United States Coast Guard Academy - Department of Athletics - Football - George, Williams Lead Bears Past Westfield State 35-21

WESTFIELD, MASS.--(9/23/06)--Junior quarterback Christian George and senior running back Josh Williams accounted for 443 yards in total offense and all five touchdowns to power Coast Guard Academy to a 35-21 New England Conference victory over Westfield State.

It was the NEFC Bogan Division opener for both teams. Coast Guard is 2-1 overall, Westfield is 0-3.

Both George and Williams rushed for career highs as Coast Guard held off a Westfield State comeback attempt. George carried the ball 12 times for 188 yards and a touchdown; he also completed nine of 15 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown. Williams scored three touchdowns, rushing for 142 yards on 15 carries.

Coast Guard took a 7-0 lead with 10:09 left in the first half on a 60-yard TD scamper by Williams. Williams scored less than four minutes later on a one-yard plunge to cap a 5-play, 44-yard drive.

Westfield scored its first touchdown of the season with 2:32 remaining in the first half on a seven-yard TD slant pass from sophomore quarterback Dan Cohen to junior receiver Scott McIntyre.

Westfield tied score at 14-all with 6:22 left in the third quarter on a beautiful over-the-shoulder 28-yard touchdown reception by junior Billy Stewart.

Coast Guard took the ensuing kickoff and quickly marched 78 yards in six plays, with George scoring on a four-yard run taking a 21-14 lead with 3:32 left in the third quarter.

The Owls came right back on the next possession to tie the score at 21-21. Junior fullback Tim Thomas capped the 51-yard drive with a one-yard TD plunge with 1:04 left in the quarter.

But Westfield was unable to stop the potent Coast Guard offense led by George and Williams, who scored the game-winning touchdown with 11:59 remaining on an eight-yard run.

Coast Guard scored its final touchdown on a 41-yard TD reception over the middle by tight end Mike Zielinski on a third-and-long situation.

The Bears racked up 526 yards in total offense to Westfield’s 352.

Senior running back Dave Bergeron had a fine game for the Owls with 120 yards on 27 carries. Cohen completed 22 of 34 passes for 233 yards and two scores. Stewart had 10 catches for 154 yards; McIntyre seven catches for 60 yards.

Sophomore linebacker Jack Gill led Coast Guard with 13 tackles. Freshman defensive back Josh Mathieu led Westfield with 10 tackles.