April 15, 2000

BERKELEY, Calif. - Cal powered past Penn State 89-0 Saturday in the national championship playoffs, setting up a Sunday quarterfinal against Middle Tennessee State.

Cal's all-round offensive display generated 14 tries for 12 different players. Fullback John Buchholz was the leading individual scorer with 24 points.

"It was an excellent effort, but we need to let it go," said head coach Jack Clark. "We understand these two-day, knock-out tournaments and it's on to Middle Tennessee who are pretty good. We've got our work cut out for us."

The 'Moosemen' from Tennessee recorded a 40-26 victory over Chico State in the first playoff match of the day. Cal will need to counter Middle Tennessee's accurate kicking game that kept Chico pinned deep in their half most of the first period, and will face a physical MTS forward pack.

For the Bears, playing without flanker Kort Schubert, a 51 point halftime lead was the chance to pull seven starters, resting them for tomorrow's match. With only six substitutions allowed, the Bears played a man short for the final quarter.

Cal's quarterfinal match kicks-off at 1.30 PM, Sunday, with the consolation match between Penn State and Chico State scheduled for 11.30 AM. Both games are at Witter Field. The winner of the Cal-MTS match, will advance to the national championship final four in the first weekend of May. Cal is chasing its 10th consecutive national title.

Cal Scoring

First Half: Mike MacDonald try (5 points), 2nd minute, John Taylor try, 8th min., John Buchholz penalty kick (3 pts), 12th min., Mike Freeman try & Buchholz conversion (2 pts), 19th min., Chris Draper try & Buchholz conv., 20th min., Andy Tamayo try & Buchholz conv., 28th min., MacDonald try & Buchholz conv., 31st min., Shaun Paga try, 35th min., Jason Forney try, 40th min.

Second Half: Buchholz try, 3rd min., Russell Cole try & Buchholz conv., 8th min., Forney try, 20th min., Paul Virk try & Buchholz conv., 27th min., Gabe Saucedo try & Buchholz conv., 32nd min., Andy Armstrong try & Buchholz conv., 38th min.

Cal Record: 14-3-0