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Dec. 9—In an unfamiliar place a little more than 5,700 feet above sea level, Kutztown University’s historic football season came to an end.
Making their first appearance in the NCAA Division II Final Four and first west of the Mississippi, the fourth-seeded Golden Bears fell 35-7 to top-seeded and top-ranked Colorado School of Mines Saturday in a semifinal at Golden, Colorado.
“Overall the kids played really hard,” Kutztown coach Jim Clements said. “It wasn’t the outcome that we’re looking for but it doesn’t take away from the season these guys have had, that the senior class had. This was their last time playing college football today.
“It’s really difficult because we have a lot of seniors that have done a lot for our program. So I feel bad for those guys.”
Led by senior quarterback John Matocha, the 2022 Harlon Hill Trophy winner as the top player in Division II and a finalist this year, the Orediggers (14-0) jumped to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and remained in control for most of the game.
Matocha was 30-of-37 passing for 292 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 25 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. All of his touchdown passes came in the first half and helped Colorado School of Mines establish a 21-7 halftime lead.
“Their quarterback was pretty good,” Clements aid. “He got out of some things pretty well. Give these guys credit, they got a good team. They keep you off balance, they keep you on your toes, they have a lot of different weapons and they spread the ball around really well, so give them credit. They did a good job and their defense is really stout and played the run well.”
Kutztown quarterback Judd Novak, a redshirt freshman, was 19-of-30 passing for 128 yards with an interception. He also ran for 82 yards. His 59-yard touchdown run, during which he broke several tackles, briefly gave…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/kutztown-university-falls-colorado-school-044900677.html
Author : Reading Eagle, Pa.
Publish date : 2023-12-10 04:49:00
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