GROVE CITY, PA - The Yellowjackets withstood a record-setting passing performance and a 38-minute weather delay to post a 38-21 victory over Grove City College.
Rochester had a couple of record-worthy performances on its side as well. Matt Bielecki cracked the 1,000-yard career barrier and Jay Jay Vanderstyne had a career high 11 receptions.
The defense stood tall for the second straight week. Junior defensive back Andy Rape had 11 tackles, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble to snuff out one scoring drive, an interception, and a pass breakup. Jason Goeller had two sacks, raising his season's total to 11. All in all, the Yellowjackets shut down the Grove City running game. The Wolverines gained 29 net yards on the ground. GC quarterback Andrew DiDonato competed 27 of 47 passes for 268 yards, three TDs, and two interceptions. He was picked off by Sean Simpson on Grove City's opening drive (which led to a Griffin Moar field goal), then intercepted by Rape in the fourth quarter.
Rochester's freshmen got into the act as well. Mike Coolbaugh caught a 42-yard pass from Aaron Molisani late in the second quarter to put the Yellowjackets deep in Grove City territory and already ahead, 10-0. Zach Ingoldsby returned two kickoffs for 102 yards - going 43 yards the first time and producing a clutch 59-yard return the second time.
Ingoldsby's second kick return was vital. With Rochester ahead 17-0 midway through the third period, the game was halted for 30 minutes due to a lightning strike. Grove City came out after the delay and promptly drove for its first TD - a 33-yard strike from DiDonato to Scott Fichter.
On the kickoff, Ingoldsby fielded it at the 10 and was finally dragged down at the Wolverine 32. Six plays later, Bielecki dove in from the one to restore Rochester's advantage to 24-6.
Bielecki carried the ball 29 times for 144 yards and two TDs. He boosted his season's total to 1,001 yards and is the first Rochester player to rush for 1,000 or more yards in a single season in school history. This is the 118th year of Yellowjacket football.
Aaron Molisani completed 17 of 23 passes for 221 yards and two TDs - a 15-yarder to Vanderstyne and a five-yarder to freshman tight end Pedro Sosa. Vanderstyne caught a career-best 11 balls for 138 yards. The TD catch was his ninth. It was Sosa's first career scoring reception.
Pat O'Brien ran 12 yards for a TD early in the fourth period. O'Brien finished with 29 yards on 10 tries.
Rochester rolled up 410 yards in offense. Grove City totaled 297.
