired up and it made me feel good," Perry said.
Another interception
Later in the same period, Perry pulled down an overthrow pass by Crookshank at the YSU 15 and brought it all the way back to the Slippery Rock 46. Again, the Penguins went on to score, building a 21-6 advantage.
"When we came in at halftime, nobody was pointing any fingers at anyone," Perry said.
"We knew we didn't play well and we knew what we had to do in the second half."
Perry said that as a defensive back he's always looking to make a big play.
"But you also have to be careful to maintain your responsibilities back there," Perry said.
Senior wide receiver Matt Rycraft, who caught six passes in the contest and scored on touchdown, lauded the defense.
"That interception really got us going," Rycraft said. "Nobody was happy about the way we played in the first half."
Played last year
Perry, who was red-shirted as a freshman in 2002, played in all 12 games a year ago and made three starts against Edinboro, Indiana State and Illinois State.
He had 30 tackles a year ago, including 19 solo stops, and had his best game against Illinois State when he made six stops including four solos.
His interceptions were the first of his brief college career.
Perry came to YSU from Bedford St. Peter Chanel High School where he helped his team to the Division V state championship in 2001 with a perfect 15-0 record.
The pre-business major set a school record for touchdown receptions his senior season. He also played defensive back and returned punts and kickoffs and was named first team Div. V All-Ohio.
Perry and the Penguins well get back into action this Saturday when YSU plays host to Florida International in a 5 p.m. kickoff at Stambaugh Stadium.
Because of Hurricane Frances, the Golden Panthers' season opener last week against Jacksonville was canceled, so Saturday's game will be their season opener.
mollica@vindy.com