Sept. 30, 2002

It was a big weekend for the Villanova football team both on and off the field. With a 30-26 win last Saturday at No. 23 James Madison, the Wildcats moved up one spot to No. 7 in the latest Sports Network poll released on Monday, Sept. 30. This is Villanova's highest ranking since 1998 when the Wildcats were ranked No. 4 for three-straight weeks from Sept. 14 to Oct. 5.

Individually, two Wildcats earned accolades for their performances at James Madison. Senior quarterback Brett Gordon garnered both Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Week and Sports Network I-AA Co-National Offensive Player of the Week honors, while redshirt freshman wide receiver John Dieser claimed Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Week acclaim.

Gordon was sensational in the win over James Madison completing a career-high 40 passes in a career-best 57 attempts for 421 yards and four touchdowns. The 421 yards passing is his third career 400-yard game and it is the fifth best single game passing mark in school history. Gordon currently leads the Atlantic 10 in passing yards (1,548) and touchdown passes (11) and he is second in NCAA Division I-AA in completions per game (26.0).

Dieser turned in the best game of his young career last Saturday in Harrisonburg by tallying six catches for a career-best 136 yards and two touchdowns. His 25-yard touchdown reception with 11:14 left in regulation proved to be the game winner in Villanova's victory. For the year, Dieser has 15 receptions for 242 yards and two scores.

The Wildcats get back into action this Saturday when they host Hofstra on Homecoming Weekend at Villanova Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon.