(box score)
Widener ran into a very tough offense in Lebanon Valley and was handed a 24-0 Middle Atlantic Conference loss at Leslie C. Quick Jr. Stadium.
On the Pride's first drive, the Dutchmen (7-1, 4-1 MAC) forced a three-and-out and created the game's first break. Matt Lillis began his monster day by blocking a punt at the Widener 22 yard line.
Six plays later, Charlie Parker ended the drive with a two-yard touchdown run with 9:20 left in the first quarter. The extra point from Brittany Ryan made it 7-0.
Lillis, who intercepted freshman quarterback Chris Haupt (Bloomsburg, PA) at the goal line in the first quarter, continued his show in the second. He stepped in front of another pass and ran 48 yards for a touchdown with 10:23 remaining in the half for a 14-0 game.
The margin grew to 17-0 with 4:22 to play in the half when Ryan capped an 8 1/2 minute drive with a 21-yard field goal.
Lillis' second blocked punt at the Pride 25 set up the final score midway through the third quarter. Parker took a handoff and went seven yards to the right for a touchdown.
The loss overshadowed a career day for senior nose guard James Woodley (Pittsgrove, NJ). Creating double teams on almost every play this season, the four-year starter and two-time first team All-MAC player had 19 tackles, 14 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks and five tackles for a loss.
The 19 tackles are tied for the third most in school history. Tom Eisenhower had the same number on November 14, 1998 against Susquehanna and Bill Collins accomplished this in 1997 against King's. The Widener record of 21 was accomplished by Clarence Giles in 1996 against King's.
Jon Natter (North Hills, PA) had 10 tackles for Widener (3-5, 1-4) and fellow junior Shane Szumski (Moorestown, NJ) amassed nine.
Ben Guiles had 14 carries for 84 yards with Parker adding 16 rushes for 74 yards. This helped the Dutchmen end with a 306-135 edge in total offense, including 196-62 in rushing yards.
It is the first time Widener lost to Lebanon Valley in consecutive years since 1991-92.
Widener next Saturday visits Wilkes for a 1:00 pm kickoff.
