• Box Score

WAYNESBURG (Sept. 1) – Behind the performance of freshman running back Robert Heller, the Yellow Jackets opened the 2007 season with a 28-10 victory over Muskingum College at John F. Wiley Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Heller impressed in his collegiate debut, rushing for 230 yards and four touchdowns on 32 carries.

Heller found the end zone on runs of 23, 47, 4 and 39 en route to a historic day. His 230 yards ranks as the fifth-highest, single-game total in school history and the most ever by a player in his freshman season.

The Ringgold product capped the Yellow Jackets' first drive of the 2007 campaign, scoring from the 23 yard line with 11:24 left in the first quarter to make the score 6-0 (kick blocked). Following a 40-yard Muskingum field goal that cut the lead to 6-3, Heller responded with a 47-yeard score with 5:04 left in the opening frame. A successful two-point conversion gave Waynesburg a 14-3 lead.

The game remained 14-3 at halftime despite a pair of Yellow Jacket drives in the second quarter that were halted near or in the red zone.

After a turnover on downs by Muskingum to start the final half, Waynesburg scored on the ensuing possession on a four-yard touchdown by Heller. The score was set-up by a 74-yard scramble by junior quarterback Andy Lauterbach, who was making his first career start.

Lauterbach completed 4-of-16 passes for 40 yards with an interception. His best drive in terms of passing came in the second quarter when he completed three passes for 31 yards. The junior showed his athleticism with the long run and the ability to run the option on a few plays. Lauterbach finished the game with eight carries for 74 yards despite two sacks counting against his rushing total.

Late in the third quarter and into the fourth quarter, Muskingum mounted its lone touchdown drive of the game when sophomore quarterback Terry Holbert connected with sophomore receiver Josh Grafton with 14:43 left in the game.

Waynesburg countered with a 39-yard score from Heller with 12:00 minutes left in the fourth quarter to make it a 28-10 contest.

Muskingum looked to be in position to cut the deficit again on the following drive, as it marched down to the Waynesburg 10-yard line. However, senior safety Stefon Strothers intercepted a Holbert pass in the end zone.

Strothers and the rest of the Yellow Jacket defense limited the Fighting Muskies to just 51 rushing yards on 29 attempts. In addition to the stingy run defense, Waynesburg allowed only 67 passing yards in the first half.

Senior middle linebacker Brendon Steele finished with a game-high 10 tackles, including 2.0 tackles for loss. Strothers added eight tackles and three pass break-ups, along with his interception. Senior defensive end Mike Czerwien registered two sacks and finished with six tackles in the victory.

The Waynesburg University football team returns to action next weekend for a road contest against the College of Wooster (Ohio) at Papp Stadium. In last season's meeting, the Fighting Scots defeated the Yellow Jackets, 31-10, at Wiley Stadium, limiting Waynesburg to 78 rushing yards.