Just about everything seemed to be clicking for the Phoenix Saturday night, as the football team thoroughly defeated the West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcats by a score of 59-16 in the team’s home opener.

The Phoenix struggled in the first half with penalties, committing nine of them for a total of 87 yards, one of which prevented a 43-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver, sophomore Terrell Hudgins. As a result, Elon only had a 17-7, even though the Phoenix had 310 total yards compared to the Bobcats 119.

“We need to take a hard look at the film, because we can’t have that number of penalties,” head coach Pete Lembo said. “We need to be more disciplined.”

Even with all the penalties, the Phoenix was too strong for its opponents, tallying its highest point total since a 59-0 win against Morehead State on Oct. 3, 1998.

Leading the Phoenix was quarterback Scott Riddle, who threw for three touchdowns and 362 yards, 26 yards short of Elon’s single game record.

Although it was Riddle’s first win and he threw touchdown passes to three separate receivers, he wasn’t entirely pleased with his performance.

“It was exciting coming out in front of the home fans, but we’ve got many more to go,” Riddle said. “I made some bad decisions out there…I’d give myself a C.”

For Riddle to give himself an A, he said he would have to throw for 362 yards and toss three touchdowns against South Florida or Appalachian State.

The defense didn’t let the offense steal the show though. Bobcats’ quarterback Harry Larusso was under constant pressure from a Phoenix defense that seemed to be in the backfield on every play.

Defensive lineman, red-shirted freshman David Hunt explained that getting pressure was the defense’s main strategy.

“The defense did really well [Thursday],” Hunt said. “We were trying to hurt [Lorusso] and get him out of the game.”

The Phoenix did just that in the second half. As Lorusso rolled out to his right he was tackled by several Phoenix, losing his helmet in the process, and he didn’t return.

To make matters worse for the Bobcats, Elon’s special teams play was impressive as well.

Junior Bo Williamson, a receiver that works special teams as well, didn’t record a touchdown reception, but he did block a punt and return it for a touchdown in the second half. Williamson was close several times earlier in the game including a deflection in the first half.

“We put more time into special teams than anyone in the country,” Williamson said. “We prepared well for it and it showed today.”

Bobcats head coach Bill Struble admitted later that his team had no answer for Williamson on punts.

“We could see what was happening and we kept changing things, but he kept getting in there,” Struble explained. “We weren’t doing a great job and we need to work on [special teams].”

Sophomore Karlos Sullivan added an 80-yard punt return touchdown.

The Phoenix didn’t get through the game unscathed though. Starting running back, senior T.J. Clegg injured his knee on Elon’s first possession and did not return, and defensive lineman sophomore Robert McGruder also injured his knee later in the first half.As of Monday both players were listed as doubtful for the Liberty game in two weeks.

Hudgins also left the field twice due to leg cramps, but he still hauled in eight catches for 142 yards and a touchdown.

Sports Editor: Jeff Rickel - 09/12/07