Flyers, QB take hits and keep going

Since losing opener to D-II Urbana, Dayton won 8-of-9 and has shot at PFL title.

Flyers Quarterback Steve Valentino flips the football against San Diego. The Flyers defeated the Toreros 21-14 at Welcome Stadium.

ERIK SCHELKUN Flyers Quarterback Steve Valentino flips the football against San Diego. The Flyers defeated the Toreros 21-14 at Welcome Stadium.

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By Kyle Nagel, Staff Writer Updated 12:31 AM Sunday, November 22, 2009

DAYTON — For as many shots University of Dayton quarterback Steve Valentino took last week against Drake, none was the worst hit he has received.

“Last year against Fordham, on a kickoff return, I was knocked out (of the game),” Valentino said. “They were pretty concerned about it, but I came back in. We usually give out a hammer award, but they gave me a huge nail for the nail award of taking that hit.”

Valentino, though, is used to it.

“Taking hits has been a big thing for me,” said Valentino, who started the season at wide receiver before being moved to quarterback because of injury-induced need. “I think it earns you some respect. Taking a hit and getting back up is frustrating for the other teams.”

Valentino’s persistence has mimicked the Flyers’ attitude during a season that started slow but could end up with a championship. After losing the opener to Division II Urbana University, Dayton (8-2, 6-1) has won eight of nine games and enters today’s 1 p.m. game against Marist (7-3, 5-2) with a chance to earn a spot in the season-ending Gridiron Classic.

If Dayton beats Marist and Drake beats Butler, the Flyers will win the Pioneer Football League title and earn a chance to host the Northeast Conference winner in the game that has become the de facto Division I-AA nonscholarship national championship contest.

Just as Valentino has jumped up after some big hits, Dayton has returned to the edge of a championship.

“I think it takes persistence and tenacity,” UD coach Rick Chamberlin said. “We knew we had to get right back up and had to get better.”

Today’s game

Who: Marist (7-3, 5-2) at Dayton (8-2, 6-1 PFL)

When: 1 p.m.

Radio: WHIO-AM (1290), WHIO-FM (95.7)

Series: First meeting

Key players

UD: QB Steve Valentino has thrown for 2,101 yards and run for 650. He has connected most often with receiver Justin Watkins, who has 42 catches for 814 yards and 6 TDs. James Vercammen leads UD with 123 tackles, including 15 for loss and 4 sacks.

Marist: Receiver James LaMacchia has caught 964 of the team’s 1,749 passing yards this season. Nick Andre is the top defender, with 87 tackles, 15 for loss, 3.5 sacks and 2 INTs.

FYI

Marist can set a school record for wins with a victory. UD ranks first in the Football Championship Subdivision in pass defense, allowing 128.2 yards per game. The Flyers will honor 23 seniors on Senior Day.

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