WASHINGTON - The Catholic University football team opens ODAC play on Saturday, Oct. 5 with a 1:00 p.m. matchup against the Tigers of Hampden-Sydney College at Lewis C. Everett Stadium in Hampden-Sydney, Va.
Setting the Scene: With a record of 3-0 and an impressive 49-0 homecoming shutout last Saturday, the Cardinals commence Old Dominion Athletic Conference action against Hampden-Sydney. Catholic is looking to extend its winning streak and tally its second consecutive series win. The Cardinals recorded their first shutout since Oct. 7, 2000 during their victory over AMC on Saturday and finished with outstanding numbers: first downs (34), yards rushed (303), yards passed (345), and total offensive plays and yards netted (90/648). Quarterback TJ Tutone ran for 16 yards to score two touchdowns, while starting quarterback EJ Montgomery completed 12 of his 16 attempts, finished with three touchdowns and completed the longest touchdown pass of the contest at 51 yards. Nick Cortese rushed for a team-high 107 yards, while Andrew Ouellette caught six passes for 79 yards. The ODAC award-winning offensive line led to CUA's 648 yards in 90 plays and 33:33 minutes of possession.
The Series: CUA and Hampden-Sydney meet for the 23rd time in school's history, with the series going back to 1983. The Tigers lead the series 12-10. In their last meeting, CUA defeated HSC 41-28 in Cardinal Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012.
The Last Time They Met (9/29/12): In last season's meeting CUA led Hampden-Sydney 13-7 at the half. Catholic then scored two unanswered touchdowns in the third quarter for a 34-7 lead. The Tigers tested the Cardinal defense in the fourth quarter with two in the air touchdowns for a CUA 41-28 victory. Mike Pitsenberger put the offensive effort on his shoulders with three touchdowns and 68 yards gained. Conor Stueckler registered seven tackles in the win.
Thrown for a Loss: Through three games, the CUA defense has totaled 26 tackles for loss, while Cardinal opponents have totaled 17 tackles for loss so far on the season.
Commanding The GridIron: EJ Montgomery has completed 34-out-of-52 attempts for a total of 412 yards. TJ Tutone, who has also seen action in all three contests this season, has completed 21 of his 31 attempts with one interception and 238 yards.
I'll Take That: 12 different Cardinals have already caught at least one pass thus far on the year. Senior Andrew Oullette has collected 17 passes for 140 yards. Mike Pitsenberger trails Oullette with eight catches for 114 yards.
Taken Down By A Card: Conor Stueckler led the Old Dominion Athletic Conference last year in total tackles with 114 (11.4 per game). Stueckler leads the 2013 defensive effort with 15 total tackles, 13 of those tackles he has achieved on his own. Ralph Martello, who was the ODAC Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, Sept. 30, joins Vinny Caniglia, Mark D'Annibale and Richard Roach with double-figure solo tackles. Anthony Albanese leads in sacks with four.