In the course of a football season, every team will face its share of both highs and lows. The teams that successfully limit their low points and capitalize on their highs are the ones that succeed.

This past Saturday the Villanova football team faced another low in their season with a tough loss to Towson, 40-19. A season is not over until the final snap, and the ‘Cats will get their chance at redemption in their final two games against James Madison and Delaware.

A winning record can be had with two victories, and glory can come from defeating the archrival Delaware Blue Hens. It is up to the them to get past this low point and finish the season strongly to once again become a winning team.

Saturday’s game started out rough for ‘Nova. After its first possession, Towson blocked a punt and returned it 28 yards for a touchdown. The offense seemed to be running slowly all game, as they continued to be stopped through the first half. On Towson’s next possession, the Tigers drove 43 yards for a touchdown to make it 14-0.

Later in the period a questionable call by the officials led to a Jankowski fumble. It took Towson only four plays to score from the 21- yard line to make it 21-0.

In the second quarter the offense finally got going. A long ‘Nova drive was capped off by Mo Gibson’s three-yard touchdown run to make it 24-6 midway through the second quarter. However, less than a minute later Towson came roaring back, with an 84-yard touchdown reception by Marcus Lee.

The second half allowed the defense to show its ability to shut teams down when it plays to its ability. Villanova held Towson to only nine points for the rest of the game. The offense also improved, as Chris Polite and Matt Dicken each scored touchdowns to narrow the margin. The red shirt junior Polite had one of his best games of his career with three catches for 93 yards.

Despite the loss, the ‘Cats never gave up and played hard until the final whistle was blown. The game also marked a career highlight for senior linebacker Brian Huela, who became only the third player in Villanova history to record 400 career tackles.

This weekend Villanova takes on James Madison, the defending national champs. It will be the 13th meeting between the two teams. The Dukes will certainly be a tough opponent, but if the Wildcats play the way they are capable of playing, then the results will be similar to their match up with William and Mary.

Then it will come down to the final week with a home game against Delaware. With a winning season on the line, it will be the perfect setup for another classic showdown in this long running rivalry.