St. Louis, Mo., November 5, 2011 – Senior kicker Daniel Vasil kicked three field goals to lead Case Western Reserve University to a 16-6 victory at Washington University in St. Louis on Saturday afternoon at Francis Field in St. Louis, Mo.
Case Western Reserve University (8-1, 2-0 UAA) extended its winning to seven games, and secured at least a tie of its fifth University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship in school history. Washington U. (5-4, 1-1 UAA) had its three-game win streak snapped with the loss to Case, and must win its season finale to secure a winning season.
Vasil kicked a pair of field goals in the second quarter – 25 yards and 43 yards – as Case built a 13-6 halftime advantage. He added a 27-yard boot in the third quarter to round out the scoring.
The Bears defense forced a three and out on the opening offensive series for Case. Washington U. controlled the line of scrimmage the entire first quarter and held a 123-29 advantage in total offense an allowed just one first down. The Bears found the end zone with 1:17 to play as junior quarterback Dan Burkett found senior Easton Knottdown the sideline for a 55-yard touchdown pass. The extra point by junior Eric Chalifour was wide left to keep the score at 6-0.
Vasil trimmed the advantage to 6-3 with a 25-yard yard field goal with 11:19 left in the second quarter. Case's defense would hold Washington U. offense at bay for the second quarter allowing just 38 yards of offense. A 10-yard pass from Erik Olson to Sean Lapcevic gave Case Western a 10-6 lead with 3:07 left.
Washington U.'s offense drove into Case Western Reserve territory with under a minute to play in the second quarter, but Burkett was picked off by Dan Calabrese to stall the drive. Vasil added a 43-yard field goal as time expired to push the lead to 13-6 at intermission. Washington U. had a 161-153 advantage in total offense, but Case controlled time of possession 17:01-12:59.
Chalifour missed his second field goal of the game as Case held Washington U. on its first possession of the third quarter. Vasil converted his third field goal of the contest, this time from 27 yards out, to extend the lead to 16-6 with 2:00 left in the third quarter. Vasil has converted 12-of-18 this season in field goals.
Knott (six catches, 105 yards) and junior running back Chris Castelluccio (23 carries, 88 yards) were the bright spots on offense for the Bears. Burkett was 16-of-28 for 191 yards and a TD, while junior quarterback Adam Banks played the fourth quarter and completed 4-of-9 passes for 60 yards.
Washington U.'s defense limited Case Western Reserve to 294 yards (163 rushing; 131 passing) of total offense, and forced six punts. The Spartans were also 4-of-5 on fourth down and had a 36:43-23:17 advantage in time of possession. Senior Nick Hillard led the defensive effort with 10 tackles, including three for loss, while senior Ed Ferguson added eight stops. Sophomore Seth Wight (three solo tackles, two for loss) and freshman Tommy O'Hern (four solo tackles) also contributed on defense.
Washington University closes out the season at home against the University of Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 12. Kickoff is set for Noon (CT) at Francis Field in St. Louis. Prior to the contest, Washington U. will honor its 25 senior members of the football team.
Bear Notebook: Washington U. leads the all-time series with Case Western Reserve University, 17-9, but the Spartans have won four of the last five meetings … Washington U. and Case tied were picked second in the UAA Preseason Coaches' Poll … Senior Joe Rhein made his 39th-consecutive start at center … Case Western is 23-1 in its last 24 road games dating back to 2007.