The final report card for Siedlecki's squad

By Matthew Goldenberg

JULIA TIERNAN/YH Strong play from wide receivers such as Jake Borden, JE '00, was one of the reasons for Yale's success.

A 9-7 victory over Harvard on Sat., Nov. 21 capped off Yale football's remarkable turnaround season. A consensus pick to finish dead last in the Ivy League for a third straight year, the Bulldogs (6-4, 5-2 Ivy) marched to a second-place finish. If the Elis were graded for improvement, an A would hardly be adequate. But on this report card, the Bulldogs are held to higher standards and are not allowed to drop their worst game.

The position-by-position report card:

Quarterback: A-. It's hard to criticize Joe Walland, TD '00. While he may not be the league's top passer, he is more than competent throwing the ball. This year, he broke Yale's single-season records for completions, attempts, and passing yards. His speed and mobility make him even more dangerous. Most importantly, Walland delivers when the game is on the line. Just ask Brown, Princeton, and Harvard. If he can remain healthy, Walland should lead the Bulldogs to an even better season next year.

Running Backs: B+. Rashad Bar-tholomew, SY '01, is the most exciting Bulldog tail-back in recent history. For the year, the Air Force transfer ran for 941 yards, nearly doubling Yale's top rusher from last season. But he was plagued by inconsistency and had disappointing outings against Pennsylvania and Harvard. Fullback Derek Bentley, SM '99, was used almost exclusively as a blocker, but still scored three touchdowns.

Receivers: B+. Yale had a stable of good receivers, though dropped passes against Pennsylvania cost the Bulldogs. Ken Marschner, SY '99, set a school record for receptions in a game but was hampered by a knee injury late in the season. Jake Fuller, BR '00, took a starting role three games into the season and led the team with 411 receiving yards. Jake Borden, JE '00, had the catch of the year on the final play against Brown and tight end Brian Scharf, DC '99, made key plays in The Game. Yale returns plenty of able wideouts, but finding a new tight end will be a challenge.

Offensive Line: A-. Maybe Yale's strength this season, the offensive line helped make the Bulldogs the league's best rushing team. Led by first team All-Ivy tackle Marek Rubin, ES '99, the unit allowed just 15 sacks all season. Guard Chris Ryan, BR '99, and center Joe Montesano, SM '99, also received All-Ivy honors. Replacing the graduating linemen could be the toughest task of the offseason.

Defensive Line: B. Ends Jeff Hockenbrock, PC '00, and Peter Sarantos, MC '00, a second-team All Ivy performer, were stellar. Sarantos led the team with 10 sacks, while Hocken-brock blocked his second field goal and recovered his second fumble of the season against Harvard. Middle guard Andy Tuzzolino, TD '00, was the best of the interior linemen, a group that struggled early in the season. If captain Corwynne Carruthers, MC '99, returns, the defensive line will have every major contributor back next year.

Linebackers: B. Peter Mazza, JE '01, and Scott Benton, MC '99, had strong seasons for the Bulldogs. Mazza led the team with 91 tackles, while Benton was second with 74. Benton also returned an interception for a touchdown against Princeton. Despite the loss of two-year starter Benton, Yale should be solid at this position next year.

Defensive Backs: B. The Yale secondary was at times great, at times miserable. Second team All-Ivy safety Nate Boxrucker, BK '99, had a penchant for big games, recovering three fumbles against Brown and intercepting three passes against Princeton. Cornerbacks Todd Tomich,

TC '01, who earned second team All-Ivy honors, and Ben Blake, PC '00, both had impressive performances in The Game. Judging by the end of the season, the defensive backfield should be one of the Elis' strengths next season.

Placekicker: A-. Mike Murawczyk, MC '01, had a banner year for the Elis. After being relieved of punting and kickoff duties midway through the season, he was able to concentrate on placekicking--and it showed. He hit 12 of 16 field goals and 24 of 26 extra points en route to earning first team All-Ivy honors. He'll be back.

Punter: D. This position was without a doubt the Bulldogs' most significant weakness this season. Over the first nine games, neither Murawczyk nor Clark Mercer, MC '02, could get the job done. Yale may have found an answer to its punting problems in the versatile Eric Johnson, JE '01, whose booming punts helped keep Yale in The Game. Only Johnson's stellar effort allowed the punters to earn this passing grade.

Returnmen: C-. The Elis really struggled in this area. Though Tomich finished second in the league in yards per punt return (9.75), his two fumbles at Dartmouth may have cost Yale the Ivy title. The Bulldogs' kickoff returns were the league's worst.

Overall Grade: B+. Head coach Jack Siedlecki and his staff performed admirably. Finishing second in the league after going winless just one year before is truly remarkable. For as much as the team improved, however, Yale was hardly overpowering. In only one of its six wins was the game decided by more than a single score. Furthermore, the Bulldogs were the only league team to lose to Dartmouth. Having laid a solid foundation this year, Yale football should compete for league valedictorian next season. This year, they'll settle for runner-up.

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