'Cats slaughter Lions
By Jsse Phelps

For the first time in a year and a half, the Villanova football team got back into the win column. And on a scorching day on the Villanova campus, they did it in style.

In a 48-0 demolition of Newlife Ambassador Lions of Fontana, called at halftime on the mercy rule, sophomore quarterback Adrian Gutierrez dominated. Gutierrez was perfect passing, completing all five attempts for 53 yards and pair of two-point conversions. He also ran six times for 78 yards and two scores.

The game was out of reach for the Lions before the first quarter was halfway done. At the 8:-minute mark, it was already 16-0 as Villanova capitalized on a strong defense and running game. Paul Song scored on a 1-yard run, then recovered a fumble and took it 32 yards for his second score. Gutierrez followed both scores with successful two-point conversion passes to Sean Forster.

After Gutierrez scored from 19 yards out on a bootleg, Ryan Kudla also ran one in from 20 yards. Two Cody Suppan two-point conversions made the score 32-0 at the end of the quarter.

On the other side of the ball, Villanova's defense consistently brought pressure, forcing a variety of hesitant runs and wobbly passes. Lion quarterback Jay Martin never got comfortable as Nick Stelzer, Tim Gleason, Tony Novello and the rest of the 'Nova defense continued to break the line of scrimmage and get into the backfield for several spectacular tackles and sacks.
Stelzer led the team with three sacks, adding six tackles.

In the second quarter, Newlife was able to slow the 'Nova juggernaut only a little. Gutierrez scored again, this time from 25 yards out, on a third and five. He then ran in yet another two-point conversion. Gleason contributed to the scoring with a 5-yard run late in the half and the scoring was capped by Patrick Ramirez, who ran in the final two-pointer of the day.

The Wildcats, who went winless in 2002, are riding a high and will look to capitalize on the momentum gained by a young squad on a hot afternoon. But after the game, the joy of victory was sweet enough to drink in all on its own - for a day, at least.
"It was pretty tough but we came in and executed our offense," said Gutierrez. "It feels great. We'll have a grin on our faces all night."

Coach John Muller said that Guierrez displayed fine leadership in helping his team to a needed victory. "We were ready to play and we did everything as well as we could have today," he said. "Today was finally a chance for him to excel at everything."
With the win, Villanova evened its season record at 1-1 heading into the meat of a tough schedule. They'll travel to First Lutheran high School to take on Santa Clarita Christian this Saturday.
© 2003 The Ojai Valley News

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