September 29, 2007

BRYANT FOOTBALL ESCAPES WITH 22-19 WIN OVER PACE ON HOMECOMING SATURDAY AFTEROON
Undefeated Bulldogs Now 4-0 To Open Season

Chris Wohlheter's 67-yard punt return helped set up Bryant's game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. www.dspics.com

SMITHFIELD, RI -  Charlie Granatell scored on a two-yard run on a quarterback sneak with 4:19 left as the Bryant University football team avoided an upset Saturday afternoon, defeating Pace University 22-19 before 3,317 fans on Homecoming at Bulldog Stadium. The win extends Bryant's record start to the season as the Bulldogs are now 4-0 (4-0 NE-10) heading into next week's game at C.W. Post.

The Bulldogs trailed 10-7 entering through three quarters of play but regained the lead on a broken play early in the fourth.  With Granatell scrambling outside the pocket, senior lineman Ralph Squitieri gave a key block allowing Granatell enough time to find Ryan Buckley in the back of the end zone to make it 14-10 with 14:09 left.

Bryant would hold Pace to a three-and-out on their next possession, but the Bulldogs gave the ball right back as Lindsey Gamble fumbled on his own 27.  The Setters would make the hosts pay as quarterback Ray Gregg found Mike LaStella in the back of the end zone to put Pace back on top 17-14. 

On the ensuing kickoff, Bryant's Jerell Smith fielded the kick in the Bryant end zone and after running out to the one, tried to take a knee in the end zone and was flagged for a Pace safety, stretching the Pace lead to 19-14. 

Bryant's defense would stiffen, holding Pace to another three-and-out and got the play of the game on the punt return by Chris Wohlheter.  Wohlheter, who fumbled a punt in the first half, amended for the mistake by returning the punt 67 yards down to the Pace 11 yard line. 

Senior Chris Peaks would rumble through two Pace tacklers, down to the Setter's two yard line where Granatell was able to find a small hole in the line and put the Bulldogs on top for good.

Granatell completed 14 of 26 passes for 141 yards while Gamble was held to just 55 yards on 20 carries. Bryant had 117 yards rushing in the game and turned the ball over three times, all by fumble.

Justin Polanis had 54 yards on the ground for Pace (1-4, 1-3 NE-10) while Gregg completed 8 passes for 87 yards.  

The Bulldogs will return to action next week, traveling to C.W. Post in Long Island, NY. 

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