Rascati hopes to continue winning ways
By John Galle, senior writer
Posted on October 12, 2006

After leading the Dukes to a championship in 2004 in his first season here, senior quarterback Justin Rascati became the all-time winningest quarterback in JMU’s history after last week’s win over the University of Rhode Island.

“It’s a great honor,” Rascati said. “[It’s] one of the most important honors a quarterback can have.”

It took the Gainesville, Fla., native a game shy of two-and-a-half seasons to win 24 games, breaking Mike Cawley’s previous record of 23 set from 1993-’95.

“Justin is the leader of the team,” JMU head coach Mickey Matthews said. “He can run, he can throw [and] he’s everything we’d thought he’d be.”

Rascati, a transfer from the Univeristy of Louisville, expected to win games in coming to JMU — and so did his coaches.

“He was a good player when he got here,” JMU offensive coordinator Jeff Durden said. “He’s gotten bigger, faster and stronger. Probably one of his best attributes is he’s a good decision maker.”

Rascati has thrown only two interceptions and is currently ranked third in the nation in passing efficiency. He has 877 yards passing and seven touchdowns, completing 68.9 percent of his passes.

Rascati is also on the Walter Payton Award watch list, which recognizes the best player in Division I-AA football.