Almost: The Cardinals took the defending national champion Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs into overtime, but fell just short in a 30-27 defeat A snowy playoff matchup that featured big plays, big hits and a controversial overtime finish, Saturday’s game had all the elements of an instant classic. The only thing missing for SVSU was a win. The Cardinals’ season ended Saturday with a 30-27 overtime loss to Minnesota-Duluth in the first round of the NCAA playoffs. Cardinal eNewslett 2011 Season / Volume Sophomore wide receiver Jeff Janis pulls in his third touchdown catch of the day in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s overtime playoff loss to Minnesota Duluth.
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Almost: The Cardinals took the defending national champion Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs into
overtime, but fell just short in a 30-27 defeatA snowy playoff matchup that featured big plays, big hits and a controversial overtime finish, Saturday’s game had all the elements of an instant classic.
The only thing missing for SVSU was a win.
The Cardinals’ season ended Saturday with a 30-27 overtime loss to Minnesota-Duluth in the first round of the NCAA playoffs.
“It was an exciting game – just what you want out of a playoff game – but unfortunately we didn’t get it done,” said head coach Jim Collins.
But SVSU couldn’t have come closer to getting it done: After a slow start, the Cardinals rallied from being down 10 points at halftime to send the game into overtime on the foot of freshman kicker Scott Stanford.
The Cardinals scored on their first possession in overtime, but the play was called back because of a controversial offensive pass interference call on SVSU. The Cardinals
Cardinal FootballeNewsletter
2011 Season / Volume 12
Sophomore wide receiver Jeff Janis pulls in his third touchdown catch of the day in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s overtime playoff loss to Minnesota Duluth. Janis had a career-high 176 yards in the game.
were forced to settle for a field goal, and Minnesota-Duluth punched the ball in on its first overtime possession to clinch the win.
“I like the way our guys competed today; they played hard, and they never gave up,” Collins said. “They competed for sixty minutes plus.”
SVSU was led by sophomore wide receiver Jeff Janis, who had a career day with 179 yards receiving and three touchdowns, including two for more than 60 yards.
“He’s had a great year,” Collins said. “He’s a big, fast guy, and he’s an easy target to hit. He makes plays with the ball in his hands.”
The SVSU offense struggled early in what started out as a blustery, messy game. With the snow and cold temperature hampering the pass game, SVSU attempted to rely on the ground game, but was met with a resilient Bulldog rush defense.
“They are a tough team to run on,” Collins said. “We went into the game with running as part of the plan, but it wasn’t as successful as we hoped it to be, so went to plan B, which was (to) throw it more.”
“It was kind of tough (to throw the ball),” said sophomore quarterback Jonathon Jennings. “It was obviously cold outside, but we just had to work with it.”
The Cardinals’ persistence paid off when Jennings hit Janis on a 72-yard pass play in the second quarter. Janis caught the ball on a short slant, evaded one defender, followed his blockers and then sprinted past the entire UMD defense for the score.
“He was a big player for them today,” said Minnesota-Duluth head coach Bob Nielson. “When you catch a crossing route five yards from the line of scrimmage and take it the distance, that’s a heck of an individual play.”
The Bulldogs responded with 10 straight points, carrying a 17-7 lead into halftime.
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Senior wide receiver Nick Gallina turns upfield late in Saturday’s loss. Gallina had five receptions for 51 yards in his final game as a Cardinal.
Both teams traded off punts to start the half, but Jennings hit Janis on the same play for another score, this one going for 65 yards. Janis’ three touchdowns in the game were his twelfth, thirteenth and fourteenth of the year.
“I found (that route) open few times,” Janis said. “We knew all we had to do was make one move to make the defense miss because they tackled low, so that’s all I did.”
The 6-foot-3-inch Janis created problems for the Bulldogs the entire game, with his size and strength causing fits for the Minnesota-Duluth secondary.
“They did play a little of cover two (defense) rather than just one-on-one coverage,” Collins said. “That was the adjustment that we saw a little bit, but not on every down.”
Those adjustments couldn’t stop Janis from scoring a third time, early in the fourth quarter, as he caught a 22-yard pass in the end zone to give the Cardinals a 21-17 lead, their first of the game.
The SVSU defense fed off the momentum that Janis and the offense created. After allowing 172 yards rushing on 33 carries (allowing a 5.2 yards per carry average) in the first half, the Cardinals defense let up only 88 yards on 28 carries in the second half (3.1 yards per carry).
“When the offense started making some plays, I think it created a little bit of momentum and excitement for our defense, and we kind of fed off each other in that second half,” Collins said. “That’s really what we’ve done all year.”
The defense was led by junior defensive back Darius Middlebrooks, who tallied 21 tackles in the game. Middlebrooks picked up the slack for a defense that was missing several of its key players, including junior linebacker Grant Caserta, a first-team all-GLIAC selection.
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Freshman kicker Scott Stanford lines up to kick a 42-yard field goal during the Cardinals’ first possession in overtime Saturday. Stanford made the kick to put SVSU up by three, but Minnesota-Duluth scored a touchdown on the ensuing drive to clinch the first round NCAA playoff win over SVSU.
“I was just trying to fly around and make plays for my team,” Middlebrooks said. “We just tried to buckle down and come together as a unit. We tried to do a lot of communication and talk about what we saw out there.”
Despite the Cardinals’ adjustments, they allowed a rushing touchdown to the Bulldogs with just over eight minutes left in the game to go behind 24-21. The Bulldogs rushed for 275 yards and threw for only 84 in the game, scoring all four of their touchdowns on the ground.
That score held until the final eight seconds of the game, when freshman kicker Scott Stanford hit a 21-yard field goal to force overtime.
SVSU received the ball first in overtime and scored right away on a pass to senior wide receiver Nick Gallina, but the play was called back when offensive pass interference was called in the area of Gallina and Janis.
Collins said that he had no comment on the call, saying that he was “not sure what was called.”
The penalty hurt the Cardinals, forcing them to settle for another field goal from Stanford, this one a 42 yarder. The defense gave up a big play to Minnesota-Duluth on the following possession, and could not stop the Bulldogs from punching the ball in on their first overtime drive to clinch the win.
“We just didn’t make the plays,” Jennings said. “We had a penalty called when we scored that put us in bad position. We were in third and long, and we just really didn’t get it done.”
Jennings finished the game with 324 yards on 18 for 24 passing. In his first full season as a starter, the true sophomore passed for 2,924 yards, throwing 29 touchdowns and only nine interceptions. Jennings also added seven touchdowns and 416 yards on the ground.
With the win, Minnesota-Duluth moves on to the second round of the NCAA playoffs, where it will travel to the undefeated No.1 seed in the region, Colorado State-Pueblo.
The Cardinals end their season with an overall record of 7-4. Despite the early playoff exit, Collins said that he is proud of what his team accomplished this year.
“When we started the season, our goal was to win a national championship, and we fell short of that,” Collins said. “But I’m really proud of the way we played all season long and the leadership we had.”
Source: http://www.valleyvanguardonline.com/?p=1031By: Justin Brouckaert – The Valley Vanguard
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Recap of Week #11: University of Minnesota - Duluth
Cardinals 27 Bulldogs 30 Box Score Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 OT Final
Jamohn Martin (RB, RFR, #25, son of Lamont and Carla) runs back a kickoff against UMD.
Brian Johnson (LB, SO, #41, son of Brian and Karen) makes the tackle. Also pictured is Brandon Williams (DE, SR, #8, son of Karen) and Jeff Heath (DB, JR, #5, son of Mike and Dianne).
Paul Webb (DL, SR, #58, son of David and Vicki) busts out of his jersey.
Photo Recap of the Minnesota – Duluth Game <<<Cardinal Captains:
Frank Toarmina (OL, SR, #60, son of Lou and Gina)Paul Webb (DL, SR, #58, son of David and Vicki)Brandon Williams (DE, SR, #8, son of Karen)Nick Gallina (WR, SR, #17, son of Dave and Mary Ann)
Defense is Set
Above: Michael Albrecht (WR, SO, #3, son of Steve and Ellen) runs back a kickoff.<<<Jonathon Jennings (QB, SO, #11, son of Calvin and Brenda) runs wild. Also pictured is Jesse Somsel (OL, SO, #69, son of Rich and Ellen)
>>>Brandon Hayes (RB, SR, #6, son of Clark & Kerry) rushes for positive yardage against the Bulldogs.
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DEFENSE
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Thanks to the Cardinal Football team for a great season!
Parent Club Quote of the Season
“It was a great season and in my heart, I know we won the Playoff game against Minnesota Duluth! This was the last game for Nick’s football career
and it’s been a glorious ride! xoxo”
Mary Ann Gallina and family!
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Order Your 2011 Commemorative eNewsletterBound Edition Coffee-Table Book Now
The SVSU Cardinal Football Parents Club is offering Cardinal fans a limited edition printing of all of the Cardinal Football eNewsletters. The eNewsletters will be merged into one bound edition coffee-table book. This special bound edition booklet will include bonus photos from each game and it will be a great way to keep the memories of the 2011 season alive for years to come. The cost is only $35.00 per copy. We will only be printing one run of the eNewsletter so act now to get your order in.
We are also selling additional 2011 Photo DVD copies for $15.00 per copy. The 2010 Photo DVD had over 1,100 photos! Each Parent Club membership receives a free copy of the Photo DVD. Orders & payment must be received by Dec. 30, 2011.
To order complete the form below, include a check payable to SVSU Cardinal Football Parents Club, and mail it to SVSU CAC - Pamela Clifford, 7400 Bay Road, SCA, University Center, MI 48710.
If you have questions send us an email at [email protected] AND MAIL BACK WITH YOUR ORDER
2011 Commemorative Cardinal Football eNewsletter - Bound EditionOfficial Order Form
Number of Bound Editions _____________ X $35.00 = $__________
Additional Photo DVD Copies ____________ X $15.00 = $__________
Bound editions or additional 2011 Season Photo DVD’s can be reserved by emailing us at [email protected]. All payments must be received by December 28, 2011 to complete your order.
All copies will be distributed at the Football Banquet. Copies will be mailed out if the banquet is held in 2012 or you are unable to attend the banquet.Make checks payable to: SVSU Cardinal Football Parents ClubMail payment to: SVSU CAC - Pamela Clifford
7400 Bay Road, SCA, University Center, MI 48710.
Toarmina and Caserta Highlight List of 13 Cardinals Selected as All-GLIAC for 2011
BAY CITY, Mich. - The Saginaw Valley State University football team had 13 players selected to the All-GLIAC team for the 2011 season. SVSU had two first team selections in offensive lineman Frank Toarmina (Westland, Mich./John Gelnn HS) and linebacker Grant Caserta (Holland, Mich./West Ottawa HS). Toarmina anchored a line that only allowed 10 sacks this season, allowing SVSU quarterbacks to throw for 2,619 yards and 26 touchdowns during the regular season. SVSU's ten sacks allowed ranked tenth this season in Division II. Caserta finished the regular season with 89 tackles, two interceptions and 1.5 sacks. He was also leading the GLIAC in tackles per game before being shut down for the remainder of the season with an injury after the ninth game.
The Cardinals would have five players selected for the second team; quarterback Jonathon Jennings (Columbus, Ohio/Westerville South HS), wide receiver Nick Gallina (Troy, Mich./Troy HS), safety Jeff Heath (Lake Orion, Mich.), safety Darius Middlebrooks (Indianapolis, Ind./Indiana State Univ.) and defensive end Brandon Williams (Flint, Mich./Kearsly HS). Jennings finished the regular season 192-for-272 for 2,600 yards and 26 touchdowns through the air. He also rushed for 389 yards on 79 carries, adding seven more scores on the ground. Gallina, one of Jennings favorite targets, hauled in 46 passes for 717 yards and six scores in 2011. Heath ranked second on the team in tackles with 80 and also intercepted one pass this season. Middlebrooks would also rank second on the team with 80 tackles this season and would lead the Cardinals with three fumble recoveries, one of which he returned 63 yards for a touchdown against Ashland on National TV. Williams was a force as a defensive end in 2011, recording 56 tackles on the season, with a team high 11 for loss.
Six Cardinals also landed on the honorable mention team. They were sophomore wide receiver Jeff Janis (Tawas City, Mich./Tawas Area HS), sophomore running back Tim
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Hogue (Inkster, Mich./Inkster HS), defensive lineman Paul Webb (Royal Oak, Mich.), offensive lineman Nick DiPalma (Lyndhurst, Ohio/Benedictine HS), linebacker Brian Johnson (Muskegon, Mich./Catholic Central HS) and tight end Zach Cecich (Crown Point, Ind.).
The Cardinals finished the regular season 7-3 and were selected to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the second time in the past three seasons.Source: http://athletics.svsu.edu/sports/fball/2011-12/releases/20111116azrhu2
26 Cardinals Make All-Academic TeamsBAY CITY, Mich. - The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has announced the 2011 Football Academic Teams that include 26 players from the SVSU football team. Criteria states the student-athlete must be an active member on the roster at the end of the season, not a freshman or a first year transfer student.
All-Academic Teams are comprised of those student-athletes that meet criteria and carry a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0-3.49.
Michael Albrecht - So. Management Midland, Mich. Kevin Dexter - Jr. Math Education Muskegon, Mich./Orchard View Nick Gallina - Sr. Finance Troy, Mich. Thomas Goodroe - Jr. Exercise Science Byron, Mich. Logan Hauserman - So. Management Circleville, Ohio/Logan Elm Brandon Hayes - Sr. Physical Education Saginaw, Mich./Swan Valley Jeff Heath - Jr. Criminal Justice Lake Orion, Mich./Lake Orion Nate Hoyle - Jr. Criminal Justice Mt. Pleasant, Mich. Murtada Jabbie - So. Management Columbus, Ohio/Westerville South Jeff Janis - Jr. Exercise Science Tawas City, Mich.
Jonathon Jennings - So. Finance Columbus, Ohio/Westerville South Brian Johnson - So. Exercise Science Muskegon, Mich./Catholic Central Jamohn Martin - So. Athletic Training Ravenna, Mich. David Pardun - Jr. Criminal Justice Troy, Mich. Joe Scanlon - So. Secondary Education Plymouth, Mich./Catholic Central Dex Teen - So. International Business Grosse Ile, Mich.
Kendal Wilkinson - Sr. Math Education Mt. Clemens, Mich./De La Salle
Academic Excellence Teams are comprised of student athletes that have a cumulative GPA of 3.50-4.0.
Ryan Busch - Jr. Occupational Therapy Holton, Mich. Grant Caserta - Sr. Business Holland, Mich./West Ottawa
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Zach Cecich - Jr. Management Crown Point, Ind. Kaleb Forr - Jr. Elementary Education Davison, Mich.
Jordan Maccoux - Jr. Occupational Therapy Menominee, Mich. Jesse Siwek - So. Pre-Med East Tawas, Mich. Frank Toarmina - Sr. Communications Westland, Mich./John Glenn Paul Webb - Sr. Occupational Therapy Royal Oak, Mich. Nick Winkler - Sr. Elementary Education Iron Mountain, Mich./Kingsford
GET PHOTOS OF YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER!Please direct your attention to the link on our website for
SCHOELLES PHOTOGRAPHY
Paul and Lynda Schoelles (grandparents of Michael Albrecht, WR, SO, #3) have graciously offered their expert skills in photographing the SVSU Cardinals in action. Their professional photos of your players can be found on the link on the Parent Club website homepage (SVSUParentsClub.com). These photos are for purchase and ALL PROCEEDS go directly to the Parent Club for this years equipment purchase to be donated at the banquet at the end of the 2011 season.
Contact UsMailing Address: SVSU Cardinal Football Parents Club
