Last second victory for the Toreros A game-winning field goal earns a Homecoming victory

By Hunter Jameson
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

Homecoming weekend was an entertaining one for alumni, parents and students that wrapped up with the most exciting football game of the Torero season thus far. The Toreros faced the Marist College Red Foxes from Poughkeepsie, New York and were looking to stay perfect against league opponents this season. A large crowd of approximately 3,500 fans gathered for the game and were not disappointed.

The Marist defense came ready to play in the first half, holding the Torero offense to just 139 total yards and a 14-5 lead at halftime. Marist senior quarterback Chuckie Looney threw a 19 yard touchdown pass to senior Armani Martin and another 33 yard touchdown to senior Bart Leneghan in the first half. At halftime, Beta Theta Pi was crowned Spirit Week Champions.

The third quarter did not start any better for the Toreros when Martin caught his second touchdown of the game, giving the Red Foxes a 20-5 lead. The Toreros would respond with three straight touchdowns, all led by senior quarterback Mason Mills. He threw touchdowns to senior Sam Hoekstra and sophomore Cole Naone in the third quarter that would bring the Toreros within one. Shortly after a blocked punt, senior fullback Montell Allen scored on a 1-yard touchdown run that gave the Toreros their first lead of the game heading into the fourth quarter.

The Toreros added to their lead when Mills connected with junior wide receiver Reggie Bell for a 62-yard touchdown, giving them a 32-20 lead. However, Marist would not go away and scored two straight touchdowns when Looney connected with Martin for his third touchdown of the day and again to junior wide receiver Joe Tralli. With the score tight at 34-32 in favor of Marist, Mason Mills orchestrated a drive that put the game in the hands of sophomore kicker David Last. His 33-yard attempt at a game-winning field was no good, but luckily for the Toreros, Marist was charged with a roughing the kicker penalty, giving Last another at victory. His second attempt from 28 yards out soared straight through the uprights and the Torero players and crowd celebrated a hard-earned Homecoming victory.

After starting slow in the first half, Torero players on offense and defense stepped up and finished with very impressive statistics. Mills finished 20-29 for 349 yards and three touchdowns. Torero receivers Brandon White and Reggie Bell each finished with at least 100 yards, with Bell catching a touchdown. On defense, both defensive ends came up with huge plays that helped earn the win. Senior Blake Oliaro had 10 tackles, two sacks and a safety. Senior Steve Garguilo finished with nine tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble. Marist quarterback Chuckie Looney also had an impressive day with 19 completions for 298 yards and 5 touchdowns.

With the win, the Toreros improve to 3-0 in the Pioneer Football League and 4-2 overall. They travel to Ohio to face the University of Dayton Flyers next Saturday at 3:00 p.m.