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09/20/2005: "QB mistake costly for the Shoremen"

BY DALTON WALKER

NEWS TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER


A late mistake by Duluth-Superior Shoremen quarterback Nathan Smithson gave away the lead, and later the game.

Minnesota Valley Warriors defensive back Sherrod Richards' 70-yard touchdown interception gave the Warriors a three-point lead and the 20-17 victory Saturday.

The Shoremen (4-3, 2-3) had their two-game winning streak snapped in a Mid-American League game in front of 450 fans at Public School Stadium.

"I take responsibility," Smithson said. "It's my own fault. One person can make one mistake and I'd be that person."

Smithson completed 10 of 18 with two touchdowns and that one interception.

With about five minutes remaining in the game, the Shoremen held a 17-12 lead. After seven straight rush-

ing plays, including a 27-yard run by Kyle Vedder, the Shoremen called a passing play on third-and-2. A few seconds later, the Warriors celebrated the interception and touchdown run that gave them the lead.

"Two yards to get a first down," Shoremen player-coach Terry Fawcett said. "I thought it was a good idea for a quick pass, catch them sleeping."

With about a minute left, the Shoremen got into field goal range. But Ryan Rodriguez's 38-yard attempt to tie the game was wide left.

The Shoremen defense, led by James Olson's six tackles, hit Warriors quarterback Chad Melelah on almost every passing play. He was on his back most of the game and left briefly with an injury.

"Their D-line, linebackers dominated our O-line," Warriors coach Ryan Sanborn said. "Blitzing my line, we couldn't stop them. They put so much pressure on the QB."

The Warriors' only offensive touchdown came after Vedder fumbled deep in Shoremen territory early in the third quarter. Two plays later, Melelah scampered in the end zone.

Duluth-Superior defensive end Kevin Szczyrbak had three of the team's six sacks.

"Our defense played phenomenal," Fawcett said. "Give the 'D' credit, that's how they've been playing all year."

The Shoremen struck first when receiver Anthony Bugg wiggled free down the sideline in the first quarter. He broke so far away from his defender he had to slow down to catch the ball before finishing the 57-yard scoring play untouched for a quick 7-0 lead.

Rodriguez then kicked a 31-yard field goal before the quarter ended.

Minnesota Valley got a field goal before entering the half down 10-3.

With 7:07 left in the third quarter, Cedric Taggart scored on a 37-yard pass from Smithson.

Taggart finished with 91 yards on four catches. Vedder topped the 100-yard mark rushing with 111 yards on 28 carries.

The Shoremen host the River City Rough Riders at 5:15 p.m. Saturday at Public Schools Stadium.

Minnesota Valley 0-3-6-8--20
Duluth-Superior 10-0-7-0--17

DS -- Anthony Bugg 57 pass from Nathan Smithson (Ryan Rodriguez kick)

DS -- Rodriguez 32 field goal

M -- Bruce Zutter 25 field goal

M -- Chad Melelah 13 run (kick blocked)

DS -- Cedric Taggart 38 pass from Smithson (Rodriguez kick)

M -- Zutter 28 field goal

M -- Sherrod Richardson interception 72 return (pass completed)