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11/08/2013 11:00 PMFor the first time in its program’s history, the Guilford football team can stand alone as a division champion.
The Indians defeated divisional rival Hillhouse 35-20 on Nov. 8 at home to clinch its first-ever SCC Division II West crown. Guilford previously won shares of the former SCC Hammonasset Division title with Hand and North Haven in 1998 and 1999, but now the Indians can solely boast the division’s top spot after an historic victory, as Guilford also earned its first triumph over the Academics since 1999.
“It means a lot to win this division, and being the first Guilford team to do it outright is also meaningful,” said senior running back David Knapp. “We are all grateful to win this; we had been looking forward to this since the season started and knew it would come down to us and Hillhouse for the championship.”
Senior running back Eric Zergiebel ran for 112 yards on 28 carries, while senior quarterback Joe Nault was 5-for-8 with 95 yards passing in addition to his 55 yards rushing.
“Winning the division has been one of our goals all season,” said Head Coach Tom Unger. “The group of seniors is very hungry, and they are working hard to change the culture of Guilford football to a culture of expecting to win and understanding that winning requires hard work, effort, and commitment. We knew they were a dangerous team, and our players accepted the challenge and wouldn't be denied on their way to the win.”
Guilford (5-4; 4-0 SCC Division II West) grabbed an early three-score edge thanks to a steady diet of a ground attack. Knapp ran the ball in from five yards out before Zergiebel made it a 14-0 command with a 6-yard touchdown dash of his own. Nault then added in points through the air with his 30-yard strike to senior wide receiver Tony Pensa to give Guilford a 21-0 lead at halftime.
Hillhouse (3-6; 2-1) finally got on the board in the third quarter through a 1-yard scamper to the end zone by senior running back Harold Cooper, although the Indians answered right back on Nault and Pensa hooking up again, this time on a 15-yard touchdown reception, to make it a 28-6 contest in favor of the hosts.
Cooper struck again on the next play from scrimmage, running for 75 yards and then a 3-yard score to cut Guilford’s lead to eight, 28-20. Nault then made sure the fans went home seeing a piece of history with a touchdown run from a yard out to cap a drive that lasted more than 10 minutes.
“I was extremely proud of how our defense stepped up to stop a potential Division I running back,” said Unger, whose squad held Cooper to seven yards on six carries in the first half. “[Senior] Ford Linell was dominant in the middle at linebacker, and on Hillhouse's second drive, Joe Nault made a textbook tackle on Cooper, chest-on-chest, head to the side, ran his feet, and he forced a fumble that Knapp recovered and advanced to put us in great field position.”
Unger additionally praised a key 3
rd
-and-long dash by Nault that kept the clock moving in Guilford’s favor with a first down.
“The play that helped clinch it for us was one for the ages,” said Unger. “Joe Nault scrambled on a pass and picked up the first down with a spectacular run, putting his hand on the ground to keep his balance and pick up the necessary yards.”
The Indians stay home the rest of the way by hosting Foran on Friday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. before taking on Hand on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 7 in its annual Thanksgiving eve tilt.
“We are only concerned with Foran right now,” said Knapp. “We consider [SCC Division II East winner] North Haven a Division I team, so we see this one as another Division II championship game.”