KINGSVILLE, Texas --- Tusculum College's two representatives to the 2009 Valero Cactus Bowl had outstanding performances as the West All-Star squad defeated the East 28-27 in a thrilling back-and-forth affair. In front of over 6,000 fans, the East and West all-star teams put on quite a show as the contest featured five lead changes and came down to the final moments when the East missed a potential game-winning 34-yard field goal with three seconds to play.

Tusculum senior quarterback Corey Russell (Speedwell, Tenn.) went 11-for-20 for 101 passing yards and a touchdown. The 2008 All-American and Harlon Hill Trophy finalist also led all rushers with 71 yards on 10 carries, including a 13-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

On defense, Tusculum senior linebacker Justin Scott (Jamestown, S.C.) tallied four tackles and recovered a fumble on the game's opening series to set up a one-yard TD pass from Russell to Bob Ruffing (Ouachita Baptist).

East kicker Tom Schneider (North Alabama) had made his four previous field goals to put his team in position to win the game, but his last second effort missed by inches to the right. The four field goals were a new Cactus Bowl record.

The East received their final opportunity at the victory when they stopped the West offense inside the West 10-yard line and forced a punt with 1:41 remaining. Rather than risk a bad punt into the 15 mile per hour wind or a block, the West elected to take a safety.

Steven Jackson's (Fort Valley State) 21-yard kick return to the West 49-yard line gave the East good field position. Russell completed four straight passes to set up the field goal opportunity.

West quarterback Keith Null (West Texas A&M) was the Offensive MVP of the game as he passed for 240 yards and three touchdowns, while completing a Cactus Bowl record 19 passes on 27 attempts. Null's two-yard touchdown pass to Todd Burkoth (Winona State) with 4:20 remaining in the game proved to be the deciding points of the contest.

The West offense was led by tight end Zach Miller's (Nebraska-Omaha) five catches for 116 yards and a touchdown. Charley Martin (West Texas A&M) and Marques Nelson (Pittsburg State) each added touchdown receptions.

The West defense was led by Defensive MVP linebacker Jeff Souder (Nebraska-Omaha) who had seven tackles and a pass break up. Gregory Toler (St. Paul's College) had one interception that he returned for a Cactus Bowl record 44 yards.

Garrett Manning's (Henderson State) record-tying seven receptions for 122 yards was tops for the East. The passing was split between Mike McCabe (California, Pa.) and Russell. George Washington (Mars Hill) set a new Cactus Bowl record with his 51-yard scamper in the fourth quarter.

The East defense forced four turnovers with Dante Dunn (Wayne State) leading the way with eight tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Barry Tate (Lenoir-Rhyne) had a game-high nine tackles on the evening and a pass break-up.

The West win ended a three-game winning streak by the East and improved their overall record to 9-5-1 in the series. Jeremy Ashcraft (Arkansas Tech) was named the Offensive Lineman of the Game.

- TC -