Mount Union wins – again

Sun., Dec. 21, 2008

Associated Press

SALEM, Va. – Greg Micheli threw two touchdown passes to Cecil Shorts as Mount Union regained its spot atop Division III football Saturday, beating defending champion Wisconsin-Whitewater 31-26 in the Stagg Bowl.

The Purple Raiders (15-0) won their 10th Division III title – all coming in the past 16 seasons. Mount Union and Wisconsin-Whitewater (13-2) have played each other for the championship in each of the last four years. The Raiders also won the 2005 and 2006 matchups.

Nate Kmic’s first-quarter touchdown was his 16th of the playoffs, a Division III record. He also became the first player in any NCAA division to rush for 8,000 career yards. His 88 yards Saturday gave the senior 8,074 for his career.

But it was Micheli who made the Purple Raiders’ offense roll this time. The senior completed 12 of 19 passes for 262 yards and the two TD passes to Shorts. He also rushed for 56 yards. On Thursday, he received the Gagliardi Award given to Division III’s outstanding player.

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Mount Union wins – again

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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