Box Score

KINGSVILLE, Texas - East Stroudsburg University seniors Nick Krut and Lionel Mitchell participated in the 2009 Valero Cactus Bowl, Division II's senior all-star football game, on Friday night at Texas A&M-Kingsville's Javelina Stadium.

Krut, a first team All-American and Division II's leading punter, kicked four times for a 33.8-yard average, with two inside the 20-yard line. Mitchell contributed three tackles and a pass break-up from his cornerback spot for the East squad, which lost 28-27.

Krut's highlight was a 48-yard punt that was downed at the one-yard line with just over two minutes left in the game and the East trailing 28-25. The defense held and the West took a safety to avoid a blocked punt to make the score 28-27.

The East advanced the ensuing kickoff to the West 49-yard line and set up a game-winning 34-yard field goal by North Alabama's Tom Schneider, but the kick went just wide to the right to give the West the victory. Schneider had made his first four field goals of the game.

Mitchell broke up a pass on third-and-seven in the second quarter and had two solo and one assisted tackle. His first solo tackle came on kickoff coverage, when he cut down return man Jabir Perkins at the 16-yard line for a one-yard gain.

Mitchell transferred to ESU for his senior season from Alabama, where he was a two-year starter for the Crimson Tide. The 6-2, 195-pound corner is the son of former NFL running back Stump Mitchell, who is now the assistant head coach and running backs coach for the Washington Redskins.

ESU has had eight players selected to play in the game since it was introduced in 1994 - Krut, Mitchell, Anthony Carfagno (2005), Adam Hostetter (2001), Shepard Alston and Kevin Nagle (2000), Damian Poalucci (1997) and Joe Menton (1995).