St. Anthony's Alum Helps Rutgers Win Pinstripe Bowl

Scott Vallone is used to winning big games. At he played for the Friars when they won three straight CHSFL titles and Friday he added the third college bowl victory under his belt.

He helped Rutgers capture the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium with a 27-13 win over Iowa State before 38,328 fans.

"I love coming back to New York and putting on a good show for my family and friends," said Vallone, who also played at Yankee Stadium in November when Rutgers beat Army. "When the team comes out with a victory, it’s icing on the cake."

The junior, who was rated as the No. 20 defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com coming out of South Huntington, picked up a fumble recovery in the second quarter and carried it 13 yards to the Iowa State 4 yard line. The turnover led to a 21-yard field goal by San San Te for the Scarlet Knights (9-4), who won their fifth bowl game since 2006.

"Coming in on a blitz, I saw the ball pop out and tried to pick it up," Vallone said.

He came just short of scoring.

"Now I have something to work on in the off-season," he said. "I Have to get my speed up." 

Rutgers led 17-6 at halftime. Both teams played scoreless football in the third quarter and the Scarlet Knights sealed the victory with an 86-yard touchdown pass from Chas Dodd to Brandon Coleman with 5:47 left in the ball game. 

Rutgers played football at the original Yankee Stadium as far back as 1926, but prior to their game against Army in November, had not been in the Bronx since 1948.

"To be able to come here, and then to win this thing, to win it at home is wonderful," Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano said. "Hats off to the Yankees and New Era. They put on a first class week for us. It’s always nice to win in the end, that’s for sure."