Cardinals seek best ODAC start since 2008 when they travel to face Emory & Henry
WASHINGTON - Winners of two of their last three, the Cardinals travel to Emory & Henry Saturday afternoon seeking their first 3-1 start in the ODAC since 2008. CUA forced five turnovers en route to a 34-7 victory over Shenandoah last week at home. The Cardinals jumped out to a 27-0 lead on the Hornets, aided by Kevin Ross' 58-yard interception return for a touchdown just before the half, and were never challenged from that point forward.
Emory & Henry enters this weekend's contest looking to snap a three-game losing streak, with all three games coming vs. ODAC foes, including last week's 47-17 setback at Hampden-Sydney.
CUA and Emory & Henry meet for the 16th time on Saturday with the Cardinals holding a slim 8-7 lead. CUA has won four of the past five, including a last-minute four-point victory last year in Washington.
Sophomore Pat Thomas was named the ODAC Defensive Player of the Week on Sunday, after totaling five tackles, an interception, forced fumble, fumble recovery and pass breakup in the win over Shenandoah. Thomas is the second Cardinal to earn this honor in 2012, joining Drew Papas.
In the last three games, linebacker Andrew Pitsenberger, younger brother of CUA running back Mike Pitsenberger, has made a big impact for the Cardinals. The younger Pitsenberger has totaled 15 tackles, including 2 for loss, and 2 sacks during that time. He finished with 7 tackles vs. Shenandoah.
CUA heads out on the road this weekend, where the Cardinals have not fared well in 2012. In its two road games, CUA is averaging only 14.5 points and 309 yards of total offense, while allowing 40 points and 432 yards of total offense. The Cardinals have been outscored in every quarter on the road this season.
Senior Vinny Cortese ranks second in the ODAC with 5.5 sacks this season. The defensive lineman has registered all of his sacks in the last four games, including 2.0 at Randolph-Macon on October 5.
Greg Cordivari was very efficient in his return to action last week, completing 20 of 31 passes for 277 yards, two touchdowns and just one interception. In CUA's three wins, Cordivari is averaging 297 yards through the air on 65.7% completion percentage. He has thrown eight touchdowns against only two interceptions. In the two losses Cordivari has played in, the senior is averaging 149.5 yards on 49.5% completion percentage, to go along with four TDs and five INTs.
Saturday's game kicks off at 1 p.m. from Emory & Henry.
