Box Score Box score

Ewing, NJ – For the third straight year, Muhlenberg College handed The College of New Jersey a setback in the season opener as the Mules blanked the Lions 15-0 in Lions' Stadium on Friday night.
After a scoreless first half, the Mules recorded their first points off of the foot of kicker Jordon Grube (New Tripoli, PA/Northwestern Lehigh) as the senior connected on a 33-yard field goal on the team's opening drive of the half.

The Mules increased the advantage to 9-0 early in the fourth quarter as quarterback Eric Santagato (Ringwood, NJ/Lakeland Regional) hooked up with Phil Cresta (Aston, PA/Sun Valley) along the near sideline for a 65-yard scoring strike.

That same combination set up the second Mule touchdown with 2:22 remaining in the game as Santagato delivered a strike to the near corner that Cresta hauled in before going out of bounds at the Lion one. A couple of plays later running back John DeLuca (Sayville, NY/Sayville) punched his way into the end zone rounding out the scoring.

DeLuca led the Muhlenberg offense with 84 yards on the ground on 25 carries, while Cresta has 113 yards on four receptions.

Both teams were kept off the scoreboard in the opening half with the Mules getting the best opportunity on their first possession. After cashing in on a 20-yard gain on a fake punt by David Mazzola (Boyertown, PA/Boyertown). That set up a 32-yard field goal by. Grube, but his attempt went ride right.
TCNJ's best chance to get on the board in the first two quarters also came on its opening drive. The Lions received the opening kick-off and moved out to midfield before punting the ball over to the Mules.

TCNJ did receive standout performances on the defensive side of the ball as senior linebacker Nick Steffner (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater) finished with 15 tackles, including five solo and one sack, while classmate Joe King (Mountainside, NJ/Governor Livingston) collected nine tackles with three sacks for minus 25 yards.

Sophomore quarterback Chris James (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) finished the game going 15-for-32 through the air for the Lions for 123 yards with one interception.

Both teams will enjoy a bye week and will return to play in two weeks. TCNJ will host FDU-Florham on September 14 in a 7 p.m. matchup, while Muhlenberg College will host Union College on September 15 at 1 p.m.