Paglia's Redemption
by David Shelton
Article posted on 11/19/2009

What a difference a year makes.

Last season, Charleston Southern place-kicker John Paglia missed two extra points and a field goal as the Buccaneers lost, 20-19, to Stony Brook.

This time around, Paglia was the hero.

The junior's 43-yard field goal in overtime lifted Charleston Southern past the Seawolves, 30-27, on Saturday, sending the Buccaneers (5-5) to their third consecutive victory.

Paglia's overtime boot was his third made field goal of the day, which also included a school-record 51-yard kick and a 46-yarder.

"I go into every game with a great deal of focus, but certainly after what happened last year, I had a little extra edge for this game," said Paglia, who has made 13 field goals this season. "I felt like the team would keep us in position to win the game and I'm glad it came down to me. There's no better feeling in the world than to be able to reward your teammates for playing so hard."

The victory came on a day when CSU's offense sputtered to only 294 total yards and just 80 yards rushing. The Buccaneers managed only one offensive score, a 29-yard pass from A.J. Toscano to Josh Atkinson in the first quarter.

But CSU got a touchdown on special teams when Deon Lee returned the opening kickoff 89 yards for a score. They also scored on defense when Charles James returned an interception 51 yards for a score, giving CSU a 27-17 lead with 7:11 left in the third quarter.

"Whatever needs to be done, this team is incredibly unified and willing to do whatever it takes to succeed," said CSU coach Jay Mills. "I can't say enough about the character, the determination and the heart of this football team.

"We weren't perfect today, but we aren't judged on one play or two plays. We are judged on the four quarters, and we found a way to win today. I feel so privileged to be able to coach these young men."

Stony Brook came into the game with a 4-0 Big South record, tied with Liberty for the league lead. The Seawolves ran effectively on the CSU defense all game, totaling 340 yards on 45 attempts. Edwin Gowins rushed for 177 yards and two scores and Conte Cuttino gained 163 and scored once.

CSU, however, intercepted Michael Coulter three times and allowed only 10 completions in 33 attempts. Safety Chris Kuzdale ended the first half with an interception in the end zone with Stony Brook threatening. Kuzdale then intercepted Coulter on the first play in overtime to set up Paglia's heroics.

"Our defense just played with so much heart in the second half," said Mills. "We gave up yards but we also made some big plays and big stops. We bent a lot but we made some stops. The thing you like about this group is their grit and determination. As long as there is a yard to be made, our defense feels they can make a stop."

Perhaps the stand of the game came early in the fourth quarter. With CSU leading 27-24, Toscano made a bad pitch on the option. The loose ball was picked up and returned 50 yards to the 17-yard line. A penalty for a horse-collar tackle moved the ball to the 7.

CSU's defense, however, held and forced a game-tying field goal from Wesley Skiffington with 12:46 left in the game.

"Keeping them from scoring a touchdown at that point in the game was huge, especially with how their defense was playing in the second half," said Mills.

Toscano had a productive day for the Buccaneers, completing 19 of 32 for 214 yards. Gerald Stevenson caught eight passes for 76 yards.

But, Paglia was the hero, and for Mills, the perfect guy to have on the field at the end.

"John is just a clutch kicker," said Mills. "Today was some redemption for him. He is such a confident young man and he thrives on this type of situation."

Charleston Southern wraps up the season next week, hosting in-state rival Coastal Carolina. The Bucs are trying to repeat last year's four-game winning streak to close out the season and secure a second consecutive winning record.

John Paglia Bio >

 

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