Prolific-scoring Purple Raiders have huge day

Mount Union broke an NCAA Division III record for
single-quarter points.

By ERIC HAMILTON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

ALLIANCE — Just when you think the Mount Union football team can’t be any more dominant or put up more mind-boggling numbers, they set a new standard. 

The Purple Raiders began the 2007 season in record-breaking fashion, breaking the NCAA Division III record with 52 points in the first quarter against Averett and coasted to a 75-7 win on Saturday at Mount Union Stadium. 

“I had heard rumors that Mount Union was going to be better this year than they were last year, but I was thinking, ‘How much better can they get?’ ” Averett coach Mike Dunlevy asked. “But they are.”

Kmic scores four TDs 

Mount Union’s scoring barrage included four rushing touchdowns by junior Nate Kmic, a blocked punt returned 10 yards for a score by James Herbert and a 20-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by Matt Williamson.

Mike Zimmerman added a 25-yard field goal in the opening quarter. 

Kmic, who owns the Mount Union single-season rushing record, set the tone on the game’s first play, breaking loose for a 65-yard touchdown.

He finished with just seven carries for 151 yards. It was his 15th career 100-yard game. 

“The starters were anxious to play today because we didn’t get much time in our scrimmage,” said Kmic, who tied a career best with four touchdowns.

“They lost a lot of seniors from last year and I think that showed today.

“After getting used to 40 carries in games last year, only having seven carries today felt like something was missing. But because of the circumstances, that wasn’t necessary, so I take that as a positive.”

Not all offense

With the Purple Raiders’ offense scoring on all six possessions in the opening period, the Mount Union defense more than did its share of putting the game out of reach early. 

The unit forced four turnovers — three fumbles and an interception — and blocked a punt.

Senior Pat McCullough recovered two of the loose balls, Cameron Rose picked off a pass and Matt Kostelnik blocked his fifth career punt.

This was all in the first quarter.

That was more than enough action for Mount Union’s starters, as coach Larry Kehres started bringing in his second and third string players in the second quarter.

“I’ve said for years that you have the best chance to win by respecting the other team,” Kehres said.

“Most of our kids respect the game and have been on both sides of games like this, so they know how to act.

 Mentally ready

“That first quarter was one of the best we’ve ever had,” Kehres said. “A couple of those were freebies — the blocked punt and fumble return — but we were mentally ready to play and we didn’t make any mistakes in the first half.” 

McCullough, who recovered two fumbles in the first quarter, didn’t expect to contribute so quickly when the game began. But after Mount Union scored on the first play, it was the defense’s time to show what it could do. 

“I thought we’d have more time to rest over there and get ready,” McCullough said.

“But I guess we’ll take the offense scoring fast every time. We just tried to get in the best positions possible to make a play. The turnovers just kind of came with it.”