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Dukes Win, 24-14Defense,Passing Spark JMUBy BOB MORGANNewt-Record Sports Writer Anyone still not convinced that James Madison University’s football team is for real should ask Mars Hill coach Claude Gibson.After JMU dismantled the Division II Lions 24-14 Saturday, Gibson couldn't find enough compliments for the Dukes.‘‘Well coached... super prepared ... quicker than anyone we’ve seen . . . best team in Division III... excellent execution, the Mars Hill coach gushed.The Dukes went into the Parents Day contest at Madison Stadium as the eighth-ranked Division III school in the nation.For the most part, they were everything Gibson said and more as they took one of the most significant wins in the school’s short football history.After falling behind, Madison stayed with its game plan and gradually wore down the Lions and scored 10 fourth-quarter points to seal the win.“We never let up, said JMU cjach Challaee McMillin, who called fbr an uncharacteristically high number of passes.“It wasn’t that we wanted to fill the air with footballs, McMillin said of the season-high 19 passes. “We knew coming in we had to throw to beat them, and we knew we could throw deep on them.With quarterback John Bowers connecting on eight throws (he had three others dropped) for 180 yards, the ploy worked exceptionally well — especially the deep patterns. Bowers connected on passes of 17,- 34 , 38 and 50 yards. The 50-yaider was a touchdown.“His arm is so much stronger, McMillin said. “He's much improved as a passer, and he’s more mature and experienced.But it wasn’t just an aerial circus. The Dukes picked up 180 yards rushing, and it was this balanced attack that Gibson blamed for the Lions’ inability to stop Madison.“Their play-actipn passes kept the linebackers from committing either way, and their two-tight-end formation cause a lot of adjustment problems,” Gibson said.But the biggest difference was the Dukes’ quickness — especially on the defensive line. Madison consistly made big-play sacks and tackles in the backfield.The Dukes also had four interceptions and recovered one fumble. ** Defensive end Ray Moore led the Dukes with one interception and had the fumble recovery. He also was in on 11 tackles.Linebacker Dale Caparaso was in on 15 tackles and had one quarterback sack, and defensive linemen Larry Smith and Clyde Hoy each had one sack and were in on 11 tackles.Mars Hill never put together a sustained drive. Both its touchdowns came after JMU fumbles.The Lions, who defeated the Dukes 30-7 last season, took a 7-0 lead on a one-yard run by quarterback Mark Clark. The touchdown came after Mars Hill recovered a Madison fumble at the JMU 24 midway through the first quarter. The Lions scored in seven plays.The Dukes tied the game on their third possession after the Mars Hill touchdown. It took just two plays to got the 71 yards.Continued on Page 20, Col. 1
Newspaper Details
Daily News-Record
Harrisonburg, Virginia, US
Mon, Oct 02, 1978
Page 24
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
MD, USA 17 Jul 2024
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