Aug. 31, 2006

Final Stats

Philadelphia, PA - In the earliest calendar start in the Wagner Football history, the Seahawks showed no signs of early season rust racing out to a 24-0 halftime lead on their way to a 38-15 victory over host La Salle. Wagner (1-0) defeated the Explorers (0-1) in the season opener for the fifth consecutive year in the first game of the year for both teams.

Senior wide receiver Chris Turner (Syracuse, NY / Henninger) continued his assault on the Wagner record book this time setting the school mark for career yards. Turner, now with 2298 career yards surpassed Jason Bain's (1999-02) previous mark of 2294 would finish the night with six catches for 93 yeards and two touchdowns.

Earning his first career start under center sophomore QB Matt Abbey (La Canada, CA / St. Francis) was an efficient 12-16 for 164 yards in the first half. Abbey totaled 174 yards for the game, as the Seahawks running game took over the clock in the second half.

Abbey and Turner started the scoring five minutes into the contest hooking up on a 19 yard fade pass to complete a five play 42 yard drive. The score remained there until converted defensive back Jason Butler (Syracuse, NY / Henninger) found the endzone with a six yard TD run two minutes into the second quarter. Playing the in his first career game on offense, the junior running back impressed with nearly 80 yards and a six yard a carry average

Wagner kept the lights on the score board busy in the second quarter as junior Piotr Czech (Keyport, NJ / Keyport) added a 37 yard field goal at 8:27 to put Wagner ahead 17-0. Abbey and Turner then completed the first half scoring with a 15 yard touchdown catch, giving the Seahawks a 24-0 advantage heading into half time.

After the Green and White fireworks in the first half, it was La Salle's turn in the third quarter. WR Lou Russo caught a 10 yard touchdown pass from Joe Procopio with just under four minutes left in the stanza to end the Seahawks shutout bid.

All-American defensive back Al Phillips (Hialeah, FL / American) would all but put the game away for Wagner as he lived up to his billing in the fourth quarter. With La Salle driving following a Wagner fumble on a punt return, Phillips picked off a Procopio pass and took it 80 yards for the score and a 34-7 lead with 12 minutes remaining.

Senior Warren Barnett (Springfield, MA / Central) joined in the scoring later in the final quarter with a - yard TD run that was set up by a 35 yard run earlier in the drive by junior Aliga Betts (Pembroke Pines, FL / Cooper City).

The Explorers added a late touchdown with four second left to account for the final margin.

The Seahawks will return to action next Saturday, September 9 when they host Iona at 1:00 pm. It is Homecoming and Hall of Fame Day for Wagner.

~ wagnerathletics.com ~