No Thunder, Lots of (Fighting) Bees
By: Ryan Holtmann - St. Ambrose University Sports Information

September 21, 2002       6:08 p.m.  

            While there was no thunder to be heard in Angola, IN, there were plenty of bees flying around Shive Field’s press box and on the field for that matter.

            The No. 7 St. Ambrose University Fighting Bees (2-0) ended their four-year series with the No. 10 Tri-State Thunder (1-1) with a 21-9 victory.  It was the first and only victory for the Fighting Bees in their final of four games against the Thunder.

            The past two seasons games went into overtime and resulted in losses for the Fighting Bees, but this game was, as described by head coach Todd Sturdy, “a huge win for us.”  The offense was dominating and for the defense it was business as usual.

            SAU quarterback John McDowell completed 18 passes on 31 attempts, throwing for 290 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.  McDowell threw to eight different receivers, three of them catching touchdown passes (Aaron Washington, Joe Schimmel, Brandon Adolphs).  Washington’s was the most spectacular and probably the biggest of the game. 

            The Fighting Bees faced a fourth and goal from the Tri-State 23-yardline.  McDowell, under pressure, threw a deep pass to Washington in the end zone, who leapt in front of and above two defenders for the touchdown reception.  This touchdown put the Fighting Bees up 7-6.

            Adolphs led the way for the Fighting Bees on the ground as he racked up 82 yards on 21 carries while catching two passes for 53 yards.  Schimmel faired well as he grabbed three of McDowell’s passes for 50 yards and rushed for 59 yards on 13 carries.

            The Fighting Bees defense showed that few touchdowns, if any, will be allowed this season.  All the points that the defense allowed were the field goals by Tri-State’s Wyatt Brown, who was 3-for-3 on the day (20, 29, 42).

            Although the Fighting Bees defense gave up 355 yards, it’s points allowed that matter and the have only allowed an average of four and a half points per game this season.  Lavill Figgs led the way with 16 tackles (eight unassisted, eight assisted).

            A pair of Fighting Bees intercepted Tri-State passes (Adam Panther and De’Mon Baker).  Two quarterbacks traded series’ as the game progressed, powered the Thunder offense.  Jon Bethuram was 20 for 39, throwing for 148 yards and an interception and rushed for 44 yards on 8 carries, while Jim Oliver, Jr. threw for 70 yards and an interception on six of 17 passing.  Pete Hobbs rushed for 87 yards on 21 carries.   

            The Fighting Bees special teams squad was shaky again.  Mark Whitlock was one for two on PAT attempts and missed a 37-yard field goal.  Josh Embretson had three punts for 119 total yards.  Schimmel returned two kickoffs for 62 yards.

            This game will propel the Fighting Bees to this weekend’s homecoming game against the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.  The Falcons, who run out of the wishbone offensive formation, are1-1 this year.  The game is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Brady Street Stadium.  Gates open at 11:30 a.m.

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