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Monday, November 15, 2010

Kutztown football earns highest national ranking in school history

KUTZTOWN, PA – A day after earning the top seed in Super Region One of the NCAA Division II playoffs along with a first-round bye, the Kutztown University football  has achieved its highest national ranking in the 95-season history of the program. Kutztown is ranked 13th in this week’s American Football Coaches’ Association (AFCA) top 25 poll.

The Golden Bears (10-1 overall) have set single-season school records for wins (10), Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division victories (six), and points scored (432). Kutztown also opened the season by winning its first nine contests and finishing with double-digit victories. Both accomplishments are program firsts in KU football history.

Kutztown climbed seven spots from last week after receiving 271 points. The Golden Bears have been nationally-ranked for six consecutive weeks. The Golden Bears’ previous best national ranking was 15 on Oct. 25 and Nov. 1.

The Golden Bears finished their regular season schedule by defeating Gannon, 27-24. In the win over Gannon, Kutztown sophomore defensive back Alex DiNolfi  intercepted two passes to earn PSAC East Defensive Player of the Week honors.

The Golden Bears have been fueled all season by the terrific talents of sophomore quarterback Kevin Morton, a Harlon Hill Award nominee. In the win over Gannon, Morton finished with 288 passing yards to become KU’s single-season leader in passing yards. He broke Andy Breault’s mark of 3,143 yards set in 1990. He has thrown 34 touchdown passes, which is the second most in a season in KU history and has 49 for his career. Morton has thrown a touchdown pass in 16 straight contests.

As a team, Kutztown is ranked eighth nationally in scoring offense (39.3), 17th in passing offense (298.2), and 27th in total offense (429.8). Morton’s wide receivers had fun catching plenty of passes from him as five players finished with at least 25 catches: Erik Frazier (59), Josh Smith (44), Chris McCormick (41), Colby Tuell (39), and Josh Mastromatto (26). Smith finished with 10 touchdown catches. Meanwhile, Mastromatto scored a team-high 14 touchdowns (eight rushing, six receiving). Smith hauled in 10 touchdown catches.

Kutztown’s defense posted one shutout, forced 25 turnovers, recorded 25 sacks, had 18 quarterback hurries and blocked a field goal. Seniors Joel Irwin and Khalief Evans led the Golden Bears with 84 and 81 tackles, respectively. After delivering a season-high 13 tackles against Gannon, senior linebacker Greg Rotkowski ended the regular season with 69 tackles. Kevin Bolinsky had a team best 13 tackles for losses and 9.5 sacks.

Matt Dineen kicked eight field goals this season to raise his career total to 43.

The Golden Bears will return to action on Saturday, November 27 against the winner of the fourth-seeded Shepherd and fifth-seeded Shaw contest at University Field beginning at noon. This will be the first football postseason contest in school history.

Ticket prices are $10 general admission and $5 for students and senior citizens. Reserved tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. Covered reserved seats are $25 for adults and $15 for students and senior citizens.

Among some of the notable Kutztown football alumni are Doug Dennison (Dallas Cowboys, 1974-78), Bruce Harper (New York Jets, 1977-84), Andre Reed (Buffalo Bills, 1984-1999 & Washington Redskins 2000), and two-time Super Bowl winner John Mobley (Denver Broncos, 1996-2003).

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