Saturday, October 31, 2009
Gameday Post: Richmond
Sorry readers, I will not be posting today for the game, WMJF-TV is doing a television broadcast of the game on campus. Tune in afterward for The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Gameday Blog: Delaware
TOWSON, Md. -- It's raining, it's pouring, all of Towson is snoring. This should be a slop fest ladies and gentlemen.
Pregame: 5 minutes to kick off and the Capatins are on the field. From left to right, Brady Smith, Tamba Tongu, Alex Butt, Casey Ceagles and David Newsom.
UD wins the toss, defers to the 2nd half. Towson to receive.
(14:40) 11 yard pass from Peter Athens to Newsom, Towson does NOT go 3 and out on their first drive. Towson on their own 42 yard line.
(13:28) and Athens just ran for a first down, real good play by the True Frosh, he got into trouble and solved his way out of it instead of throwing it away or turning it over. I'm impressed. Tigers on the UD 43 yard line.
(11:41) And the drive stalls in UD territory. Athens' pass to Ceagles comes up 3 yards short. Bill Shears punts it into the end zone. UD ball at the 20.
(9:59) Two personal fouls (one questionable) and PSU Transfer Pat Devlin have advanced the Blue Hens into Towson Territory. Ollie Thomas breaks up a 3rd down pass. Devlin runs for a first down. UD on the Towson 15
(7:05) Danny Collins with a big pass break up, Delaware's Leon Jackson runs it in on 3rd and 2. 11 plays, 80 yards (including 2 personal fouls).
-----Towson 0, Delaware 7-----
(6:10) Athens breaks a 13 yard run. and is INJURED! Athens does not get up after the run.
(4:26) Peterson comes in, breaks a 12 yard run. Towson's QB's are combining for 36 yards off 3 carries today
(3:50) Peterson's pass to Ceagles. Interference on UD. Auto First Down for Towson, now in UD territory at the 46 yard line
(1:47) Peterson with a terrible QB keeper, stopped on 4th and 1. UD ball on their own 39 yard line
(0:00) End of the first UD has the ball on the Towson 42.
1st Quarter Notes: Two stalled offensive drives by the Tigers, but the defense has kept Pat Devlin honest.
(14:34) David Newsom calls off returners on a punt that lands on the Towson 1. Bad call. But Tigers' ball on the 1
(13:10)Shears punting from the endzone, this could result in a safety...or an AWFUL 20 yard punt.
(12:57) and Devlin connects with Mark Duncan. BEAUTIFUL pass, perfect route. Hits him in stride on a 20 yard post down the middle of the field. It looked like a practice rep. 1 play 26 yards, 0:04 seconds.
-----Towson 0, UD 14-----
(8:54) Jerry Butler with a 22 yard run for UD. to the Tigers' 9
(8:30) UD appears to go offsides but calls a time out. Ambrose starts vaulting insults at the Line judge. TU is penalized, half the distance to the goal.
(7:11) and an UGLY UGLY run by Jackson for a UD TD
-----Towson 0, UD 21-----
(7:00) BIG Kick off return my Hakeem Moore, would have been to the Delaware 30, instead at the Towson 31
(7:00) Enter Brian Potts. The redshirt frosh fumbles his first snap of the game.
(3:50) Newsom muffs a punt, luckily it goes out of bounds
(3:44) Luckily Newsom makes up for it with a great catch.
(2:12) Potts looks for Tom Ryan on a bomb, Def pass interference. Towson ball on their 38. Auto first down
(1:59) and Potts hooks up with Moore on a 37 yard post to the far sideline. Towson on the UD 30.
(1:25) 4th and ten from the thirty and their going for it...and it's picked off at the 5. by Bratton. 37 yard return. UD ball on their 42
(0:58) Devlin keeps, runs for 18 yards. Brady Smith misses the sack by a breath. UD at the 50
(0:42) Devlin scrambles, steps into the pocket and launches a bullet to Duncan in the endzone. 3 plays, 58 yards, 0:23 seconds.
-----Towson 0, UD 28-----
(0:00) Hail mary pass by Potts picked off at the 12 yard line by Charles Graves, and returns it 88 yards for the TD with no time left in the half
-----Towson 0, UD 35-----
(14:46) UD returns the opening kickoff of the half 89 yards for a TD
-----Towson 0, Delaware 42-----
(14:38) Enter Tommy Chroniger at QB. Sacked his first play
(10:07) Chorniger is sacked on fourth down, held it wayyyyyy too long. UD takes over on Downs.
(4:46) Devlin is 8-14 for 115 yards, 2 TD's and no interceptions...and is marching down the field
(2:20) GREAT 3rd down stop for TU. 4th and goal on the 1. And Delaware runs it in and JUST gets it into the endzone. Leon Jackson's 3rd rushing TD today. 13 plays, 66 yards for a whopping 8:24.
-----Towson 0, Delaware 49-----
(0:10) and Towson responds with a great 3 and out to end the third quarter.
(13:35) And Towson FORCED a turnover. That makes it a (-1) turnover margin. Towson ball on the UD 41 yard line
(11:37) Dominique Booker with a 23 yard run. First and Goal Towson. Their first possession inside the 20 yard line
(10:30) Booker with his first career touchdown. 7 plays, 50 yards, 3:05 off the clock.
-----Towson 7, UD 49-----
(7:45) Chroniger keeps for 71 yards. Towson in the Redzone again
(5:15) Chroniger keeps for a 3 yard keeper and a Touchdown. 5 plays, 88 yards, 2:51 off the clock.
-----Towson 14, UD 49-----
(3:54) Towson recovers another fumble. Towson fumbles two plays later but recovers and draws a 15 yard penalty. First down on the UD 21
(2:33) Treymane Dameron with a 5 yard run. 6 plays, 44 yards, 2:15
-----Towson 21, UD 49-----
Pregame: 5 minutes to kick off and the Capatins are on the field. From left to right, Brady Smith, Tamba Tongu, Alex Butt, Casey Ceagles and David Newsom.
UD wins the toss, defers to the 2nd half. Towson to receive.
(14:40) 11 yard pass from Peter Athens to Newsom, Towson does NOT go 3 and out on their first drive. Towson on their own 42 yard line.
(13:28) and Athens just ran for a first down, real good play by the True Frosh, he got into trouble and solved his way out of it instead of throwing it away or turning it over. I'm impressed. Tigers on the UD 43 yard line.
(11:41) And the drive stalls in UD territory. Athens' pass to Ceagles comes up 3 yards short. Bill Shears punts it into the end zone. UD ball at the 20.
(9:59) Two personal fouls (one questionable) and PSU Transfer Pat Devlin have advanced the Blue Hens into Towson Territory. Ollie Thomas breaks up a 3rd down pass. Devlin runs for a first down. UD on the Towson 15
(7:05) Danny Collins with a big pass break up, Delaware's Leon Jackson runs it in on 3rd and 2. 11 plays, 80 yards (including 2 personal fouls).
-----Towson 0, Delaware 7-----
(6:10) Athens breaks a 13 yard run. and is INJURED! Athens does not get up after the run.
(4:26) Peterson comes in, breaks a 12 yard run. Towson's QB's are combining for 36 yards off 3 carries today
(3:50) Peterson's pass to Ceagles. Interference on UD. Auto First Down for Towson, now in UD territory at the 46 yard line
(1:47) Peterson with a terrible QB keeper, stopped on 4th and 1. UD ball on their own 39 yard line
(0:00) End of the first UD has the ball on the Towson 42.
1st Quarter Notes: Two stalled offensive drives by the Tigers, but the defense has kept Pat Devlin honest.
(14:34) David Newsom calls off returners on a punt that lands on the Towson 1. Bad call. But Tigers' ball on the 1
(13:10)Shears punting from the endzone, this could result in a safety...or an AWFUL 20 yard punt.
(12:57) and Devlin connects with Mark Duncan. BEAUTIFUL pass, perfect route. Hits him in stride on a 20 yard post down the middle of the field. It looked like a practice rep. 1 play 26 yards, 0:04 seconds.
-----Towson 0, UD 14-----
(8:54) Jerry Butler with a 22 yard run for UD. to the Tigers' 9
(8:30) UD appears to go offsides but calls a time out. Ambrose starts vaulting insults at the Line judge. TU is penalized, half the distance to the goal.
(7:11) and an UGLY UGLY run by Jackson for a UD TD
-----Towson 0, UD 21-----
(7:00) BIG Kick off return my Hakeem Moore, would have been to the Delaware 30, instead at the Towson 31
(7:00) Enter Brian Potts. The redshirt frosh fumbles his first snap of the game.
(3:50) Newsom muffs a punt, luckily it goes out of bounds
(3:44) Luckily Newsom makes up for it with a great catch.
(2:12) Potts looks for Tom Ryan on a bomb, Def pass interference. Towson ball on their 38. Auto first down
(1:59) and Potts hooks up with Moore on a 37 yard post to the far sideline. Towson on the UD 30.
(1:25) 4th and ten from the thirty and their going for it...and it's picked off at the 5. by Bratton. 37 yard return. UD ball on their 42
(0:58) Devlin keeps, runs for 18 yards. Brady Smith misses the sack by a breath. UD at the 50
(0:42) Devlin scrambles, steps into the pocket and launches a bullet to Duncan in the endzone. 3 plays, 58 yards, 0:23 seconds.
-----Towson 0, UD 28-----
(0:00) Hail mary pass by Potts picked off at the 12 yard line by Charles Graves, and returns it 88 yards for the TD with no time left in the half
-----Towson 0, UD 35-----
(14:46) UD returns the opening kickoff of the half 89 yards for a TD
-----Towson 0, Delaware 42-----
(14:38) Enter Tommy Chroniger at QB. Sacked his first play
(10:07) Chorniger is sacked on fourth down, held it wayyyyyy too long. UD takes over on Downs.
(4:46) Devlin is 8-14 for 115 yards, 2 TD's and no interceptions...and is marching down the field
(2:20) GREAT 3rd down stop for TU. 4th and goal on the 1. And Delaware runs it in and JUST gets it into the endzone. Leon Jackson's 3rd rushing TD today. 13 plays, 66 yards for a whopping 8:24.
-----Towson 0, Delaware 49-----
(0:10) and Towson responds with a great 3 and out to end the third quarter.
(13:35) And Towson FORCED a turnover. That makes it a (-1) turnover margin. Towson ball on the UD 41 yard line
(11:37) Dominique Booker with a 23 yard run. First and Goal Towson. Their first possession inside the 20 yard line
(10:30) Booker with his first career touchdown. 7 plays, 50 yards, 3:05 off the clock.
-----Towson 7, UD 49-----
(7:45) Chroniger keeps for 71 yards. Towson in the Redzone again
(5:15) Chroniger keeps for a 3 yard keeper and a Touchdown. 5 plays, 88 yards, 2:51 off the clock.
-----Towson 14, UD 49-----
(3:54) Towson recovers another fumble. Towson fumbles two plays later but recovers and draws a 15 yard penalty. First down on the UD 21
(2:33) Treymane Dameron with a 5 yard run. 6 plays, 44 yards, 2:15
-----Towson 21, UD 49-----
Saturday, October 3, 2009
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: New Hampshire
I'm going to give this short and sweet because there's not much more I could say.
THE GOOD: N/A
"Nobody died," Rob Ambrose on positives from the game.
THE BAD: Turnovers
6 Interceptions and 2 fumbles, giving up 127 yards and a touchdown. With every attempt at some sort of offensive production, Towson shot themselves in the foot. The Tigers have been notorious for very poor turnover ratios in the past. Today they turned in a (-7).
THE UGLY: Scoreboard
'Nough said. The Wildcats handed Towson the most lopsided loss at Johnny Unitas Stadium. New Hampshire didn't only score often, they scored in almost every way possible. 2 passing touchdowns, 2 rushing touchdowns, 2 interception returns, a field goal, a kick return, a safety and a field goal.
OVERALL ANALYSIS: To put it simply, Towson failed on pretty much every facet of the game, and New Hampshire did what all good teams do. They capitalized on the mistakes of a bad team.
Towson's defense kept it honest. To be frank, this game could have set NCAA records as far as scoring and turnovers. But for every positive the Tigers had as a team, they seemed to mess it up somehow. This is the mark of a young team.
There's a huge upside to the amount of young talent they have along with a coach that should have a great recruiting record. However, right now, they're nowhere near ready to compete in this conference. If they are, they haven't showed it yet.
THE GOOD: N/A
"Nobody died," Rob Ambrose on positives from the game.
THE BAD: Turnovers
6 Interceptions and 2 fumbles, giving up 127 yards and a touchdown. With every attempt at some sort of offensive production, Towson shot themselves in the foot. The Tigers have been notorious for very poor turnover ratios in the past. Today they turned in a (-7).
THE UGLY: Scoreboard
'Nough said. The Wildcats handed Towson the most lopsided loss at Johnny Unitas Stadium. New Hampshire didn't only score often, they scored in almost every way possible. 2 passing touchdowns, 2 rushing touchdowns, 2 interception returns, a field goal, a kick return, a safety and a field goal.
OVERALL ANALYSIS: To put it simply, Towson failed on pretty much every facet of the game, and New Hampshire did what all good teams do. They capitalized on the mistakes of a bad team.
Towson's defense kept it honest. To be frank, this game could have set NCAA records as far as scoring and turnovers. But for every positive the Tigers had as a team, they seemed to mess it up somehow. This is the mark of a young team.
There's a huge upside to the amount of young talent they have along with a coach that should have a great recruiting record. However, right now, they're nowhere near ready to compete in this conference. If they are, they haven't showed it yet.
Gameday Tracker - New Hampshire
TOWSON, Md. --
(15:00) Beautiful day in Towson. Balt. County day, so another decent crowd. (Exceptional considering it's at day game at Towson, something that usually doesn't attract students.
-Gameday Captains Alex Butt, Brady Smith, David Newsom, Casey Ceagles.
-Towson to receive
Kick off - First Quarter
(14:55) First play of the day, first penalty of the day. Illegal Formation
(12:47) Newsom drops a beautiful ball in completely open coverage, on third down. And the punt is blocked Justin Mellow for New Hampshire. UNH has the ball on the Towson 11.
(11:24) Alex Butt is reminding me exactly how good he is...as I type that, Touchdown UNH. Chad Kackert with a 7yrd rush.
-----(11:06) Towson 0, UNH 7-----
(11:00) Another bobbled kickoff, but Moore got a hold of it. Maybe TU should just not play special teams today.
(10:18) Athens pass tip drilled by UNH defense. UNH's second drive starts at the Towson 32
(9:47) OLB Donte Blakey with a great rush, sacks Decker for a loss of 9
(8:53) Touchdown UNH. Decker to Scott Sicko.
-----(8:53) Towson 0, UNH 14-----
(7:48) Another stalled drive, big play dropped by Alex Blake.
-Bad snap on the Punt, Shears tried to kick it in the endzone, but got an illegal kick saftey for UNH
-----Towson 0, UNH 16-----
(7:28) And the free kick is returned for a TD
-----Towson 0, UNH 23-----
(7:24) ANOTHER bobbled snap, Justin Harris takes a knee in the endzone. Lucky for them, UNH was offsides on the kickoff. Towson starts on the 25
(7:16) Another pick for Athens. Dino Vasso returns his second INT of a TD
-----Towson 0, UNH 30----
(7:09) Towson DOESN'T bobble the kickoff, receives standing ovation
(5:13) Towson's first play from New Hampshire territory. Dominique converts on 4th and 1. If i was in charge, I wouldn't punt or kick the rest of the game.
(4:41) 15 yard penalty on Towson. Back in their of territory
(3:46( Dameron probably just gave somebody a cuncussion. 3rd and 5 for TU, and Chroniger comes in. Runs the option and keeps it. 4th and 5, Booker with the HB pass, incomplete to Moore.
---END OF THE FIRST--- Towson 0, UNH 30
Notes:Besides the fact they're on pace to give up 120 points, Towson collapsed completely for the first half of the quarter. All facets of the game just would not work.
(12:50) Towson stalls on 3rd down again. Alex Blake drops another beautiful ball. But UNH fumbles the fair catch. Jeremy Gardner recovers. Towson's in the red zone
(12:35) ALEX BLAKE BOBBLED IT BUT FINALLY CAUGHT IT IN THE END ZONE. His first career TD.
-----Towson 7, UNH 30-----
(9:17) 7 play drive for 50 yards for UNH. Capped off by a Decker QB keep.
-----Towson 7, UNH 37-----
(8:29) Athens throws his 3rd pick. Blair Peterson is warming up.
(7:18) Big bad Brady Smith with a BIG tackle for loss. Next play he gets a big sack. Smith has pushed them back 16 yards on two
(6:11) Big pass to David Newsom deep over the middle. Draws the def pass interference. First down Tigers at the 36
(3:45) New Hampshire is simpling running the clock away on the Tigers.
(1:08) Not much to say right now, it's kind of a broken record. Towson comes out with 2 or 3 good plays and then EPICALLY fails. Athens fumbles the ball.
(0:02) FG for UNH. The wildcats have now scored in every way possible. A passing TD, rushing TD, a pick six, a safety and a kick return
HALF TIME SCORE Towson 7, UNH 40
Notes: Simply put, they're bad.
(13:23) The crowd looks depleted. the "Gold Rush" is heading towards the gates. HAKEEM MOORE blocks a punt?!?!?!?!?!?! Towson's ball on the 8yard line.
(12:47) Athens throws to Newsom 3 steps too early, and throws a 94 yard pick six. Welcome to the CAA frosh
----- Towson 7, UNH 47 -----
(12:41) Enter QB Blair Peterson
(7:06) Big completion after big completion, UNH is ALWAYS open
----- Towson 7, UNH 54 -----
(5:36) Even I feel like giving up right now, I'm going to the field for the rest of the game to get the vibe. Check www.twitter.com/towson_gameday for updates.
(15:00) Beautiful day in Towson. Balt. County day, so another decent crowd. (Exceptional considering it's at day game at Towson, something that usually doesn't attract students.
-Gameday Captains Alex Butt, Brady Smith, David Newsom, Casey Ceagles.
-Towson to receive
Kick off - First Quarter
(14:55) First play of the day, first penalty of the day. Illegal Formation
(12:47) Newsom drops a beautiful ball in completely open coverage, on third down. And the punt is blocked Justin Mellow for New Hampshire. UNH has the ball on the Towson 11.
(11:24) Alex Butt is reminding me exactly how good he is...as I type that, Touchdown UNH. Chad Kackert with a 7yrd rush.
-----(11:06) Towson 0, UNH 7-----
(11:00) Another bobbled kickoff, but Moore got a hold of it. Maybe TU should just not play special teams today.
(10:18) Athens pass tip drilled by UNH defense. UNH's second drive starts at the Towson 32
(9:47) OLB Donte Blakey with a great rush, sacks Decker for a loss of 9
(8:53) Touchdown UNH. Decker to Scott Sicko.
-----(8:53) Towson 0, UNH 14-----
(7:48) Another stalled drive, big play dropped by Alex Blake.
-Bad snap on the Punt, Shears tried to kick it in the endzone, but got an illegal kick saftey for UNH
-----Towson 0, UNH 16-----
(7:28) And the free kick is returned for a TD
-----Towson 0, UNH 23-----
(7:24) ANOTHER bobbled snap, Justin Harris takes a knee in the endzone. Lucky for them, UNH was offsides on the kickoff. Towson starts on the 25
(7:16) Another pick for Athens. Dino Vasso returns his second INT of a TD
-----Towson 0, UNH 30----
(7:09) Towson DOESN'T bobble the kickoff, receives standing ovation
(5:13) Towson's first play from New Hampshire territory. Dominique converts on 4th and 1. If i was in charge, I wouldn't punt or kick the rest of the game.
(4:41) 15 yard penalty on Towson. Back in their of territory
(3:46( Dameron probably just gave somebody a cuncussion. 3rd and 5 for TU, and Chroniger comes in. Runs the option and keeps it. 4th and 5, Booker with the HB pass, incomplete to Moore.
---END OF THE FIRST--- Towson 0, UNH 30
Notes:Besides the fact they're on pace to give up 120 points, Towson collapsed completely for the first half of the quarter. All facets of the game just would not work.
(12:50) Towson stalls on 3rd down again. Alex Blake drops another beautiful ball. But UNH fumbles the fair catch. Jeremy Gardner recovers. Towson's in the red zone
(12:35) ALEX BLAKE BOBBLED IT BUT FINALLY CAUGHT IT IN THE END ZONE. His first career TD.
-----Towson 7, UNH 30-----
(9:17) 7 play drive for 50 yards for UNH. Capped off by a Decker QB keep.
-----Towson 7, UNH 37-----
(8:29) Athens throws his 3rd pick. Blair Peterson is warming up.
(7:18) Big bad Brady Smith with a BIG tackle for loss. Next play he gets a big sack. Smith has pushed them back 16 yards on two
(6:11) Big pass to David Newsom deep over the middle. Draws the def pass interference. First down Tigers at the 36
(3:45) New Hampshire is simpling running the clock away on the Tigers.
(1:08) Not much to say right now, it's kind of a broken record. Towson comes out with 2 or 3 good plays and then EPICALLY fails. Athens fumbles the ball.
(0:02) FG for UNH. The wildcats have now scored in every way possible. A passing TD, rushing TD, a pick six, a safety and a kick return
HALF TIME SCORE Towson 7, UNH 40
Notes: Simply put, they're bad.
(13:23) The crowd looks depleted. the "Gold Rush" is heading towards the gates. HAKEEM MOORE blocks a punt?!?!?!?!?!?! Towson's ball on the 8yard line.
(12:47) Athens throws to Newsom 3 steps too early, and throws a 94 yard pick six. Welcome to the CAA frosh
----- Towson 7, UNH 47 -----
(12:41) Enter QB Blair Peterson
(7:06) Big completion after big completion, UNH is ALWAYS open
----- Towson 7, UNH 54 -----
(5:36) Even I feel like giving up right now, I'm going to the field for the rest of the game to get the vibe. Check www.twitter.com/towson_gameday for updates.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Athens Named co-CAA Rookie of the week
(from TU Athletic Media Relations)
RICHMOND, Va. – Quarterback Peter Athens (Huntingtown H.S./Huntingtown, Md.) of Towson University has been named as the co-winner of the Colonial Athletic Association “Rookie of the Week” award, it has been announced by CAA officials.
Athens shared the award with quarterback Justin Thorpe of James Madison University.
He is the first Tiger football player ever to be honored as the CAA Rookie of the Week award winner.
Playing in his first game at Johnny Unitas® Stadium on Saturday evening, Athens led the Tigers to a 21-17 victory over Coastal Carolina University, providing Coach Rob Ambrose with his first victory as the Tigers’ head coach.
Making his second consecutive start, Athens completed 13 of 18 passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns. He was sacked once and threw one interception.
While sharing time at quarterback with classmate Tommy Chroniger (DeMatha H.S./Crofton, Md.), the two quarterbacks combined to complete 17 of 25 passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns.
After the Tigers took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, Athens directed an 83-yard, 12-play drive in the second quarter. His four-yard touchdown pass to senior Dave Newsom (Elizabeth H.S./Elizabeth, N.J.) gave the Tigers a 14-0 lead with 11:02 remaining in the first half.
When Coastal Carolina cut its deficit to 14-10 in the third quarter, Athens led the Tigers on another scoring drive. He capped off a 47-yard, six-play drive by throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Newsom, giving Towson a 21-10 advantage with 11:49 left in the game. On the touchdown pass, he used a pump fake to freeze the Coastal Carolina defensive back and then lofted the pass to Newsom, who was wide-open in the end zone.
In two games, Athens has completed 28 of 43 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns. All three of his touchdown passes have been thrown to Newsom. With 11 receptions for 122 yards and three touchdowns in two games, Newsom is the leading pass receiver in the CAA.
A first-year freshman, Athens is one of several freshmen who have done well in their first two college football games. Tailback Tremayne Dameron (King George H.S./King George, Va.), a “red shirt” freshman, has rushed for 117 yards in two games and had a career high 84 yards against Coastal Carolina. Linebacker Danzel White (C.D. Hylton H.S./Manassas, Va.), another “red shirt” freshman, ranks second on the team with 15 tackles. Defensive tackle Matt Morgan (Horseheads H.S./Horseheads, N.Y.), a “red shirt” freshman who started the first two games, has made seven tackles in two games, including one sack.
Athens and Chroniger are two of seven first-year freshmen who have seen action in the first two games of the season.
The Tigers, now 1-1 on the season, will seek their second consecutive victory when they travel to Hughes Stadium to face Morgan State University on Saturday, September 26 at 4:00 p.m. It will be the 22nd meeting between the schools. Towson leads the all-time series by a 16-5 margin.
RICHMOND, Va. – Quarterback Peter Athens (Huntingtown H.S./Huntingtown, Md.) of Towson University has been named as the co-winner of the Colonial Athletic Association “Rookie of the Week” award, it has been announced by CAA officials.
Athens shared the award with quarterback Justin Thorpe of James Madison University.
He is the first Tiger football player ever to be honored as the CAA Rookie of the Week award winner.
Playing in his first game at Johnny Unitas® Stadium on Saturday evening, Athens led the Tigers to a 21-17 victory over Coastal Carolina University, providing Coach Rob Ambrose with his first victory as the Tigers’ head coach.
Making his second consecutive start, Athens completed 13 of 18 passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns. He was sacked once and threw one interception.
While sharing time at quarterback with classmate Tommy Chroniger (DeMatha H.S./Crofton, Md.), the two quarterbacks combined to complete 17 of 25 passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns.
After the Tigers took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, Athens directed an 83-yard, 12-play drive in the second quarter. His four-yard touchdown pass to senior Dave Newsom (Elizabeth H.S./Elizabeth, N.J.) gave the Tigers a 14-0 lead with 11:02 remaining in the first half.
When Coastal Carolina cut its deficit to 14-10 in the third quarter, Athens led the Tigers on another scoring drive. He capped off a 47-yard, six-play drive by throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Newsom, giving Towson a 21-10 advantage with 11:49 left in the game. On the touchdown pass, he used a pump fake to freeze the Coastal Carolina defensive back and then lofted the pass to Newsom, who was wide-open in the end zone.
In two games, Athens has completed 28 of 43 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns. All three of his touchdown passes have been thrown to Newsom. With 11 receptions for 122 yards and three touchdowns in two games, Newsom is the leading pass receiver in the CAA.
A first-year freshman, Athens is one of several freshmen who have done well in their first two college football games. Tailback Tremayne Dameron (King George H.S./King George, Va.), a “red shirt” freshman, has rushed for 117 yards in two games and had a career high 84 yards against Coastal Carolina. Linebacker Danzel White (C.D. Hylton H.S./Manassas, Va.), another “red shirt” freshman, ranks second on the team with 15 tackles. Defensive tackle Matt Morgan (Horseheads H.S./Horseheads, N.Y.), a “red shirt” freshman who started the first two games, has made seven tackles in two games, including one sack.
Athens and Chroniger are two of seven first-year freshmen who have seen action in the first two games of the season.
The Tigers, now 1-1 on the season, will seek their second consecutive victory when they travel to Hughes Stadium to face Morgan State University on Saturday, September 26 at 4:00 p.m. It will be the 22nd meeting between the schools. Towson leads the all-time series by a 16-5 margin.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Coastal Carolina: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
THE GOOD: UConn's...er...I mean Towson's new look offense
For years, it was very familiar to see Towson's offense step on the field with a lot of spread gun formations. This year, they're lining up in an I and smacking people in the mouth. Towson's offense doesn't have the flash that the Phil Albert Turf-Show had, it's a run and gun machine that collects first downs and controls the clock.
Towson ran on first down almost every drive. Freshman Tailback Tremane Dameron had a great game, with 84 yards on 21 carries and led the team in receptions with 7 catches for 61 yards.
The Tigers' new-found run game helped take some of the pressure of the two competing true freshman QB's Peter Athens and Tommy Chroninger. Chroninger is a hell-uva athlete, he even made a great play on special teams. Athens has a cannon. He threads the needle like no other. Through the entire first half, Towson was perfect on passes under 15 yards.
THE BAD: Pass Defense
How do you minimize the efforts of a defensive line that's as athletic is it is deep? How about you let them into the backfield, and dump off screen passes galore.
Towson's strongest defensive corps is easily the line. But the reads off of screen passes were not there Saturday night. Despite a good amount of over-pursuits by the front seven, the secondary has to address their soft coverage of running backs and average open field tackling.
Overall, Towson allowed 20 receptions for 295 yards and both Chanticleer touchdowns.
THE UGLY: The Officiating
Mr. Official, do NOT tell the band to stop playing when they're doing Sportscenter. I understand it's NCAA regulation, but you could have caused a riot last night.
I understand they had a lot of work to do last night, with both teams combining for 20 penalties.
Towson had a lot of procedural calls. This was something that Ambrose was very strict about during camp. Let's just say these guys will be in great shape next week, because they're conditioning schedule just got a lot more intense.
"I'm not a big fan of official evaluation, I will evaluate this game," Rob Ambrose at the press conference
OTHER NOTES AND THOUGHTS:
Great crowd and atmosphere all night. 7000+ in attendance.
Brady Smith recorded his first sack as a Tiger.
I was on the sidelines after Boyer missed a field goal opportunity pretty badly. Let's just say, Ambrose didn't have kind words after the botch.
For years, it was very familiar to see Towson's offense step on the field with a lot of spread gun formations. This year, they're lining up in an I and smacking people in the mouth. Towson's offense doesn't have the flash that the Phil Albert Turf-Show had, it's a run and gun machine that collects first downs and controls the clock.
Towson ran on first down almost every drive. Freshman Tailback Tremane Dameron had a great game, with 84 yards on 21 carries and led the team in receptions with 7 catches for 61 yards.
The Tigers' new-found run game helped take some of the pressure of the two competing true freshman QB's Peter Athens and Tommy Chroninger. Chroninger is a hell-uva athlete, he even made a great play on special teams. Athens has a cannon. He threads the needle like no other. Through the entire first half, Towson was perfect on passes under 15 yards.
THE BAD: Pass Defense
How do you minimize the efforts of a defensive line that's as athletic is it is deep? How about you let them into the backfield, and dump off screen passes galore.
Towson's strongest defensive corps is easily the line. But the reads off of screen passes were not there Saturday night. Despite a good amount of over-pursuits by the front seven, the secondary has to address their soft coverage of running backs and average open field tackling.
Overall, Towson allowed 20 receptions for 295 yards and both Chanticleer touchdowns.
THE UGLY: The Officiating
Mr. Official, do NOT tell the band to stop playing when they're doing Sportscenter. I understand it's NCAA regulation, but you could have caused a riot last night.
I understand they had a lot of work to do last night, with both teams combining for 20 penalties.
Towson had a lot of procedural calls. This was something that Ambrose was very strict about during camp. Let's just say these guys will be in great shape next week, because they're conditioning schedule just got a lot more intense.
"I'm not a big fan of official evaluation, I will evaluate this game," Rob Ambrose at the press conference
OTHER NOTES AND THOUGHTS:
Great crowd and atmosphere all night. 7000+ in attendance.
Brady Smith recorded his first sack as a Tiger.
I was on the sidelines after Boyer missed a field goal opportunity pretty badly. Let's just say, Ambrose didn't have kind words after the botch.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Gameday Blog: Coastal Carolina
TOWSON, Md. -- (6:57) Tigers just entered field to "Welcome to the Jungle," I think Events services stole it from my Brady Smith interview. The New Uniforms look sick. Captains just went out. Butt, Newsome, Smith and TAMBA TONGU!
(7:00) Towson wins toss. Elects to receive.
(7:02) Steafanik takes the first carry in an I? Crazier things have happened.
(7:03) Athens first completion @ the U to Dameron for 1-yard gain.
-Athens rockets in a first down to Newsome.
(7:05) Ambrose goes for it on 4th and 1. False start on the offense. "Same ole Towson."
(7:09) Brady Smith is a monster...even on special teams. Here comes the defense. What you got Hachmann.
(7:10) Big play by Chants. Too bad they had a holding penalty to begin with AND unsportsmanline. Those penalties will compound. Instead of a big TD, Chants will have the ball on their 8. 2nd and 23.
(7:14) Chants punter Ben Erdman bobbles the snap in the endzone. 9 yard punt. Towson has the ball on the 23.
(7:15) Welcome to college football Tom Chroniger. Delay of game. Towson. 5 yard penalty. Ball on the Coastal 7
(7:21) Chroniger to Godlasky. Godlasky's famous post to the corner of the endzone. Great touch by Chroniger to his WIDE open TE.
(7:28) Brady Smith's first sack as a Tiger. Loss of 7 yards to end the drive.
(7:30) Great screen from Athens to Dameron...Flags on the field. Clipping on the offense. "Same ole Towson."
(7:41) Chroniger to Godlasky. Might end up the game's leading receiver.
(7:43) Chroniger fumbles, offense recovers. Lucky
(7:45) Athens has time to throw...Athens threads the needle to Newsome in the back of the endzone. B-E-A-UTIFUL. Very Schaefer-esque.
(7:49) Towson plays the actual fight-song. (Sportscenter)
(7:50) Neither team reads the screen apparently. Towson gets burned by WR Whitley for a big gain.
(7:52) 6 plays, 52 yards by the Chants for their first TD. Towson 14 Coastal 7
(7:53) Towson's PA just announced dollar dogs in the 3rd quarter while playing the Backstreet boys?
(8:05) After back and forth horrible special teams plays, and a controversial incomplete pass call, the quality of the officiating crew is being called into play.
(8:09) Stalled drive by Towson in bad field position. Horrible punt by Shears saved by Chroniger on special teams.
(8:10) The word is out on Towson's defense. Throw the screen
(8:10) GREAT pick by Safty Danny Collins.
(8:11) And Chroniger is back in? RA is cycling his QB's. Dameron good carry for a first. Great block by the back judge.
(8:16) Offense is completely clueless within the last 30 seconds of half. Horrible clock management, and Chroninger throws a REALLY bad pick to end the half.
---Half Time--- Towson 14 Coastal 7
(8:38) Mediocre kickoff by Towson. Fumbled by Sullivan who fell on it, horrible field position.
(8:45) Athens is marching down field with the offense. Bullet passes every drive for first downs. Making Newsome look like Reggie Wayne.
(8:47) Athens for another first down. Towson remains perfect in passes under 15 yards
(8:51) Boyer misses his first FG attempt. Towson 14 Coastal 7
(8:56) Big penalty day on both sides. Coastal just had a great Childers run called back because of a OBVIOUS clip
(8:58) Zach Macdowall for Coastal has entered the game. The Chants starting QB sat out until this drive because of an injury, but now that he's in is carving the Towson Secondary.
(9:03) Heading down to the field. Check Twitter for updates. http://twitter.com/towson_gameday
(10:14) Towson wins. GREAT atmosphere all game
(7:00) Towson wins toss. Elects to receive.
(7:02) Steafanik takes the first carry in an I? Crazier things have happened.
(7:03) Athens first completion @ the U to Dameron for 1-yard gain.
-Athens rockets in a first down to Newsome.
(7:05) Ambrose goes for it on 4th and 1. False start on the offense. "Same ole Towson."
(7:09) Brady Smith is a monster...even on special teams. Here comes the defense. What you got Hachmann.
(7:10) Big play by Chants. Too bad they had a holding penalty to begin with AND unsportsmanline. Those penalties will compound. Instead of a big TD, Chants will have the ball on their 8. 2nd and 23.
(7:14) Chants punter Ben Erdman bobbles the snap in the endzone. 9 yard punt. Towson has the ball on the 23.
(7:15) Welcome to college football Tom Chroniger. Delay of game. Towson. 5 yard penalty. Ball on the Coastal 7
(7:21) Chroniger to Godlasky. Godlasky's famous post to the corner of the endzone. Great touch by Chroniger to his WIDE open TE.
(7:28) Brady Smith's first sack as a Tiger. Loss of 7 yards to end the drive.
(7:30) Great screen from Athens to Dameron...Flags on the field. Clipping on the offense. "Same ole Towson."
(7:41) Chroniger to Godlasky. Might end up the game's leading receiver.
(7:43) Chroniger fumbles, offense recovers. Lucky
(7:45) Athens has time to throw...Athens threads the needle to Newsome in the back of the endzone. B-E-A-UTIFUL. Very Schaefer-esque.
(7:49) Towson plays the actual fight-song. (Sportscenter)
(7:50) Neither team reads the screen apparently. Towson gets burned by WR Whitley for a big gain.
(7:52) 6 plays, 52 yards by the Chants for their first TD. Towson 14 Coastal 7
(7:53) Towson's PA just announced dollar dogs in the 3rd quarter while playing the Backstreet boys?
(8:05) After back and forth horrible special teams plays, and a controversial incomplete pass call, the quality of the officiating crew is being called into play.
(8:09) Stalled drive by Towson in bad field position. Horrible punt by Shears saved by Chroniger on special teams.
(8:10) The word is out on Towson's defense. Throw the screen
(8:10) GREAT pick by Safty Danny Collins.
(8:11) And Chroniger is back in? RA is cycling his QB's. Dameron good carry for a first. Great block by the back judge.
(8:16) Offense is completely clueless within the last 30 seconds of half. Horrible clock management, and Chroninger throws a REALLY bad pick to end the half.
---Half Time--- Towson 14 Coastal 7
(8:38) Mediocre kickoff by Towson. Fumbled by Sullivan who fell on it, horrible field position.
(8:45) Athens is marching down field with the offense. Bullet passes every drive for first downs. Making Newsome look like Reggie Wayne.
(8:47) Athens for another first down. Towson remains perfect in passes under 15 yards
(8:51) Boyer misses his first FG attempt. Towson 14 Coastal 7
(8:56) Big penalty day on both sides. Coastal just had a great Childers run called back because of a OBVIOUS clip
(8:58) Zach Macdowall for Coastal has entered the game. The Chants starting QB sat out until this drive because of an injury, but now that he's in is carving the Towson Secondary.
(9:03) Heading down to the field. Check Twitter for updates. http://twitter.com/towson_gameday
(10:14) Towson wins. GREAT atmosphere all game
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