From The Portsmouth Daily Times, Saturday 11 Nov 2000, pg. B1-B2
"Titans, Falcons Bow Out of Playoffs:
"Slow First Half Leads to First and Last Loss
"By Adam VanKirk, Times Sports Writer
"PICKERINGTON - It may have been a little too much to ask for this time.
"While Notre Dame has been a strong second-half team all season, not a single first down in the first half of its contest against Toronto Friday night at Pickerington Tigers Stadium was the beginning of the end for the Titans' 2000 campaign.
"After picking up their first first down with just over seven minutes remaining in the third quarter, the Titans were able to score three touchdowns before the start of the fourth quarter. But despite gaining 10 first downs before the game's final whistle, Notre Dame couldn't muster enough to get past Toronto, which sacked quarterback Nick Rutman twice on the Titans' final drive of the game to claim a 22-18 win.
"Notre Dame coach Bob Ashley summed up his feelings on the Titans' loss in just a few words after the game.
"'We got beat in the first half,' Ashley said.
"In addition to not making a first down in the first half, the Titans were only able to manage 27 yards of offense while being called for 32 yards worth of penalties.
"Notre Dame's slow start, combined with a 16 point first half for the Red Knights, helped Toronto (12-0) stay unbeaten on the season and advance to the regional finals while the Titans' season comes to a close at 11-1. While Notre Dame's season is now over, Brett Pierron had arguably one of his best performances as a Titan. The 5-foot-11, 142 pound receiver caught six passes for 157 yards and three touchdowns - all of which came in the second half.
"Notre Dame quarterback Nick Rutman finished the night with 215 yards passing despite not completing a pass in the first half and missing on his first eight attempts.
"Shawn [Cain] (5-8, 184) powered a strong rushing attack for the Red Knights as the senior running back carried the ball 30 times for 132 yards and two touchdowns.
"[Cain] also returned a kickoff 82 yards for a score, accounting for all of Toronto's touchdowns.
"Toronto will play Newark Catholic nxt Friday in a Division VI Regional final.
"Statistics:
"Notre Dame ----- 0 - 0 - 18- 0 -- 18
"Toronto -------- 7 - 9 - 6 - 0 -- 22
"T
-- Shawn [Cain] 3-run (Conlon kick) (2:48, [1st]).
"T -- Shawn [Cain] 3-run (Run failed) (4:18, [2nd]).
"T -- Chris Conlon 30-field goal (:00, [2nd]).
"ND - Brett Pierron 13-pass from Nick Rutman (pass failed) (4:30, [3rd]).
"T -- Shawn [Cain] 82-kickoff return (kick failed) (4:17, [3rd]).
"ND - Brett Pierron 60-pass from Nick Rutman (pass failed) (4:00, [3rd]).
"ND - Brett Pierron 27-pass from Nick Rutman (kick failed) (:18, [3rd])."
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