Senior day was the culmination of the time, blood and the sweat that senior football players endured in the last four seasons. It marked the last time 11 Guilford seniors wore their black uniforms at Armfield Athletic Center, home of the Quakers. “It was an emotional game for us seniors. Being the last game here, our last time on this field,” said senior quarterback Josh Vogelbach.

On Saturday, Nov. 8, the Quakers battled the Catholic University Cardinals as part of the homecoming weekend festivities.

Last year, the powerful right arm of quarterback Josh Vogelbach and a fourth quarter blocked kick by senior Markas Brunson led Guilford past the Cardinals 34-27.

The Cardinals are much improved from 2007. Catholic has 16 returning starters, including senior signal caller, quarterback Keith Ricca.

Veteran leadership has pulled Catholic out of the “funk” that contributed to a sixth place ranking in the Old Dominican Athletic Conference (ODAC) pre-season poll.

Since the pre-season poll was released, the Cardinals have won 5 straight games, and have become an ODAC power. The team has moved atop conference standings with a 5-1 record.

“Wins in our league are tough to come by,” said Catholic coach Dave Dunn in a pre-game interview. “We will have to play our best to beat Guilford in Greensboro.”

Guilford started Catholic’s defensive struggle with a 15-yard touchdown strike early in the first quarter, but Guilford’s defense also had their hands full. Both teams exchanged scores throughout the first half until Ricca found receiver Andrew Bius in the end zone 13 seconds before half. The quick score left the Quakers no time to respond and gave the ODAC’s leading offense a 27-21 halftime lead.

Guilford would strike again after halftime and once again in the fourth quarter, but fell short in the end, dropping a well-fought game 49-34.

Catholic’s high-powered offense tallied 608 yards of total offense while scoring on seven of their 11 drives. Quarterback Keith Ricca, the ODAC’s leader in passing efficiency, completed 28 passes for 503 yards and five touchdowns. The aerial assault was led by receiver Andrew Bius, who caught nine balls for 172 yards, two of which went for scores.

The Quakers were led through the air by Vogelbach, who continued his outstanding senior season (20 TD’s and 319 yards per game). On the ground, Greensboro native Justin Parker ran for 113 yards on 23 touches for two touchdowns.

Despite a tough loss, Guilford fans witnessed several heartening moments.

A second quarter touchdown pass to junior receiver Chad Kastor pushed Vogelbach past Westminister’s Justin Peery for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), division three record for career passing yards.

Vogelbach later connected with senior receiver Kevin Vaughn in the third quarter for a long touchdown. Shortly after the pass, in a true homecoming moment, Vaughn jumped into the crowd, embracing his mother and honoring her with the game ball.

The 38-yard strike to Vaughn gave Vogelbach another NCAA record; career total offense, which was also held by Peery.

“It feels good to break the record,” said Vogelbach. “There are no regrets, I just wish the season would have gone better.”

Vogelbach finished the contest with a stout 274-yard passing performance to go along three touchdowns through the air and one on the ground.

“It was nice to do it at home,” said Vogelbach, as he distributed roses amongst his family. “I’m lucky to have my family here, and thankful to be in this atmosphere.”

“(The records) are a tribute to him,” said head coach Kevin Kiesel. “Most people don’t know he played all last season needing shoulder surgery. He underwent the surgery and rehabbed. It’s just a testament to his work ethic and how driven he is for this football team.”

The offensive showcase allowed junior running back Justin Parker to surpass Guilford’s single-season touchdown mark set by David Heggie in 1998. Parker scored his record-breaking ninth touchdown on a one-yard run in the second quarter. Parker added a tenth later in the contest.

Also, junior kicker Hunter Chappell converted three extra points moving him into second place all-time in point-after-touchdowns (PAT).

Despite the tough loss, Guilford must move forward. “We have to regroup and focus on Emory and Henry (next week),” said Kiesel. “These are the lessons learned in football. It’s just a reality of the game.