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Western Pennsylvania Small College Football Roundup

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No. 18 Slippery Rock Ends Gannon’s Undefeated PSAC Bid

Gannon entered Saturday looking to continue its undefeated ride in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play, but No. 18 Slippery Rock had other things in mind, rolling to a 40-14 win.

The Golden Knights were seeking their first win over a ranked opponent since 2011 but that dream was quickly squandered as Slippery Rock shut out the Golden Knights in the first half.

It took one play in the second half for The Rock to extend their lead to 24 points as sophomore running back Chris D’Or broke off a 61-yard touchdown run, part of 105 yards on the day for him.

Redshirt senior Noah Grover distributed the ball well around his receiving room as he completed 18 of 29 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns to help The Rock improve to 3-1 in PSAC play.

Slippery Rock’s defense once again played near nights out football, forcing two turnovers and recording six sacks. The defense also held Gannon’s running backs to 25 total yards.

Ranked IUP Cruises Past Edinboro, Remains Undefeated

No. 15 Indiana (Pa.) put together its most well-rounded performance of the season, shutting out Edinboro 41-0 to remain perfect on the season. 

It was IUP’s first shutout since 2019 and it came in dominating fashion. Graduate quarterback Max Sexton was nearly perfect on the day, completing 16 of 18 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns. Sexton hit Duane Brown (Apollo-Ridge) twice on the day as Brown records his third multi-touchdown game of the season.

The PSAC’s top rushing unit also had a big day, recording 246 yards on the ground with three different running backs finding the end zone.

To complete the well-rounded effort, the defense stymied Edinboro all day. Fighting Scots’ quarterback Isaac Bernard completed only six passes for 36 yards while throwing two interceptions.

Robert Morris Drops to 0-6 After Campbell Rout

Robert Morris continues to struggle in year five of the Bernard Clark era and that trend continued after Campbell routed the Colonials, 41-10.

Outside of a flea flicker to start the game, the Colonials’ offense once again fell silent. The 64-yard trickery that saw Jamal Hill hit Parker Fetterman in the first quarter was all the celebrating RMU would do.

Freshman quarterback Zach Tanner struggled yet again throwing two interceptions in the loss. Campbell’s quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams tossed three touchdowns on the day, two of them connecting with Chaney Fitzgerald.

Another area that has yet to see improvement from the Colonials is the ground game as the running back unit put together another forgettable performance, totaling 41 yards.

Cal U Fends Off Seton Hill Comeback on the Road

California (Pa.) secured an important victory on the road as the Vulcans held on, 21-14.

Cal U scored 21 unanswered points to start the game and held Seton Hill scoreless until the fourth quarter. Senior quarterback Noah Mitchell guided the Vulcans with 239 passing yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver JaQuae Jackson (Serra Catholic) was on the receiving end of five passes as he recorded 138 receiving yards and a touchdown.

The Vulcans’ defense played a bend don’t break brand of football in the fourth quarter, allowing two scores but in the end, holding on for the win to help the Vulcans improve to 3-1 in PSAC play.

Esposito Nails Game-Winning Field Goal to Lift Clarion Over Mercyhurst

With time expiring, Jarrett Esposito came up clutch with a 30-yard field goal to lift Clarion over Mercyhurst, 23-21.

In what was a close contest throughout, it was the defensive unit that gave Clarion the opportunity to come out victorious. Mercyhurst quarterback Joe Carter was intercepted four times including a 35-yard interception that was taken to the house by linebacker Kareen Hamdan.

The ground unit was also a vital portion of Clarion’s win as they totaled 211 yards with quarterback Zach Benedek (Elizabeth Forward) rushing for 65 yards and a touchdown.

Carnegie Mellon’s Win Streak Reaches School Record 14 Games

No. 20 Carnegie Mellon has thrived in defensive games all season, and the Tartans once again proved that with a 12-7 win over Washington and Jefferson.

With the win, the Tartans have set the program record with 14 consecutive wins. Washington and Jefferson opened the scoring in the second quarter with a 41-yard receiving touchdown from Keaton Hall. 

From there on out, Carnegie Mellon clawed its way back with two field goals. Then, with 7:59 to play, linebacker Logan Young (Moon) picked off W&J quarterback Jacob Pugh (Thomas Jefferson) and returned it 42 yards to help seal the win for the Tartans.

Grove City Ground Game Overwhelms Allegheny

Typically, Grove City relies on the passing game, but it was a heavy presence from the run game that led Grove City over Allegheny, 44-17.

The Wolverines rushed for 297 yards on the day as senior Clayton Parrish ran for 73 yards and three touchdowns. Sophomore Joey Guida also added two scores on the ground along with 70 yards.

With the win, Grove City continues to lurk behind undefeated Carnegie Mellon with a 4-1 record in conference play.

Gomes Powers Westminster Over Thiel

After collecting its first win in five seasons, Thiel could not continue its momentum against Westminster, losing 41-6.

Besides a 62-yard touchdown through the air, Westminster’s defense was unblemished. The running game powered the offense for the Titans as senior Ryan Gomes rushed for 152 yards and two touchdowns. 

Running Game Drives Waynesburg to Victory Against Bethany

Waynesburg pulled to an even 2-2 conference record with a 34-17 win over Bethany on the road.

Sophomore running back Hunter Cameron paved the way for the Yellow Jackets with 191 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. Grad senior Nick Hall (Belle Vernon) also topped 100 yards in the ground game to provide a one-two punch for the Yellow Jackets.

Saint Vincent Reaches 400 Yards of Offense, Beats Geneva

Saint Vincent amounted a season-high 410 yards of total offense to get past Geneva, 41-25.

Senior quarterback Brady Walker (Gateway) threw for 221 yards and three touchdown passes in the winning effort. Walker also added a score on the ground to complete his strong performance. Running backs D.J. Gray and Ja’Tier Berkley both surpassed 90 yards on the ground.

 

Sandy Schall, Coldwell Banker
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