Hornets defeat Principia 45-23 in Season Finale

For More Information Contact: Scott Musa 540.665.5417

WINCHESTER, Va. (November 4, 2000) - The Shenandoah University football team staked its claim to the top spot among the four new Division III football programs in 2000 with a 45-23 victory over Principia College in the season finale for both schools. The blowout victory, the Hornets second in as many games, gives SU three wins in nine contests this season. The Hornets also have a 48-14 victory over George Mason University's club team that is not recognized by the NCAA.

The three NCAA victories guarantees Shenandoah at least a tie for most wins among the four new programs this season. Two of the three other new programs can match the Hornets three victories. Entering play on Saturday, East Texas Baptist is 2-6 with games against fellow newcomer Louisiana College and No. 20 in the nation Mary Hardin Baylor remaining on the year. Louisiana College and Averett College each have one victory in their inaugural seasons, with Louisiana College finishing their 2000 schedule next week at Mississippi College and Averett completing its schedule today at Methodist College. A fifth program, Gallaudet University, re-entered Division III ranks this season after playing several seasons as a club team. They are winless this year in four games.

Against Principia (5-4), coach Walter Barr's club gave up an initial field goal before rattling off 38 unanswered first half points to take a commanding 38-3 lead into intermission. Senior Trey Kern (Winchester, Va./Hampden-Sydney) keyed this onslaught with 155 first half rushing yards and two touchdowns on six carries. Kern's two scores were from 70 and 73 yards out, the latter setting a new school record for both longest scoring play and longest play from scrimmage.

Kern finished the afternoon with 165 yards rushing on 12 carries. Sophomore Dennis Robart (Cuyahoga Falls, Oh./Potomac State) also was over the century mark with 122 yards and three touchdowns. The three touchdowns scored allow Robart to set school records for both touchdowns scored in a game and in a season. He found paydirt nine times in 2000.

The defense held the Panthers to minus nine yards rushing in the first 30 minutes of play, setting the tone for the blowout victory. PC ended up with 394 total yards on the afternoon, 370 of which came through the air. Quarterback Chris Pierce was 31 for 65 with two touchdowns and four interceptions on the day to lead the Panthers attack. Wideout Paul Duncan was the primary beneficiary of Pierce's throws, as he had 190 yards receiving and a touchdown on 15 catches.

A complete box score can be found at http://www.su.edu/athletics/fb/2000/110400.htm

Shenandoah University offers 16 intercollegiate sports, eight for men and eight for women. Catch SU Sports Magazine, the weekly Shenandoah Sports show, on Winchester Adelphia Cable Channel 29. The show airs on Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's at 6:30 and 9:00 pm. For further information, please contact the Office of Athletic Communications at 540-665-5417 or visit our web site at http://www.su.edu/athletics. For Dixie Conference Information, please visit the Dixie Conference home page: http://www.dixieconference.com.

Shenandoah University is a comprehensive Level V private university with an enrollment of approximately 2,500 students in five schools: School of Arts & Sciences, Harry F. Byrd Jr. School of Business, Shenandoah Conservatory, Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy and the School of Health Professions (Athletic Training, Nursing, Physician Assistant, Respiratory Care, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy). The University offers more than 60 programs of study at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels.