Greenville edged by Geneva on last minute field goal in NCCAA Victory Bowl

Published: April 13, 2021

GREENVILLE, Ill. - A 20-yard field goal by placekicker Nick DiPietro with 19 seconds remaining in the game lifted the Geneva College Golden Tornadoes (8-3) to a 29-28 come-from-behind victory over the Greenville College Panthers (7-3) in the NCCAA Victory Bowl Saturday afternoon.

Greenville took a 28-14 lead on a 33-yard touchdown pass from Joel Lira to Jordan Fred with 4:35 remaining in the third quarter, but Geneva shutout the Panthers for the rest of the game while adding 15 unanswered points. A five-yard rushing touchdown by Gerard Muschette and a failed point after try cut the Geneva deficit to six with 3:35 to go in the third quarter. Almost one quarter later, a seven-yard rushing touchdown by Matt Barge and a failed two-point conversion cut the lead to two points with 4:54 remaining in the game.

Muschette, the outstanding offensive player of the game award recipient, rushed 20 times for 113 yards and three touchdowns. Geneva quarterback David Girardi completed 19-of-35 passes for 248 yards and one interception.

Running back Anthony Ambers provided much of Greenville's offense as he ran 26 times for 126 yards and three touchdowns. Greenville's Garrett Young, the outstanding defensive player of the game award winner, posted six solo tackles and two assisted tackles, including 1.5 tackles for a loss of yards. Young also broke up two pass attempts.

The win was Geneva's fifth Victory Bowl championship in six appearances, while Greenville dropped to 0-2 in its second Victory Bowl.

For more information, please contact
B.J. Schneck
Sports Information Director
(618) 664-6621
william.schneck@greenville.edu