‘Hounds end 2009 season with loss
By JP Sinclair | Business Manager
Coming off of a three-game winning steak that included a 21-17 victory against Tiffin University on Homecoming, it seemed that the Greyhound football team had all the momentum it needed going into the match up against the Ashland University (AU) Eagles and Northern Michigan University (NMU) (6-4, 6-4 GLIAC).
Against NMU on Nov. 8 in the Superior Dome, host Northern Michigan ran out to a 28-0 lead. NMU quarterback Carter Kopach had three touchdowns on the day.
Up 14-0, the NMU Wildcats recovered an on-side kick which they converted into points. After NMU scored, the ‘Hounds fumbled the return and gave NMU another chance to score before the half expired. However, the Greyhound defense held its own and didn’t allow an easy score before the half.
During the second half, the Greyhounds got on the board with a running touchdown by sophomore quarterback Paul Corsaro. They also had a passing touchdown from sophomore quarterback Rob Doyle pass to senior wide receiver Stephen Geller.
The score was 34-14 with 5:33 remaining, but a Wildcat touchdown put the game away for the ‘Hounds. Doyle finished the afternoon 25 for 41 for 226 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions
Against AU on Oct. 31 the Eagles got the opening kickoff and returned it for a touchdown the Greyhounds were in an early hole they couldn’t come out of has they lost 19-3 at Jack Miller Stadium.
The ‘Hounds didn’t answer the opening kickoff on their first offensive drive, freshman running back Patrick Bourne fumbled. The Greyhound defensive answered the call and held a potent Ashland offensive for a field goal much like they did all day.
“We are trying to play with more heart, trying to be everywhere on the field, do what we have to do,” said senior safety J.T. Owens. “And just play sound ball.”
The defense for UIndy held an Ashland team that averages 26 points per game to just 19, but what is even more remarkable was the fact Ashland did not score a touchdown other than the opening kick-off all day. Ashland is lead by senior quarterback Billy Cundiff, a projected sixth-round National Football League draft pick.
“All our guys step up and look forward to playing a player like Cundiff,” said Owens. “If we play sound, we can make him a non-factor.”
UIndy did just that as Cundiff had eight completions in 18 attempts, with no touchdowns.
The ‘Hounds stayed in the game has halftime started down 16-3, but just could not find the offense needed to compete in the game. The offensive line in particular struggled allowing sophomore quarterback Rob Doyle to be sacked eight times during the game.
The linebacker core of freshman Max Davis and sophomore Mike Dum led the Greyhound defense with 12 tackles apiece.
Frustration mounted toward the end of the game, as on the last play Doyle got hit late after the play was dead and the clock reached zero. No flag was thrown, but senior offensive linemen Tim Dury came to the aid of his quarterback and there was an altercation that was quickly and effectively broken up by the coaches and players.
The UIndy football team ended its season with a 4-7 record (3-7 GLIAC).
