Bucknell University
Georgetown
Football Posts 21-7 Victory at Georgetown
11/12/2016 7:05:00 PM | Football
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Joey DeFloria rushed for two touchdowns and Chad Freshnock one as the Bucknell football team defeated Georgetown 21-7 Saturday afternoon at Cooper Field in a matchup of two of the top defenses in the Patriot League. The win clinched at least a .500 finish in Patriot League play for the Bison, who improved to 4-6 overall and 3-2 in conference play.
DeFloria posted his sixth 100-yard rushing game this year with 150 yards on a career-high 31 carries. He became the first Bison to cross the 1,000-yard mark in a season since 2004 and now has 1,070 to rank eighth on the program's single-season list.
The defenses dominated the game early as neither team scored in the first 29 minutes of the game.
The Bison broke the scoreless tie in the final minute of the first half when DeFloria recorded his ninth rushing touchdown of the season. He scampered in from 14 yards out on Bucknell's final drive of the first half. DeFloria, who has 11 touchdowns overall this season, recorded 43 of his 65 first-half rushing yards on that drive. Will Carter had two receptions for 23 yards on the drive.
Bucknell extended its lead out to 14-0 on its first offensive possession of the second half. Bryan Marine intercepted his second pass of the year, giving the Bison a short field. Nine plays later Freshnock pushed forward for a one-yard touchdown run on third down. Bucknell advanced to the goal line following a pass interference call in the end zone. It was the eighth rushing touchdown of the year for Freshnock, who went over 500 yards rushing on the season.
Georgetown answered with its only score of the game on its next possession. After a long kickoff return gave the Hoyas the ball near midfield, Georgetown covered 55 yards on three plays, concluding with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Clay Norris to Jim McLaughlin. The Hoyas had registered just over 80 yards of total offense prior to the drive.
A 28-yard touchdown run by DeFloria in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter rounded out the scoring and clinched the win for the Bison.
Thanks to DeFloria and Freshnock, Bucknell held a 186-33 edge in rushing yards. That helped the Bison hold a 39:14-20:39 edge in time of possession, including more than 21 minutes of possession in the second half. Bucknell outgained Georgetown (3-7, 0-5 PL) 295-190 overall.
Nick O'Brien and Bret Berg also had interceptions for the Bison, who forced three turnovers in the game. Ben Richard posted a team-high seven tackles for Bucknell, while Joe Lauro and R.J. Sheldon registered sacks.
Freshman John Chiarolanzio got the start at quarterback for the Bison and completed 9 of 18 passes for 68 yards. R.J. Nitti also saw time in a reserve role and was 4-for-7 for 41 yards. Carter was their favorite target with seven catches for 62 yards, all in the first half.
Georgetown quarterback Clay Norris was 17-for-34 for 157 yards. Alex Valles rushed for a team-high 40 yards for the Hoyas.
Bucknell will wrap up its season next Saturday, Nov. 19, with a home game against Fordham at 12 p.m. Senior Day ceremonies will take place prior to the game.
