James Madison beats William & Mary in semifinals

Sat., Dec. 11, 2004

Associated Press

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Justin Rascati threw for three touchdowns and James Madison beat William & Mary 48-34 Friday night in an NCAA Division I-AA semifinal game.

The Dukes (12-2) avenged a regular-season, last-play loss to the Tribe and advanced to next weekend’s national championship against the winner of today’s other semifinal between Sam Houston State and Montana at Missoula.

The Dukes, who won 14-13 at Lehigh in the first round and 14-13 at Furman to reach the semifinals, became the first I-AA team to reach the title game by winning three straight road games.

William & Mary (11-3), which beat defending national champion Delaware in double overtime last weekend, fell behind 21-0, rode the passing of Lang Campbell to a 26-20 third-quarter lead, then turned the ball over twice after falling behind again.

The Dukes drove for scores after each turnover, mixing the running of Maurice Fenner with Rascati’s passing to run time off the clock and prevent Campbell and the Tribe from another comeback.

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James Madison beats William & Mary in semifinals

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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