Oct. 7, 2006
Box Score
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. - Coming off its bye week, Villanova (2-3, 1-1 Atlantic 10) showcased strong play from its special teams and a balanced offensive attack to defeat Hofstra (2-3, 1-2 A-10) on Saturday afternoon, 20-16 at Shuart Stadium. The Wildcats picked up their second straight win in a game that came down to the opponent's final drive.
The Pride stopped Villanova on fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line with 1:57 remaining and had a final possession to try and regain the lead. Hofstra was unable to get any further than its own 22-yard line, however, and the Wildcats claimed their second win of the season.
The Pride opened the scoring at the 10:31 mark of the first quarter when Anton Clarkson threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Shaine Smith. Hofstra had taken over at the Villanova 40-yard line after an interception on the first drive of the game.
The Wildcats tied the game less than four minutes later when senior quarterback Marvin Burroughs (Atlantic City, N.J.) carried the ball into the end zone from three yards out to cap a nine-play drive covering 80 yards. Burroughs completed a 38-yard pass to junior Anton Ridley (Laurel, Del.) on the opening play of the drive.
Villanova went into halftime with a 13-10 lead thanks to improved play from its special teams, which had been 0-for-5 on field goal attempts entering the game. Sophomore Joe Marcoux (Campbell Hall, N.Y.) connected on a 20-yard field goal late in the first quarter and then put the Wildcats ahead for good with a career-high 42-yard attempt with 12 seconds remaining in the first half.
Senior Chris Polite (Miami, Fla.) caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Burroughs on the team's first drive of the second half.
Burroughs threw for 193 yards and a touchdown, going 15-for-24 on the afternoon. Sophomore Phil Atkinson (Media, Pa.) caught five passes for 61 yards and senior DeQuese May (Shelbyville, Ky.) had four receptions for 52 yards. May also had nine rushes for 41 yards and Burroughs carried 11 times for 27 yards.
Villanova is on the road next Saturday at Maine for a 2 p.m. contest.
NOTES: Sophomore Darrel Young (Amityville, N.Y.) blocked his second punt of the season and third of his career in the first quarter.
