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SPORTS

Wildcat Football to Embark on West Coast Swing to San Diego

by | Mar 31, 2021

Quarterback Tyler Phelps will lead the ‘Cats as they take on San Diego.

 

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – Davidson heads west to face San Diego in a Pioneer Football League clash for the top spot in the league. Kickoff from Torero Stadium is slated for 3 p.m.

THE SERIES
Davidson trails the all-time series 2-13 dating back to the first meeting in 2000. The Wildcats won the first matchup 27-13 as part of their perfect 10-0 season.

CAN HE KICK IT?
Wildcat sophomore Caden Bonoffski was named the Pioneer Football League Special Teams Player of the Week. Bonoffski kicked a 32-yard game-winning field to help down Morehead State last Saturday. The Huntersville, N.C., native also converted all three of his extra point attempts.

LAST TIME OUT
Davidson improved to 2-0 in the PFL after beating Morehead State at home last Saturday, 24-21. Sophomore Caden Bonoffski hit a game-winning 32-yard field goal with two seconds left to give the ‘Cats the win. Three different players found the end zone including Mark McCurdy, his first career TD. Dylan Sparks and Bradyn Oakley added the other two, all rushing scores. Davidson netted 300 yards on the ground for the second consecutive game, gaining 334 against the Eagles and led by McCurdy’s 127 yards on eight carries. Junior linebacker Jalen Jefferson and senior corner Jaylon Bolden tallied eight tackles apiece, while disruptive freshman Jonathan Hammond made four tackles for loss.

 

SCOUTING THE TOREROS
San Diego (3-0, 2-0 PFL) entered the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll at number 25 on Monday and enters the game on a 39-game conference win streak. The 39-game win streak is tied for the most all-time with Duquesne who achieved the feat from 1999-2006 in the MAAC. The Toreros have been stout on defense this spring, allowing just 14.7 points per game and held Drake to a total of 25 yards of offense in the season opener.

OH THE FAMILIAR PLACES
Davidson sits atop the FCS in rushing yards per games (307.7). The ‘Cats were the national statistical champions in rushing in 2018, averaging 428.5 yards per game.

SETTING A P.A.C.E. FOR CHANGE
In response to the racial tension, social unrest and the prevalence of systematic racism in our country, Davidson football created P.A.C.E. (Progress, Advocate, Cooperate, Educate). The mission of P.A.C.E. is to lead the team, campus, community and country in promoting equality, unity and opportunity. In late August, the team hosted a gathering on the front lawn of Chambers to speak out against racism and actively fight for change.

LEADING THE PACK
Senior quarterback Tyler Phelps returns for his fourth season to lead the offense, while Jalen JeffersonChibuike Odo and Cade Vela captain a Davidson defense that soared to the top of the FCS in 2019. Junior Eli Turner Jr. also will don captain duties throughout the season.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans can connect directly with the Davidson Football staff on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Davidson-Football), Twitter (@DavidsonFB) and Instagram (@DavidsonFootball). Head coach Scott Abell is on Twitter and can be found at @Scott_AbellFB.

THE COACH’S CORNER
Be sure to check out The Coach’s Corner with Scott Abell every Monday powered by Atrium Health. Coach Abell will discuss the previous week and look ahead to the upcoming opponent, giving fans an inside look into the Wildcat football program.

ON DECK
The Wildcats wrap up their 2021 road slate at Presbyterian next Saturday, Apr. 10.

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