September 7
Football
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cardinals Claim Axe Bowl 47-13

MIDLAND, Mich. – The Saginaw Valley State University football team claimed the 28th Annual Axe Bowl with a 47-13 win over Northwood University on Saturday (Sept. 7) in front of 7,688 fans. SVSU held a 16-13 lead after three quarters, then exploded for 31 points in the final stanza.
   Senior quarterback Matt LaFleur (Mt. Pleasant, Mich.) completed 20 of 27 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore signal-caller Mark Radlinski (Caledonia, Mich./Grand Rapids CC) came on in relief of LaFleur and completed four of six passes for 68 yards and two TDs. Radlinski also rushed for a score.
   Seven different receivers caught passes for the Cardinals. Ruvell Martin (Muskegon, Mich./Muskegon CC) led the aerial attack with seven receptions for 77 yards and two TDs. Mark LaFreniere (Iron Mountain, Mich.) finished with five catches for 62 yards, while Travis McAlpine (Pontiac, Mich./Notre Dame Prep) hauled in four receptions for 42 yards and one score.
   John Kava (Livonia, Mich./Catholic Central) led the SVSU defense with eight tackles. Sophomore safety Corey Gonzales (Auburn Hills, Mich./Avondale HS) recorded seven stops, while senior safety Pat Cavanaugh (Troy, Mich./Madison Heights Bishop Foley) tallied five solo tackles.
   The win gives the Cardinals 18-9-1 advantage in the series. SVSU starts the season
1-0, while Northwood falls to 0-1. The Cardinals' home opener comes Saturday (Sept. 14) when they host Michigan Tech at noon. The first 500 kids (14 and under) will receive a free t-shirt, sponsored by Dean Trailways.

Contact: Jason Yaman (989) 964-4053

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