Devils Storm Past Juniata for 35-6 Centennial Conference Win
(Carlisle, Pa.) – The Dickinson College football team scored on its opening drive and rolled to a 35-6 win over visiting Juniata College on Saturday afternoon.
Sophomore quarterback Todd Smolinsky (Lansdale, Pa./North Penn) connected with senior Cam Di Fede (Miami, Fla./Palmer Trinity) on a 41 yard pass and first-year Cole Ahnell (Rockville, Md./Walter Johnson) covered 15 yards to set up a five yard scoring run by fullback Mike Capone (Dupont, Pa./Pittston Area).
The Devils forced a three-and-out on Juniata's first possession and immediately tacked on another score as Smolinsky scampered in from 28 yards out to put the Devils in front, 14-0, with 9:37 remaining in the first quarter.
The Red Devils would punch it in two more times in the second quarter to stretch the lead to 28-0 at halftime. Smolinsky hit Matt Wood (Baltimore, Md./Perry Hall) for a 17 yard touchdown pass and Mike Shimkin (Solebury, Pa./Princeton Day School) capitalized on a Michael Miller (Hainesport, N.J./Bishop Eustace) interception return to the two yard line with 3:31 remaining in the half.
Strong defensive play on both sides in the third quarter kept both teams off the scoreboard. The Eagles would finally break into the end zone with 4:17 remaining in the game. The snap was bobbled and the Devils brought down Brian Pugh as he tried to scramble for the extra point.
The Devils closed things out with a 26 yard touchdown run as senior Shea Licata (Manhasset, N.Y./Manhasset) broke free and went untouched into the end zone with 2:23 left to play.
Di Fede finished with five catches for 81 yards to lead the Red Devil receivers and Smolinsky went over the 100 yard mark, completing 7-of-13 passes on the afternoon. A balanced running attack covered 192 yards, led by Shimkin with 50 yards on 10 carries. Luc Vernerey (Providence, R.I./Moses Brown) covered 33 yards on four attempts.
First-year Ray Durkin (Coopersburg, Pa./Southern Lehigh) led a solid defensive effort with a game-high 10 tackles, adding a seven yard sack as well. Julian Rosen (Brecksville, Ohio/University School) also recorded 10 tackles on the afternoon.
Senior captain Scott Sullivan (Coatesville, Pa./Bishop Shanahan) tallied eight tackles and had a pair of interceptions, laying out for one with an amazing diving catch. Miller added eight tackles to go with his 30 yard interception return. First-year Nate Detwiler (Hollidaysburg, Pa./Hollidaysburg) added a nine yard sack as well. The Devil defense held Juniata to just 42 yards rushing and 151 yards through the air.
The Red Devils improve to 1-1 on the season and 1-0 in the Centennial Conference. They travel to Susquehanna University for a 1:00 start next Saturday.
