Seawolves Fall In Wild Affair At Central Connecticut, 35-34

Nov. 11, 2000

New Britain, CT -- Dave Rodriguez's attempted two-point pass to Chris McGovern failed in overtime and Stony Brook (2-7, 1-6 NEC) fell to Central Connecticut, 35-34, Saturday afternoon at Arute Field. Stony Brook lost for the sixth straight time, the longest losing streak since 1990 when the team lost eight straight to open the season.

With the game tied at 28-28 heading into overtime, Central Connecticut (4-6, 3-5 NEC) got the ball first and scored on Clinton Dunston's three-yard run. The extra point was good and the Blue Devils took a 35-28 advantage. The Seawolves answered as Rodriguez hit Chris McGovern for a two-yard touchdown pass to make the score 35-34. The Seawolves decided to try to win the game with a two-point conversion, but Rodriguez's pass sailed high over the hands of Kevin McGrogan.

Stony Brook spotted the Blue Devils a 14-0 lead after the first quarter. Brian Shubin scored on a two-yard touchdown scamper on a drive that was set-up by a blocked punt deep in Stony Brook territory. On Stony Brook's next possession, Brian Stanley was picked off and the Blue Devils capitalized with another touchdown.

Rodriguez came in for Stanley at quarterback to start the second quarter and immediately engineered a scoring drive, hitting Lucas Niskanen on a scoring pass. On the Seawolves' next possession, Ralph Menendez scored on a 44-yard run to tie the score at 14-14 heading into the half.

On the second play from scrimmage in the second half, Rodriguez rolled to his left and ran 64-yards to set-up a touchdown and Stony Brook took its first lead of the game at 21-14.

Just 1:25 later, Dunston ran 51-yards to tie the game at 21-21. The Seawolves quickly answered as they put together a 65-yard drive, capped off by Clinton Graham's 14-yard touchdown run.

Brian Shubin's five-yard run with 12:48 left in the fourth quarter tied the game for the final time at 28-28. Central Connecticut had an opportunity to win the game, but Mike Kein's 33-yard field goal attempt with :03 left sailed wide left.

Rodriguez enjoyed a career-day for Stony Brook, running for 103 yards on nine carries and a touchdown. In the air, he went 6-for-11 for 76 yards and a pair of touchdowns. As a team, the Seawolves ran for 252 yards, led by Menendez' 88 yards on 21 carries.

Defensively, Aiden Smith recorded a team and career high 16 tackles while Paul Thomas had 14.

The Seawolves conclude their season at home against Robert Morris next Saturday at 12:30.

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