Panthers continue recognition in national statistics
Oct. 1, 2008

LaGrange College is ranked first in pass defense in NCAA Division III in statistics released on Tuesday. The Panthers also have the nation's top punt returner in junior Mario Wallace. LaGrange ranks in the top 100 in 14 team categories and eight individual categories. The Panthers lead the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in seven categories and second in five others.

The Panthers' defense is allowing only 70.75 passing yards per game. The defense is fourth in pass efficiency defense (71.03 rating), 24th in total defense (243.5 yds. per game) and the team is 10th in turnover margin (2.25). The Panthers are 19th in scoring, averaging 39 points per game and fourth in punt returns (25.17 yds. per return). The Panthers, in addition to the above categories, lead the SLIAC as a team in passing offense (245.5 yds. per game) and are second in the conference in total offense (383.5 yds. per game); scoring defense (18.25 pts. per game); net punting (31.93 yds. per punt); sacks (2.75 per game) and tackles for loss (8.25 per game).

Individually, the Panthers have four other players in addition to Wallace ranked in the top 100 in NCAA Division in eight different categories. In the SLIAC, four players lead in five different categories.

Wallace also is ranked 11th in all-purpose yards with a SLIAC leading 188 yards per game. He is second in the conference and 80th nationally in rushing averaging 86.5 yards per game.

Sophomore quarterback Drew Carter leads the SLIAC and is 59th nationally in total offense, averaging 230.75 yards per game. Sophomore wide receiver Stephen Tuck leads the conference in receiving, averaging 4.25 receptions per game. Junior defensive end Alex Sapp is second in the conference and 58th nationally in sacks, averaging 0.88 sacks per game. Sophomore kicker Josh Stripling leads the conference and tied for 78th nationally in field goals, averaging 0.50 field goals per game. Sophomore defensive back Tim Hill is tied for second in the SLIAC and tied for 87th nationally, averaging 1.5 tackles for loss per game.