GREENSBORO COLLEGE  Sports Release

Sept. 6, 2003
by Jon Cole, Pride Sports Information

Greensboro got off on the right foot by capturing a 20-0 victory against Newport News Apprentice. The shutout was the second in the program's seven-year history and the opening day win was the first since 2000.

Defense and special teams led The Pride. Greensboro (1-0) allowed only 19 yards of offense on 65 plays from scrimmage. Due to the GC defense and special teams play, The Pride played on a short field. GC’s average field position was its 45-yard line. 

Senior kicker Erik Naglee began the scoring when he connected on a 37-yard field goal attempt with 1:52 remaining in the opening quarter. After the Builders (0-1) lost the football due to a botched punt attempt, Greensboro managed a second Naglee field goal, making the lead 6-0 with just over thirteen minutes remaining in the half. 

The Pride defensive unit then stepped forward as Cortney Gunter intercepted a pass from the Builders Kyle Franklin with 1:06 remaining before halftime to push the lead to 13-0. 

After a scoreless third quarter, the GC offense took advantage of the play of its special teams. On the second play of a 31-yard drive, senior receiver Ricky Moore caught a 6-yard pass from Justin Roberson making the final score 20-0. 

Leading the The Pride was starting quarterback Roberson, whose 7 of 19 passing for 60 yards and a touchdown giving GC its offensive charge. Also key for Greensboro was a running attack, led by Quentin Caldwell, who carried the ball 19 times for 67 yards. Combined with Roberson’s 44 yards rushing, The Pride gained 137 yards on the ground, critical in the ball-control offense for The Pride.

On defense, Ricky Tattersall led the way for GC with 10. Teammate Gunter added eight tackles, three for a loss of a combined 19 yards, a interception leading to a touchdown, and one sack. Also recording sacks for Greensboro were Justin Patterson, Brad Curtis, and Mantron Davis.