Philadelphia, Pa. -  In a game decided by halftime, the Penn JV squad stormed to 33 first half points over visiting Widener University behind the strong running of freshmen Matt Hamscher and the accurate passing of sophomore Keifer Garton.

Hamscher accounted for three touchdowns on the ground and seemed like a threat to score on every hand off. This opened up the play action passing game for Garton, who played the entire first half before handing the reigns of the offense over to freshmen gunslingers Chad Miller and Ryan Brog, who rotated throughout the second half. Bruising sophomore fullback Luke DeLuca added some yards to the run total while helping to pave the way for Hamscher and fellow freshman, Matt Swanson.

On the receiving front, sophomores Ryan Calvert and Blake Adams made as much of an impact catching passes as they did on the special teams front. Calvert caught a touchdown, held for most point after attempts, and also fielded several punt returns for sizeable return yardage. The most electrifying play of the day came from Adams who knifed through the Widener coverage unit for an apparent score until a clipping call negated the touchdown.

Defensively, the Quakers pitched a shut out due to the stout defensive line lead by freshmen Jared Sholly, Joe Silberzweig, along with sophomore Dan Wallach. Both Silberzweig and Wallach overcame preseason injuries and limited practice time to form a formidable front that freed up sophomore defensive end, Mark Smith to free lance and become a disruptive pass rushing force. Smith was constantly in Widener’s backfield and caused several quarterback hurries and also assisted on a sack.

Sophomore Adam Triglia and freshman Erik Rask lead an aggressive, gang tackling, linebacking corps. Freshman defensive back Lake Casco had several bone jarring hits on special teams. Converted quarterback Brendan McNally made his successful debut at safety and along with fellow safety Bryon Wolf formed a formidable duo limiting catches over the middle. Sophomore defensive back Nate Powers added to the point total by returning an interception for a touchdown.

Redshirt freshman Trevor Charlston handled kick off duties and shared extra point attempts with true freshmen Daniel Lipschutz and Brad Marvin. After a botched snap, sophomore Raiam Dos Santos round housed a punt on the run to get the ball down the field on fourth down. Snapping duties were handled by freshmen Ed Kispert and Kameron Jones. Lipschutz converted on a 39-yard field goal for the final points of the afternoon.

Next up: Delaware Valley - Monday, September 29, 2008 with a 4:15 PM kickoff.

*written by Penn Director of Football Operations Daniel Kuhn.