 Patrick Cashmore scores the game-sealing touchdown for Drake. |
ARUSHA, TANZANIA – Saturday, May 21, 2011 – American
football crossed a new international border on Saturday when the Drake
University Bulldogs and CONADEIP All-Stars from Mexico met on the
gridiron painted for the first time on African soil in Arusha Tanzania.
Drake
won the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl, presented by TANAPA, with a 17-7
fourth quarter comeback in front of 11,781 curious but enthusiastic
Tanzania spectators at the Sheik Amri Abedi Memorial Stadium.
Freshman
quarterback Nick Ens took his first snaps under center for the Bulldogs
when thrust into a battle in which Drake trailed 7-3 going in the
fourth quarter having lost both starting quarterback Mike Piatkowski and
his replacement Tyler Castro to injury. Ens completed 5
of 12 pass attempts for 50 yards, the most telling to wide receiver Joey
Orlando for an 18-yard gain and an eight-yard touchdown on the game’s
pivotal drive in the third quarter.
“We
knew all three quarterbacks were going to play so I was excited when we
started and Mike and Tyler were doing well,” said Ens. “I didn’t expect to play that much, really the whole of the second half, but I enjoyed it.
“I think the drive where we scored was a big for us. We had great protection up front and the running game had allowed us to pass so it was a great team effort.”
The
Bulldogs defense, which had been bruised by 124 yards and a touchdown
earned on the ground by CONADEIP running back Jose Reyes, also played a
major part in the victory, holding their Mexican opponent on three downs
at the goal line to remain in the game.
“I’m
so proud of you guys, each and every one of you, on so many levels,” an
emotional head coach Chris Creighton told the Bulldogs afterwards.
“This is so much bigger than a football game and it was phenomenal. Do not let this moment and what we just did slip away from you.”
Watched
by the American Ambassador to Tanzania Alfonso Lenhardt, the nation’s
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Lazaro Nyalandu and a procession
of dignitaries, the truly unique spectacle featured Masai tribesmen
entertaining the crowd where cheerleaders would have danced in an
American stadium.
Drake
opened with a steady drive that started at their own 20-yard mark,
aided by a littering of unsportsmanlike conduct flags, but when
Piatkowski threw to the corner of the end zone he was intercepted by
Carlos Garcia.
Both teams traded possessions before CONADEIP punted and were penalized again, giving Drake the ball 13 yards from the end zone. The
offense failed to click and Bulldogs kicker Billy Janssen earned the
honor of kicking the first points ever in a game of college football on
African soil with a 27-yard field goal.
A
promising Mexican drive ended frustratingly with a botched snap on a
field goal attempt and when the All-Stars threatened in a defensive
battle of a second quarter, Travis Merritt stripped the ball from
quarterback Jose Ortiz’s hands and Robby Unger recovered to avert the
danger.
Having
replaced Piatkowski, Castro was leveled just before Drake took a slim
3-0 lead into half time so the Bulldogs emerged with Ens, who was
redshirted in 2010 under center. CONADEIP took advantage
of an uncertain Drake offense as their second quarterback Dwein Garcia
fired a 49-yard pass to Ivan Piña to light up the game and delight the
crowd. Three plays later to open the fourth quarter, Reyes went in from five yards out to steal a 7-3 lead.
Drake
needed a spark and it came when Ens found his poise and fired a pass
over the middle to Orlando for an 18-yard gain and with confidence in
his receiver, the young quarterback again went to Orlando, this time in
the corner of the end zone from 11 yards out.
“The
whole team felt like it was swinging in the wrong direction and we
weren’t getting things right and a play needed to be made,” explained
Orlando. “We ran that same play earlier when we were down
there in the first quarter and I didn’t run it right, so I knew it was
my chance when that play was called and I did things a little
differently and it worked out for us.”
Ens
was quick to heap praise on his receiver, adding: “Joey helps me out so
much in practice and he is a big target for me and he got open and made
it easy for me.”
Having seen the offense regain the lead at 10-7, the defense stepped up. The
irrepressible Reyes charged 37 yards down the left sideline and was
tripped only two yards short of pay dirt, giving CONADEIP the belief
they could take control of the contest. But the Bulldogs
defense produced a determined goal line stand and celebrated when on
fourth down another muffed snap denied the Mexicans a chance to tie the
game.
“That
stance really helped keep the momentum going after we had just scored,”
said linebacker Moorehead who led the team with six tackles. “The
offense got the crowd going on the sideline and I don’t know if they
knew why they were making noise at that point in the game, but it
certainly helped. It was an important stop.”
The
momentum was with Drake and when a fumble turned the ball over at the
CONADEIP 17-yard mark, they pounded out yardage before Ens and Derek
Temple connected for a crucial gain on third down. With
seven yards between Drake and victory, linebacker Patrick Cashmore was
introduced as a battering ram fullback and he took the ball in for a
17-7 lead as the reliable Janssen had tagged on the extra point.
On
the first play of a comeback attempt CONADEIP were forced to go to the
air and Matt Buckley came up with an instant interception, allowing the
Bulldogs to kill the clock and emerge victorious.
“This
game was the realization of a dream of many people and we are humbled
to have not only brought a football game to Africa, but also to have
created friendships that will last a lifetime,” said event producer and
President of Global Football Patrick Steenberge.
“In
sport their has to be one team that loses, but today every single
person in this stadium was a winner, I have no doubt about that.”
The
game featured a halftime show of touch football by groups of local
youngsters as 500 Arusha schoolchildren took part in a display organized
by Tanzania Irie.
The
spectacular Kili Bowl event also includes a three-day service project
to benefit area orphanages organized by IRIS and Stemm, which runs from
Sunday through Tuesday. Both teams will then climb the
imposing 19,341 feet high Mount Kilimanjaro before returning to Mexico
and the United States on June 1.
Global Kilimanjaro Bowl Presenting Sponsor TANAPA, the Tanzania National Parks Association,
carefully cares for and manages the Kilimanjaro National Park area, as
well as the other 14 National Parks and 32 game reserves. The best known
of these is The Serengeti, named in 2006 as the New Seventh Wonder of
the World by USA Today. Also among these is the world
acclaimed Ngorongoro Crater; Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind; the
Selous, the world’s largest game reserve; and Ruaha, now the largest
National Park in Africa.
The
opportunity to support the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl through it’s
position as Presenting Sponsor will provide TANAPA with broad media
coverage around the world, as the uniqueness of this event will
certainly attract vast attention.
TAHA, the Tanzania Horticulture Association, which promotes and oversees the expansive flower and fruit production
and export in Tanzania, is providing fruit for both teams during their
stay in the country, as well as decorating the Arusha Stadium with
flowers and providing flower necklaces for the arrival reception when
players and coaches land at JRO Airport.
The Arusha Hotel will serve as host for the Drake Bulldogs, media and game officials,
while the Kibo Palace Hotel is hosting the CONADEIP Mexico official
party. Kilele Savane, Ltd of Arusha is handling all local transport;
safari coordination and the Kili climb operations.
TAHA, the Tanzania Horticulture Association, which promotes and oversees the expansive flower and fruit production
and export in Tanzania, is providing fruit for both teams during their
stay in the country, as well as decorating the Arusha Stadium with
flowers and providing flower necklaces for the arrival reception when
players and coaches land at JRO Airport.
The Kitaa Orphanage service project will be coordinated through the efforts of the Iowa Resources for International Service (IRIS) and Stemm as the student athletes from both teams, numbering 110 in total, will
spend three days (May 22-24) working at local private orphanage to
improve their facilities.
IRIS
is a non-profit, non-religious organization founded in 1993 and located
in Ames, Iowa. Its mission is pro promote international understanding,
diversity and peace. Through several grant programs, IRIS brings
students, journalists, business people, educators and government leaders
to Iowa from Africa, Central and Eastern Europe and Asia.
Stemm
was specifically created to develop a relational bridge between
Siouxland and Tanzania by addressing the priorities of spiritual growth,
medical care and educational opportunities. In
building this relationship, the overwhelming AIDS orphan crisis was one
that could not be ignored and today is also an integral part of the
Stemm ministry. Since inception, Stemm groups have traveled to Tanzania
on a semi-annual basis – January and July each year. Visit www.Stemm.org
Younger Optics will supply polarized Rx sunwear, equipped with Drivewear lenses that
will be part of the players, coaches and staff’s essential defense
against blinding glare and harmful UV rays. For more information about
Younger Optics and their other products, visit the company’s website at www.youngeroptics.com, or call (800) 877-5367 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (800) 877-5367 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
To receive information via email contact Patrick@GlobalFootball.com or call Patrick Steenberge on (011-255) (0) 762 379-437. Full event information is available on the www.globalfootball.com website.
Media contact: Michael PrestonMP@MPrestonSports.com(
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About Global Football:
About Drake University:
About the CONADEIP All-Stars:
For more information, please contact Global Football, Inc. of Granbury, Texas, President Patrick Steenberge: patrick@globalfootball.com. Tel: 817-219-7274 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 817-219-7274 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Global Football Media Contacts: Michael Preston MP@MPrestonSports.com Tel: 781-363-0305 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 781-363-0305 end_of_the_skype_highlighting Lauren Hickey: Lauren@MPrestonSports.com Tel: 781-929-7300 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 781-929-7300 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Drake University Media Contact: Paul Kirk: Paul.Kirk@Drake.edu Tel: 515-271-3014 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 515-271-3014 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
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Note: A more detailed, first-hand game summary will come from Arusha later, but the following is a recap assembled from the sequence of Twitter updates provided by game organizer Global Football, and a quote from the Associated Press.
A photo gallery by Chris Donahue showcases the game and other activities related Kili Bowl, including youth football clinics conducted by the Bulldogs and their Mexican opponents.
The players will continue to work together over the next several days to build an addition to an orphanage and complete other community services projects before embarking on a climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa at 19,341 feet. Drake President David Maxwell and several Drake football players are blogging about their experiences. Check out their blogs at www.drake.edu/kilimanjaro.
“It truly was a magical day,” Drake coach Chris Creighton told The Associated Press by phone from Tanzania. “I think everybody had the sense that we were part of something way bigger than ourselves, just bigger than a football game. It was emotional, kind of the realization of something very special to all of us.”
Drake overcomes early deficit to win by 10 points
Trailing 7-3 after CONADEIP’s first scoring drive early in the fourth
quarter, Drake rallied for two touchdowns in the final period behind
freshman third-string quarterback Nick Ens (Grand Rapids, Mich.), who
was replacing injured starter Mike Piatkowski (Wheaton, Ill.) and backup
Tyler Castro (Aurora, Ill.).
Ens led the Bulldogs on a touchdown drive immediately following the CONADEIP score to reclaim the lead, 10-7. He found wide receiver Joey Orlando (Park Ridge, Ill.) for a crucial first down, and then came back to him for an 11-yard touchdown pass.
CONADEIP responded by driving to the Drake 2-yard line, but the Bulldogs’ defense stiffened and limited the threat to a potential game-tying field goal attempt, which was botched on a fumbled snap.
The All-Stars from Mexico reclaimed possession but with four minutes remaining fumbled at their own 19-yard line to set up Drake’s final scoring opportunity. Senior Patrick Cashmore (Kansas City, Mo.) ran it in from 2 yards out for a 17-7 lead that would hold up as the final score.
CONADEIP’s final possession ended when Drake’s Matt Buckley (Oak Forest, Ill.) intercepted a pass attempt with 2:03 remaining, and the Bulldogs then took a knee to run out the clock.
A low-scoring game through three quarters turned exciting in the fourth period as the teams scored all three of the game’s touchdowns in the final frame.
The CONADEIP All-Stars closed the third quarter with a 49-yard pass play to the Drake 11-yard line and then scored the game’s first touchdown early in the fourth on a rushing play up the middle to take a 7-3 lead.
Prior to that point, the game’s only points came via a 27-yard first-quarter field goal by Drake’s Billy Janssen (Round Lake Beach, Ill.).
The first half saw each team turn the ball over by defensive takeaway (Drake recovered a fumble; CONADEIP intercepted two passes) and on downs (Drake was stopped on 4th-and-goal inside the 1; CONADEIP failed to execute a fake punt and botched a field-goal attempt).
CONADEIP also was whistled for a variety of penalties in the first half as neither team established a rhythm offensively.
**Live updates were provided via Twitter through both the Drake Bulldogs feed and Global Football, organizer of the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl. The summary of those posts is below, with times reflective of Central Daylight Time: Drake Bulldogs feed: http://twitter.com/#!/dubulldogs
FINAL: Drake 17, CONADEIP 7
(8 a.m. CDT) Drake interception by Matt Buckley seals 17-7 win as Drake takes a knee.
(7:57 a.m.) Drake’s Patrick Cashmore with a power run up the middle for a touchdown with 2:03 remaining to give Drake a 17-7 lead over CONADEIP.
(7:53 a.m.) CONADEIP fumbles at its own 19-yard line. Drake has a chance to seal victory with 4 minutes remaining in historic Kili Bowl, leading 10-7.
(7:46 a.m.) Reyes of CONADEIP tore off a 37-yard run to the Drake 2 but the Bulldogs’ defense holds and the field-goal snap is fumbled so CONADEIP misses the chance to kick a game-tying field goal.
(7:34 a.m.) Freshman QB Nick Ens to WR Joey Orlando for a crucial first down and then the same combination for an 11-yd touchdown. 10-7 Drake!
(7:25 a.m.) CONADEIP’s Jose Reyes breaks tackles through the middle to score the game’s first touchdown to open the fourth quarter. CONADEIP 7, Drake 3.
Drake 3, CONADEIP 0…End 3rd quarter
(7:22 a.m.) 49-yard pass play for CONADEIP takes the ball to the Drake 11 at the end of the third quarter. Best offensive play of the game. Crowd cheering like crazy.
(7:04 a.m.) Drake stops promising CONADEIP drive that opens second half and freshman QB Nick Ens in under center.
(7 a.m.) QB Piatkowski will not return for Drake. Castro questionable. Second half kicks off.
Drake 3, CONADEIP 0…Halftime
(6:35 a.m.) Coleman sacks Ortiz to end first half with Drake leading 3-0 via a 27-yard Billy Janssen field goal.
(6:33 a.m.) QB Castro intercepted by CONADEIP DB Huerta and is injured, but walks off. Drake already lost starting QB Piatkowski to injury.
(6:26 a.m.) LB Nick Underwood thought he had an interception at the CONADEIP 25 but the ball was ruled to have hit the ground.
(6:20 a.m.) Good CONADEIP drive ends 8 yards from end zone as Robby Unger recovers fumble caused by Travis Merritt.
(6:05 a.m.) First penalty against Drake for roughing punter earns a CONADEIP first down on best drive of the 2Q and now in Drake territory.
6:01 a.m.) Both teams 3-and-out to open second quarter. Drake backed up near own red zone but another penalty brings the ball to the 40.
Drake 3, CONADEIP 0…end of 1st quarter
(5:52 a.m.) 1st quarter ends with promising CONADEIP drive stalling, as 37 yd FG attempt is snapped over the head of the holder.
(5:44 a.m.) 27 yard Billy Janssen field goal for Drake. Bulldogs lead 3-0!
(5:39 a.m.) CONADEIP 3-and-out and punt short from own end zone to own 13 after penalties where Drake takes over.
(5:36 a.m.) Drake run stuffed at goalline on 3rd and 4th and inches to turn ball over. Great CONADEIP defense
(5:29 a.m.) CONADEIP fake punt stopped and Drake has ball 10 yards from the end zone.
(5:27 a.m.) Drake steady first drive from own 20 ends with a CONADEIP interception in the end zone.
(5:18 a.m. CDT) CONADEIP won coin toss, Drake to receive.