The Pittsburgh Sports Now Small College Roundup will keep you up-to-date throughout the 2022 season about the Western Pennsylvania football teams that compete at the FCS, Division-II and Division-III levels.
Head coach Bernard Clark and the Robert Morris Colonials returned to Joe Walton Stadium Saturday afternoon as they hosted non-conference foe Dayton.
Leading up to the contest, the Colonials were surrounded by the question of who was to win the starting quarterback battle. Enter WPIAL and Bethel Park product Anthony Chiccitt, who made his first collegiate start.
However, Chicitt’s first start was spoiled as the Colonials fell, 22-20.
Chiccitt and the Colonials offense went into halftime with a 14-6 lead thanks to the new starting quarterback connecting with Devon Mondy.
In the second half, the Colonials left much to be desired on the field as Chiccitt’s afternoon came to an end after an interception in the third quarter that led to a 1-yard touchdown for the Flyers. Junior college transfer Jake Simmons took over at the helm of the Colonials offense for the remainder of the game.
With one last ditch effort, Dayton turned the ball over on downs, however the Colonials took an unnecessary roughness penalty that led to an automatic first down. Dayton held on in the end to win by two points.
Nationally Ranked Slippery Rock Makes Statement
Entering the 2022 season, Slippery Rock was once again ranked in the American Football Coaches Association Poll as they sit at no. 23.
Slippery Rock made its presence known in the first game of the season as they poured it on against Wayne State (Mich.), defeating the Warriors, 42-10.
Redshirt senior quarterback Noah Grover connected on 20 out of 28 passes on the day as he tossed three touchdowns as well as adding one with his legs in the second quarter.
Wide receiver Cohen Russell played a large part in The Rock’s offensive success as he collected two receptions from Grover and took them to the house, including a 74-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter.
David Alize Carries Mercyhurst to Win
For the second straight season, Mercyhurst opened up its season with a win over Alderson Broaddus, this time in Philippi, West Virginia. The Lakers gained a 10-7 lead in the second quarter and never looked back. Running back David Alize carried Mercyhurst to victory with 125 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Alize’s second touchdown run capped off the day for the Lakers as they beat the Battlers, 45-28.
Edinboro Wins Defensive Battle
Edinboro opened up the 2022 season on the road in New Hampshire as the Fighting Scots visited the Franklin Pierce Ravens and came home with a 10-7 victory.
The Fighting Scots were locked up in a low-scoring battle for sixty minutes. Edinboro’s lone touchdown came from wide receiver Thaddeus Standfield on a 58-yard touchdown reception. In the third quarter, Edinboro kicker Reed Martin nailed a 26-yard field goal, which elevated the Scots to victory.
CMU Starts Ryan Larsen Era with Victory
Carnegie Mellon began its season on Friday with a 35-17 victory over Whitworth (Wash.) at Gesling Stadium. The win marked first-year head coach Ryan Larsen’s first victory with the program as the Tartans pulled away late in the fourth quarter. Kevin Cooke sealed the deal for Carnegie Mellon with a 43-yard interception return to the end zone with 5:44 left in the game.
Tyler Sabo Pick Six Seals W&J Win
Saturday afternoon, Washington & Jefferson secured its first win of the season over John Carroll (Ohio) thanks to several key scoring plays, including a 49-yard interception return by Tyler Sabo (Hopewell). John Carroll attempted a comeback, but the Presidents held off the Blue Streaks to win 35-26.
Peters Grad Logan Pfeuffer Leads Grove City to Big Win
Grove City opened up the 2022 season at home, throttling Juniata, 63-6. The Wolverines sprung out to a 49-0 lead in part due to several splash plays from quarterback Logan Pfeuffer (Peters Township) connecting with his wide receivers. Pfeuffer finished the day with 283 passing yards through the air, along with three touchdown passes.
Brady Walker Sets Record; St. Vincent Loses to Stevenson
Looking to capture its season opening win, Saint Vincent fell late against Stevenson (Md.), 25-21. Senior quarterback Brady Walker set the Bearcats’ program record for pass completions, but it was Stevenson running back Brandon Walker that secured the victory with a six-yard touchdown run with 4:21 to play. Two incompletions and a holding penalty sank the final SVC drive.
Westminster Punchless in Loss at Delaware Valley
Westminster traveled across Pennsylvania to begin the 2022 season. Delaware Valley stifled the Titans offense as the Aggies came out on top 22-8. The Titans lone touchdown came off of a Jalen Washington 11-yard touchdown reception.
Allegheny Bounced in Home Opener
Following a 3-7 season last year, the Allegheny Gators started off on the wrong foot as they fell 42-27 to Union (N.Y.). By the third quarter, Union jumped out to a 35-6 lead. Allegheny received a few late scores in the fourth quarter from the offense, but it was already too late for the Gators.
Geneva Blows 19-Point Lead in Loss to Wooster
With a 7:30 kickoff, Geneva College welcomed Wooster to Reeves Field in Beaver Falls, Pa. Geneva started with a 19-0 lead, but Wooster (Ohio) leaped ahead in the third quarter off of a Mateo Renteria five-yard touchdown run. The Fighting Scots added a fourth-quarter field goal as they defeated Geneva, 33-25.
Waynesburg Routs Gallaudet in D.C.
After a 2-8 season a year ago, the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets jumped to a 1-0 start with a 52-14 win over Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. Waynesburg quarterback Tyler Raines tossed three touchdowns through the air, while adding one on the ground as well.
