Sprint dominates Princeton in win

There is no better remedy for a sound defeat for the Penn sprint football team than an utter thrashing of Princeton to end the season.

On Friday at Franklin Field, Penn did just that.

Armed with something to prove, the Quakers slaughtered Princeton, 55-18, at Franklin Field.

"We had to prove something after Navy [loss 48-0]," said senior receiver Jeff Bagnoli. "This was the total opposite of last week's game. We wanted to put on a show, and show what the offense can do."

Preceding the blowout was a short ceremony for the seniors, who include running back Mark Gannon, Bagnoli, defensive leader Stephen Willard and offensive line staple Robert Pavlacka.

"If anything, [the ceremony] reminded us of the importance of the game," Gannon said. "It helped us focus."

It was the offense that led the Quakers to victory. Gaining 617 total yards, Penn scored a touchdown on each of its first five drives despite missing its starting quarterback, junior Jimmer Donapel.

Donapel sat out the game due to a sprained ankle.

Senior Brandon Geebers performed admirably in Donapel's stead completing 10 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns.

"Geebers really stepped it up tonight," said Penn coach Bill Wagner. "He has been Mr. Utility for us this season. He deserves a lot of credit for the way he played."

This standout performance was in large part due to Gannon's 180 yards rushing, which opened up the offense and allowed for big receiving gains.

Though Gannon has always been the Quakers' top offensive option, the Princeton defense was stymied by the Penn running back.

Gannon became the second all-time leading rusher in Penn sprint history and just the fourth to run for more than 2,000 career yards.

"I was a freshman when the No. 1 rusher [Tim Ortman] was a senior," Gannon said. "So I got to see how he ran, which definitely helped me a lot.

"The only pressure was on myself. [The rushing record] was more motivation than anything else."

In Bagnoli's final game, he caught five passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns, to finish with 864 career receiving yards.

The Quakers' defense held the Tigers in check throughout. Juniors John Pinto and Chris Malachowski led the way for Penn's defense, each with a handful of tackles.

While the senior Quakers shined, many underclassmen showed that the future is bright. Speedy backup back Greg Bagnoli -- the younger brother of senior Jeff -- ran for a 105 yards and one touchdown. Sophomore Patrick Monaghan was everywhere on the field, splitting time between running, passing and receiving.

On the defensive side, sophomores Mike Russo, Doug Pires and freshman Henry Watson each finished with multiple tackles.

After the game, both Wagner and the seniors themselves took the time to reflect on their last hurrah.

"The seniors were great this year," Wagner said. "Willard did a tremendous job with the defense all year, and the offense has been fantastic.

"I'm going to miss all the seniors."

"I'm sure it will hit me when I get off the field," Gannon said. "But right now, it's just great."

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