Cards look for second straight win on Friday vs. Bison

WASHINGTON - After downing McDaniel 45-28 in its season opener last week, CUA looks for its second straight win on Friday against crosstown rival Gallaudet.  Greg Cordivari threw for 312 yards and four touchdowns with Alonzo Cooke hauling in seven of those passes for 156 yards and two scores to lead the Cardinals to victory last weekend. 

Gallaudet meanwhile, was shut out by Otterbein 15-0 on the road.  The Bison were only 3 of 11 on third down and totaled just 219 yards.

CUA has never lost to Gallaudet, posting a 23-0-2 record all-time vs. their crosstown rivals.  The Cardinals won a thriller last season, pulling out a 45-41 last-minute win on the home field of the Bison.  It marked just the second meeting between the schools since 1994.

Senior Drew Papas was named the ODAC Defensive Player of the Week on Sunday, after totaling four tackles, a forced fumble and a touchdown against McDaniel.  The Massachusetts native finished with three solo tackles, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble and he fell on top of a blocked punt for his first career touchdown in the third quarter.

The Cardinals defense had a solid performance on opening night, limiting McDaniel to 4 of 16 on third down (25%).  CUA also shut the Green Terror out in the 3rd quarter - last season the Cardinals were outscored by a combined count of 73-36 in that quarter.

Sophomore Brian Gongaware had an impressive night against McDaniel, going a perfect 6-of-6 on extra points, in addition to a 22-yard field goal.  The six extra points tied his career high (vs. Gallaudet, 2011).

After totaling 32 scoring drives that lasted fewer than three minutes a season ago, CUA was back at it last week.  The Cardinals put together four scoring drives that took less than three minutes, including a one-play, 14-second touchdown.

CUA's defense received contributions from a number of players last weekend. Conor Stueckler (12), Kevin Ross (9) and Patrick Thomas (9) led the team in tackles, Ryan Klein registered an interception and four different Cardinals notched at least one tackle for loss.

The CUA offensive line did not allow any sacks vs. McDaniel.  The Cardinals ranked third in this category in the ODAC last season and led the conference in 2010.

For more information on this weekend's matchup, check out the CUA game notes.

Friday night's game is CUA Football Community Night.  Cost of admission is free for Brookland residents (with ID) and children from the surrounding areas.  Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. from inside Cardinal Stadium.

CUA will offer live video and statistics of the game here.