Scott BresslerWashington University football ended the 2007 season with a 30-20 win over Greenville College. The win snapped the Bears’ two-game losing streak and gave the team one more win than last season. Overall, the Bears went 7-3 (1-2 UAA).
For the first time in three weeks, Wash. U. won the turnover battle, as the team forced two Greenville turnovers and only surrendered one.
Notably, junior Tommy Bawden tied a school record with a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. The score gave the Bears a 30-7 lead and tied the record for longest interception return set by Bill Gerstung in 1948. Greenville added late scores following the Bawden touchdown, but the 23-point deficit was too big for the Panthers to overcome.
Offensively, the Bears executed well en route to 24 points. The running game earned 112 yards on 27 carries, and quarterback Buck Smith completed 15 of 26 passes with two touchdowns and an interception. Seniors in their final game at Wash. U. scored all three offensive touchdowns. Matt Koenigsknecht caught both touchdown passes and Gabe Murphy scored the only Bear rushing touchdown.
“We really played together, and we all believed in what we were doing. That was the difference maker. We knew we could score, and as a team, in the second half, we came out and played together. It was a great feeling,” said captain Jeff Howenstein.
The defense surrendered 252 yards and 31 first downs, but it held Greenville in check until the Bears took the lead. Unlike the previous two weeks, Wash. U. held at least a share of the lead throughout the entire game, making it easier to break the game open in the fourth quarter.
“Greenville’s QB was outstanding and made plays throughout the day. We gave some ground at times but shut them down at the opportune moments. Tommy Bawden’s interception was the back breaker and helped seal the win,” stated Head Coach Larry Kindbom.
Though the Bears squandered a chance for a UAA title and for a postseason birth, this season was still a success.
“We know we were a few plays away from still playing this week, but it just wasn’t meant to be. This was a great send-off for the seniors, and hopefully an exciting start for the underclassmen,” said Kindbom.
“7-3 is somewhere the seniors have never been, and it felt great to really push this team to the next level. I respect everyone who participated and I know I will miss it forever,” added Howenstein.