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Football Dan Teliski, Director of Athletic Media Relations

Gannon Football Wins 31-24 Thriller in 2008 Home Opener

Senior Matt Ward led a defense that stopped Clarion twice inside its 30-yard line late in the game
ERIE, Pa. - Jon Richardson (Warren, Ohio/Warren G. Harding) rushed for two touchdowns and Gannon knocked down two passes into the endzone at the end of regulation as the Golden Knights posted a thrilling 31-24 victory in football action Saturday night. A large crowd of 2,168 watched the 2008 home opener at Gannon University Field.

Gannon seemed to be in control with a 21-10 halftime lead. Richardson recorded both of his scores in the first half. Jacobe Smith's (Maple Heights, Ohio/Maple Heights) 28-yard touchdown reception from Bob Bartley (Allison Park, Pa./Hampton) with 42 seconds left in the half gave the Golden Knights an 11-point halftime advantage.

Clarion rallied in the fourth quarter. Trailing 31-17, Gino Rometo hit Jacques Robinson from 20 yards out with 5:10 remaining. The Eagles had one last chance, driving inside Gannon's 30-yard line twice in the last four minutes of the game. An incomplete pass on fourth-and-eight from the Gannon 21-yard line ended the first threat.

The Golden Eagles then forced another punt and took over at their own 28-yard line with 44 seconds left. Rometo's 33-yard completion to Matt Foradora took Clarion to the Gannon 26-yard line. However, Gannon forced four consecutive incomplete passes to seal the victory. The last two passes into the endzone were knocked down by Gannon defenders.

Richardson led Gannon's rushers with 83 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. Bartley and Zach Boedicker (Northfield, Ohio/Nordonia) combined to go 10-of-21 for 175 yards and one touchdown through the air.

Matt Ward (Brockport, N.Y./Brockport) headlined the defensive unit with nine tackles. David Postwaite (Rochester, N.Y./Gates Chili) added eight stops.

Gannon improved to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division play. Clarion dropped to 1-4 overall and 0-2 in conference play. The Golden Knights return to action Saturday, October 4 at Edinboro. Game time is scheduled for 2 p.m.

For a complete box score from Saturday's Gannon-Clarion football game, please click here.
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