Villanova Retains The Battle of the Blue Trophy In Another Thriller Against Delaware
VILLANVOVA, PA 11/19/2022 –
The Battle of the Blue, Villanova and Delaware in a game where anything and everything usually happens. This game lived up to that billing as the Villanova Wildcats block a punt then scored the game-winning touchdown with 1:11 on the clock to win 29 – 26 in their final game of the year. And the victory had great meaning to the Wildcats.
“This game for whatever reason comes down to those situations,” said Villanova Coach Mark Ferrante. “It’s uncanny. A lot of times it’s last play, last drive. It’s a great way to have our seniors go out. It’s something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.”
Here Is How It Played Out
Villanova blocked a punt, their first blocked kick of the season to give the team a chance trailing 26 – 21 with 6:07 to play. The ball rested at the Delaware 27 yard line. But the Blue Hens defense stiffened. The Wildcats turned the ball over on downs at the 18 yard line and 2:43 showing on the clock.
The Villanova Defense Did Its Part
It was time for the Nova defense to rise up.
“The coaches were saying get ready to go back out there,” said Villanova linebacker Brendan Bell, who made a career-high 12 tackles. “We’ve got three timeouts. Go back out there and get a three and out and give the offense good field position. We went out there red hot knowing what we had to do and executed.”
Another Blocked Punt and the Deciding Score
Delaware was forced to punt from their 23 yard line. Nova defensive back Devon Marshall blocked the punt. Tyler Will fell on the ball 10 yards away from the goal line. Four plays later quarterback Connor Watkins scored the game-winner on a 2-yard touchdown run. The strategy was simple.
“We have one more shot at this, so let’s get ready to roll,” said Watkins.
“We tried to get as many bodies on bodies and outwork them.”
Another one for the memory bank in the rivalry between these teams.
“It’s a different game, a rivalry game,” Ferrante said. “The last game that means a little more to them.”
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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