MU Football advance story for Saturday Press

By TONY GRAHAM
STAFF WRITER

It has turned out to be a potential classic matchup in the first Gridiron
Classic.
When Northeast Conference champion Monmouth University (10-1) hosts the
No. 16 University of San Diego (10-1), the Pioneer League champion, it brings
together the No. 1 offense in 1-AA football of the Toreros vs. the No. 1
defense of the Hawks.
The teams seemed almost destined to meet since last winter when the leagues,
which do not
offer massive financial aid to their athletes, began working towards a
two year agreement to assure their respective champions would participate
in the post season.
San Diego, coached by former National Football league quarterback Jim
Harbaugh, steamrolled through the PL extending its winning streak to 18
games before it lost a
non-conference game at California Davis (6-5) of the full 1-AA scholarship Great West Conference
last week.
Monmouth handled four non-conference opponents including Fordham and
Colgate of the high profile Patriot League, stumbled in its NEC
opener to Stony Brook, then reeled off six conference wins
in a row to overtake the late faltering Seawolves for the title.
""We feel like we're in Week 13 here, like a pro season,''said Harbaugh who
said he was not unfamiliar with the Hawks.
""We've followed them for about three years now, they've shown up on fim in
a couple of cross over games we've played,'' said Harbaugh. ""They've got a
heck of a program. It'll be big challenge for our football team.''
Potential pro quarterback Josh Johnson, sixth in voting for the Walter
Payton Award, leads the USD attack.
"We've played some good quarterbacks that could throw very well
and run very well,'' said Monmouth semjoir middle linebacker Mike Castellano,
a Freehold Township High School graduate and three-time All-NEC performer.
"I think he puts that together the best with his ability to take off
out of the pocket or pick apart a defense as
we've seen on film,'' said Castellano.
"So he's definitely a double threat and something we have to be ready
for.''
All-NEC senior safety Matt Hill and senior
corner David Jiles (school career record 13 interceptions) are among other Monmouth defensive
leaders.
But while Johnson has gained national acclaim Monmouth's quarterback has not
exactly been a shrinking violet.
Brick Memorial High School graduate Brian Boland was selected First team
All-NEC after unleashing his best collegiate season while setting numerous
Monmouth career
records.
Boland said he has no problem with all the attention paid this week to
Johnson.
""From what I've read he's putting up some amazing numbers,'' said Boland.
"'So there's good reason for the press I guess.''
Boland said a reason for his success this season has been about making
correct decisions and getting the ball to the
right people more than he did last year.
""And that was something I wanted to
improve upon and I think I have,''said the fifth-year senior.
""Of the years he's been our starter, this year he has
the best command of the offense,'' said Kevin Callahan, Monmouth coach.
""His anticipation on how the defense is going to
react and what the defense is going to give him is better than it's ever
been.
""I think his game week preparation has intensifed so that he is
able to better
anticipate changes as they occur during the game.''
As of mid day Friday around 2,000 advance tickets had been sold for the game with
tickets going on sale beginning 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Kessler Field.
""It's going to be a great game,'' said Callahan. ""Our players understand they're playing the
No. 16 team in the nation and the No. 1 offense in the nation in 10-12
different categories,'' said Callahan.
""I think you'll find the players on both squads are excited about the opportunity to
play a quality opponent.
""You've got two very good football prgrams, two very good teams, squaring
off in a bowl type game
""It's created alot of excitment and it's going to be a great atmosphere.''

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