Ailing snapper costs Georgia Tech a touchdown

Posted 9:53PM on Saturday 17th September 2005 ( 19 years ago )

ATLANTA (AP) Normally, the long snapper doesn't get much attention. That wasn't the case for Georgia Tech's Gavin Tarquinio, whose ailing right knee led to a Connecticut touchdown in Saturday night's game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Tarquinio, injured the previous week in a victory over North Carolina, was able to snap on field goals and extra points. But, with the knee making it difficult to run downfield in coverage, the senior turned over the punt-team duties to redshirt freshman Bret White. The arrangement didn't last long. White's first snap sailed over the head of punter Ben Arndt, who ran down the loose ball and kicked it through the Georgia Tech end zone hoping to take a safety. However, the Yellow Jackets were penalized for Arndt's maneuver, giving UConn the ball at the Tech 5. The Huskies scored on the next play to take a 13-7 lead. That was it for White. For Arndt's next punt, Tarquinio was back on the field, making a perfect snap and trotting slowly down the field, more concerned with protecting his knee than making a tackle. Tarquinio made it through the rest of the first half without any problems. BELL MISSES: Get this: Georgia Tech's Travis Bell actually missed a field goal. After making 15-of-17 last year and his first five attempts this season, Bell came on for a 43-yard attempt with about 5.5 minutes left in the first half. The sophomore didn't get much on the ball, which fluttered short and right of the crossbar. It was the shortest miss of Bell's career. Last season, he failed on kicks of 46 and 48 yards, sandwiched around a streak of 15 consecutive field goals that made him one of Georgia Tech's most reliable weapons. HENDERSON OUT: The Yellow Jackets were missing a couple of key players. Not only was quarterback Reggie Ball hospitalized with an undisclosed illness, but defensive end Eric Henderson was held out because of an ailing right ankle. Henderson was hurt late in Georgia Tech's 27-21 victory over North Carolina and didn't practice all week. He cheered on his teammates from the sideline, wearing his No. 56 jersey. Sophomore Darrell Robertson made his first career start in place of Henderson. SCOTT THE SCORER: Georgia Tech cornerback Kenny Scott sure makes the most of his interceptions. The junior has picked off two passes in his career, returning them both for touchdowns. The latest came in the final minute of the first quarter, Scott stepping in front of a pass and scooting to the corner for a 21-yard TD. He even showed a little flare, somersaulting into the end zone and drawing a penalty for excessive celebration. Last season, Scott's 49-yard touchdown return sealed a victory over North Carolina State. MOVING UP: P.J. Daniels moved up to fourth on Georgia Tech's career rushing list with an 11-yard run in the opening quarter. Daniels went past Joe Burns, who gained 2,634 yards from 1998-01. There's quite a gap to the third-leading rusher. Eddie Lee Ivery rushed for 3,517 yards in the 1970s. Robert Lavette is Georgia Tech's career leader with 4,066, followed by Jerry Mays at 3,699. CHOICE RUN: Tashard Choice scored his first college touchdown with a 3-yard run early in the second quarter. Choice, who played at Lovejoy High School south of Atlanta, spent one season at Oklahoma before transferring to Georgia Tech this season. The sophomore has been backing up P.J. Daniels and figures to take over as the starting tailback next season. (Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

http://accesswdun.com/article/2005/9/125916