Davidson 34, San Diego 27

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Wildcats snap losing streak

Posted: Sunday, Nov. 08, 2009

SAN DIEGO - Michael Blanchard gained 180 yards of total offense and Davidson's defense forced four straight incompletions from its 31 inside the last minute as the Wildcats hung on for a 34-27 Pioneer Football League victory at San Diego Saturday afternoon.

Blanchard rushed for a career-high 102 yards for the Wildcats (3-6, 3-4) and completed five passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. Justin Williams rushed 15 times for 72 yards and a score, and Kenny Mantuo rushed for 58 yards and a touchdown.

Bo Stompro completed 10 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown for San Diego (3-6, 2-5), and J.T. Rogan ran for 46 yards and two touchdowns. Kyle Warren had three receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown.

The Wildcats had a season-high 282 yards rushing, while holding the Toreros to 115. Daniel Astrop led the defensive effort with eight tackles, and John Behm and Tyler Lemons each had seven.

Trailing 34-27, San Diego was stopped when Davidson forced four straight incompletions. The Wildcats ran out the clock for the victory.

Leading 27-20 midway through the fourth quarter, the Wildcats got two fortunate bounces on one play. Facing third-and-4 from the San Diego 35, Davidson set up the screen pass for Mantuo. Blanchard's pass was tipped up, but Mantuo stayed with it, catching the pass and breaking six tackles to go 33 yards to the 5-yard line.

Just as he was about to hit the end zone, Torero defensive back Derek Pilkington punched the ball out from behind. The ball went into the end zone, where 325-pound offensive guard Joe Tabler, fell on it for a Wildcats touchdown.

"I scored a touchdown in practice in high school but that's about it," said Tabler, who did his postgame radio interview with game ball in hand.

NOTES: Davidson closes its season at home Saturday on Senior Day against Marist. Kickoff is 1 p.m. ...Saturday's game was Davidson's 1,000th.

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