Bearcats Help Team Stars and Stripes Win Tazon de Estrellas, 48-7

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

TOLUCA, MEXICO -- Willamette University senior wide receiver Scott Schoettgen (Columbia, CA/Sonora HS) caught two touchdown passes to help Team Stars & Stripes defeat the CONADEIP All-Stars, 48-7, in the Tazon de Estrellas (Bowl of the Stars) at La Congoladora Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 18. Team Stars & Stripes, an NCAA Division III All-Star team, achieved a 20-0 lead in the first half, then added 21 points in the third quarter on its way to the victory.

Schoettgen caught six passes and led all players with 117 yards in receptions. He scored touchdowns on catches of 23 yards with 12:53 left in the third quarter and 21 yards with 11:47 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Willamette defensive players Ralph Pineda (Sr., ILB, Los Angeles, CA/Cathedral HS/San Jose State Univ.) and Walter Robinson II (Sr., DE, Altadena, CA/Cathedral HS) also contributed to the U.S. win. Pineda recorded four tackles, while Robinson earned three tackles. Robinson tied for the team lead with 2.0 tackles for losses and was one of five U.S. players with a sack.

During the first drive of the game for the U.S., Schoettgen hauled in a 42-yard pass to convert a 3rd-and-34 from the Stars & Stripes' 25-yard line. The lengthy completion moved the ball to the Mexico 33. Team Stars & Stripes scored four plays later on a 21-yard pass from Kyle Simmons of Ohio Northern University to Frank Ross from John Carroll University.

The extra point failed following the opening touchdown, but the U.S. added an 11-yard pass from Jake Caron of Pomona-Pitzer to Ross at the 11:48 mark of the second quarter. The PAT was converted by William Stripling, giving the U.S. a 13-0 lead. Jordan Leuschen caught a 4-yard pass from Simmons with 3:59 remaining in the half to increase the lead to 20-0.

Schoettgen's first touchdown catch ended a quick 4-play, 70-yard drive following the kickoff to start the second half. The 23-yard TD pass was thrown by Simmons.

The CONADEIP All-Stars finally got on the scoreboard with 8:15 left in the third quarter. Sergio Segova broke the shutout by crossing the goal line on a 5-yard pass from Guillermo Martin to complete a 13-play, 78-yard drive. Erick Gomez kicked the extra point to reduce the U.S. lead to 27-7.

Stars & Stripes scored two more times in the third period. Ross hauled in a 45-yard pass from Simmons for his third touchdown of the day with 5:47 on the clock. R.J. Maki added a 9-yard touchdown catch on a pass from Caron at the 3:02 mark.

Schoettgen's second touchdown reception was thrown by Caron at the conclusion of an 11-play, 66-yard drive. The 21-yard catch moved Schoettgen past the 100-yard mark. Shaun Wild kicked the extra point.

Caron finished the game 13 of 20 for 139 yards and three touchdowns. He was selected as the MVP for Team Stars & Stripes. Simmons was 14 of 20 for 231 yards and four touchdowns. Ross topped all players with seven catches and earned 103 receiving yards.

The U.S. dominated the overall statistics. Team Stars & Stripes amassed 475 total yards on 78 plays, while Mexico gained just 158 yards on 55 plays. Chris Coney led the U.S. rushing attack with 17 carries for 90 yards.

Mexico rushed for only 6 yards on 24 carries. Robert Gonzalez was the leader with 17 yards on five carries. Martin topped the passing attack with 13 completions on 22 attempts. Segova caught three passes for 39 yards. Edguardo Mares achieved three catches for 36 yards.

Team Stars & Stripes did not commit a turnover. Mexico lost the ball three times on one fumble and two interceptions. The win by the U.S. avenged a 24-12 loss by Team Stars and Stripes to the Tec Monterrey All-Stars in 2009.