Sept. 2, 2006

Box Score

Findlay, Ohio - Top-ranked Grand Valley State captured its 14 straight victory Saturday night in its season opener at Findlay by a 13-0 margin. The shutout was GVSU's first since the 2004 campaign when the Lakers claimed a 34-0 win over Wayne State. In addition, GVSU has shutout Findlay in each of the last two meetings between the schools. The Lakers claimed a 44-0 win in the final game of the 2003 season at Donnell Stadium.

Grand Valley started in fine fashion with an impressive scoring drive on its second possession of the game. QB Cullen Finnerty hit senior WR Eric Fowler with a 21-yard TD pass at the 9:04 mark of the first quarter. Todd Carter added the PAT to give the Lakers a 7-0 lead. The season's first touchdown culminated a 4-play, 49-yard drive that took 1:54. GVSU took over its next possession on its own 1-yard line and drove 89 yards in 12 plays. Carter connected on a 26-yard field goal to give the Lakers a 10-0 lead.

"I thought we looked good offensively in the first quarter, but then we just kind of lost our way in the second quarter," said third-year head coach Chuck Martin. "We started moving the ball again in the third quarter, but then we gave it away with a couple of turnovers. The defense bailed us out tonight and we need to find a way to get better on the offensive side of the ball," added Martin.

Findlay picked up its initial first down of the contest at the 12:13 mark of the second quarter. Neither team was able to score in the second stanza. GVSU tallied 244 yards of total offense in the first half, while Findlay was able to muster just 78 yards, 32 of which came in their final drive of the first half. The Lakers ran 44 offensive plays, compared to Findlay's 28.

The Lakers turned the ball over twice in the third quarter in Findlay territory. The Oilers picked off one pass in the Laker endzone and one inside the GVSU 20 yard line. GVSU continued to dominate defensively and the offense put together a scoring midway through the fourth quarter. Carter connected on a 28 yard field goal to conclude a 14-play, 60-yard drive that took 7:18 off the clock.

The Laker defense held Findlay to just 161 yards of total offense. Findlay gained 32 yards in the final drive of the first half and 64 yards in its final two drives in the fourth quarter. The Oilers rushed for 91 yards on 35 carries and completed 10-of-21 passes for 70 yards. Senior defensive tackle Derrick Jones tallied nine tackles and three tackles for loss (-5), wile Anthony Adams chipped in nine tackles of his own. Senior all-american Mike McFadden extended his consecutive games streak with a QB sack to 14 with 1.5 quarterback sacks (-10). McFadden also became the all-time leader in QB sacks in Laker history with 30.5. Joe Huhn was tied with McFadden at 29 heading into the game. GVSU notched 15 tackles for loss (-40 yards) and six QB sacks (-26).

"Our defense was outstanding and they did a great job of stopping a quality running back in Michael Simpson," stated Martin. "We had a bunch of guys flying to ball and that is what I like to see."

Offensively, Astin Martin rushed for 125 yards on 26 carries, while Finnerty completed 16-of-35 passes for 219 yards and one TD. Fowler led the receiving unit with four catches for 75 yards and one TD. Terry Mitchell caught three passes for 38 yards. Freshman punter Justin Trumble averaged 43.0 yards on six punts and Carter converted both field goal attempts.

Notes...GVSU is 71-5 in its last 76 games...The Lakers have won 12 straight GLIAC games...The Laker senior class improved to 38-4.