Oct. 21, 2006
Final Stats
PITTSBURGH, Pa.-The Duquesne football squad racked up 467 yards of total offense on its way to a 40-10 homecoming victory over Marist Saturday at Rooney Field. The Dukes improved to 6-2 overall and 2-0 in the MAAC, while Marist dropped to 2-6 overall and 1-1 in the league.
Duquesne got on the board first when right tackle Matt Kikta recovered a fumble by tailback Jeremy McCullough in the end zone for a touchdown at the 12:53 mark of the first quarter. Kicker Mark Troyan had his point after attempt blocked, however, to keep the margin 6-0.
The Red Foxes bounced right back with a career-long 40-yard field goal by junior kicker Bradley Rowe (Stratham, N.H.) at the 5:48 mark of the first quarter. The kick was the first 40-yard field goal by a Marist kicker since Brett Biggs' 40-yarder in a 31-9 loss at Florida Atlantic on Sept. 22, 2001.
Duquesne answered with an impressive drive, culminating with an eight-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Scott Knapp to wideout Bruce Hocker with 14:55 to go in the second quarter. Knapp and Hocker came into the game leading the nation in touchdown passes and touchdown receptions, respectively.
Troyan then extended the Duquesne advantage to 16-3 with a 46-yard boot of his own with 5:11 to go in the half.
Marist junior wideout Tim Keegan (Middlebury, Conn.) then ignited the Red Foxes' offense with an electrifying 46-yard touchdown reception from junior quarterback Stephen McGrath (Manasquan, N.J.) to make the score 16-10 Duquesne.
Troyan closed out the half with a 22-yard field goal for the 19-10 halftime margin.
The Dukes pulled away in the second half on a Knapp one-yard run, a 30-yard touchdown reception by tight end Philip Hayes and another 25-yard touchdown reception by Hocker.
Freshman O'Neil Anderson (Dorchester, Mass.) led Marist with 13 yards rushing on four carries, while Jeremy McCullough powered Duquesne with 123 yards on 25 runs. The Red Foxes, who came into Saturday's game leading the MAAC in rushing, were held to 22 yards on 18 carries.
McGrath finished 14-for-23 through the air for 161 yards with a touchdown pass and two interceptions. Knapp went 24-for-37 for three touchdown tosses and one interception.
Senior wide receiver Daniel Dulac had a career day for the Marist receiving attack, posting six catches for 73 yards. Dan Spriggs led Duquesne with 10 catches for 112 yards. Hocker also had seven catches for 129 yards and two touchdowns.
Senior safety Huck Correia (Pittsfield, Mass.) led Marist with a game-high 15 tackles, which included one tackle for loss and one forced fumble. Linebacker John Simmons was Duquesne's leading tackler with eight stops, 2.5 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and one sack.
The Red Foxes will be back home Saturday, Oct. 28 for a 7 p.m. showdown with Saint Peter's at Leonidoff Field. Saturday's game will also be Marist's annual Take a Kid to the Game Day.
