After losing in the Division III playoffs to the eventual National Champion in four previous tries, the Purple Raiders won their first Division III National Championship.
The offense averaged 47.1 points per game and the defense posted five shutouts on the year, went 15 quarters without being scored on and gave up just 7.7 points per contest.
Offensively, Gagliardi Trophy winner (Division III Player of the Year) Jim Ballard completed 321 of 458 passes (.701) for 4,572 yards and 54 touchdowns with just 14 interceptions. Running back Jim Gresko totaled 1,517 yards on 246 carries with 16 rushing scores and added 71 receptions for 638 yards with 11 touchdowns. Wide receiver Ed Bubonics had 102 receptions for 1,769 yards and 14 touchdowns while tight end Rob Atwood had 63 grabs for 851 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Defensively, inside linebacker Dan Capozella finished with 122 tackles, inside linebacker Jay Sawvel had 118 hits, tackle Mike Hallett amassed 111 hits and 8.5 sacks, outside linebacker Rob Rodgers had 99 hits and 11 passes broken up while free safety Mike Malchesky finished with 11 interceptions.
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