Blue Streaks snap MC's win streak

Sept. 25, 2004
UNIVERSITY HTS., Ohio - Marietta football's attempt at history fell short tonight (Sept. 25) in University Heights, as the Pioneers' bid for a third straight victory to open the 2004 season was ended by a 20-3 loss to John Carroll in the first ever home night game in Blue Streak history.

Marietta's offense was limited to just 82 total yards, while John Carroll amassed 413 in the victory, its first of the fall. JCU (1-2, 1-1 OAC) controlled the ball for 41:58 in the win.

The Pioneers (2-1, 1-1 OAC) looked as if they were going to pick up where they left off last Saturday, when they forced a fumble deep in JCU territory midway through the first quarter. The Blue Streak defense held MC to a 27-yard field goal, off the foot of senior Bobby Lemasters (Winfield, WV).

The Blue Streaks quickly responded with a field goal of their own and the scored remained 3-3 after one period. JCU added touchdown in the second quarter and another in the third in the win.

Sophomore Jason Vrable (South Park, PA) finished the night 9-of-21 for 50 yards. He threw one interception. Jeremy Thornton (Madison, WI/East Senior) also saw time under center, but did not complete a pass in seven attempts.

Steven Wagner (Harwick, PA/Fox Chapel), who rushed for a career-high 258 yards last week, was held to just 18 yards on 10 carries, as the JCU defense dominated the line of scrimmage tonight.

Senior Mike Valiante (Wadsworth) pulled in three receptions for 10 yards to lead MC's receiver core.

Brett Munn (Newbury) gave the Pioneers good field position with a 75 yard kick off return in the second quarter, but the drive ended when Lemasters missed a 36-yard field goal.

Thadd Sharrett (Circleville) led all tacklers with 14, while Clay Ream (Burbank/Northwestern) collected nine in the loss. The Pioneers did finished with four sacks for 33 yards. In addition, Chris Sidick (Cecil, PA/Canon MacMillan) had a 42 yard interception return.

Brandon Oing (Uniontown/Green) rushed for a career-high 186 yards and added two scores to lead the Blue Streaks' ground game. Quarterback Matt Martin (Massillon/Washington) finished the game 18-of-25 for 215 yards and one interception.

Marietta will look to get back on track Saturday (Oct. 2) when they travel to Westerville to take on Otterbein at 7 p.m.