For Immediate Release
November 26, 2011
Additional Reporting Provided by the New Haven Athletics Communications Staff
West Haven, Conn. - The University of New Haven defeated Kutztown University 44-37 this afternoon at DellaCamera Stadium to advance to the National Quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II NCAA Football Tournament.
With the win, the Chargers improve to 11-1 overall, and advance to take on top-ranked Winston Salem State University next weekend. That game is scheduled to be played next Saturday at 1 p.m.
As mentioned, New Haven's win in the second round puts the team into the NCAA Division II Tournament Quarterfinal Round, matching the furthest a Northeast-10 team has ever advanced, as C.W. Post accomplished the feat in 2005.
The Chargers tallied 538 yards of total offense behind the stellar play of Ryan Osiecki and Jason Thompson. The two connected on four touchdowns as Osiecki threw for 433 yards on 23-of-31 passing with five touchdowns while Thompson hauled in four touchdowns with 214 yards on six catches.
After an offensive showdown from both teams in the first half, the third quarter featured an entirely different game as both defenses stepped up.
After a scoreless third quarter for New Haven, Kutztown added to their lead on a 19-yard field goal. Despite giving up three points, the Chargers defense held strong and stopped the Golden Bears at New Haven's own two-yard line.
Trailing by five with 12 minutes to go, New Haven began their next drive at their own 29-yard line. After a nine-yard pass to Anthony Tillman, the Chargers were faced with a third-and-two. Osiecki found Smart for a 13-yard reception to keep the drive going and two plays later, Mike DeCaro avoided several defenders on his way to a 45-yard score after catching a short pass from Osiecki.
After Raheem Stanley sacked Kutztown's quarterback on third-and-10, the Chargers got the ball back after a quick three-and-out. On the first play of the possession, Osiecki found Thompson down the middle of the field on a play-action that resulted in the eventual game-winning touchdown as Thompson ran 64-yards untouched into the endzone.
Thompson's career game featured 214 yards on six catches and four touchdowns. Osiecki was 23-of-31 for 433 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also rushed for 38 yards on six carries with a long of 15 yards. Kicker Chris Scifo was also a perfect 3-for-3 on field goal attempts with kicks from 23, 21 and 19-yards out.
New Haven will now face the No.1 seeded Winston-Salem State in Winston-Salem, N.C. on Saturday, December 3 in the NCAA Quarterfinal Round. The Rams are ranked No. 3 nationally and are coming off a 35-28 win over fifth-seeded California (Pa.).
