The Red Raiders capped a 10-point comeback when sophomore Ryan Zapoticky delivered a touchdown pass to sophomore Jeff Gulyas with 3:19 remaining in a 20-13 road win over Edinboro on a rainy Saturday afternoon.
SU (2-0) was trailing 13-3 at halftime but were able to turn it around in the second half. The Red Raiders emerged from the locker room to outscore Edinboro (0-2) 17-0 in the second half to remain unbeaten early in the season.
The Red Raiders offense came in spurts, and the team was opportunistic with their scores. Senior running back Andrew Smith scored on a five-yard run late in the third quarter and Gulyas’ game-winning catch — which was just the second reception of his career — were the only touchdowns the Red Raiders were able to score.
However, a great special teams performance by the dual threat kicker and punter Billy Deane helped the Red Raiders manage the field position game while also adding critical 25 and 35 yard field goal scores in inclement weather. Deane averaged 40.2 yards on four punts, including a career-long 48 yard kick that pinned Edinboro inside their own 10 yard line with less than two minutes to play.
Overall, Zapoticky finished 21-of-39 for 227 yards and one touchdown with one interception a week after earning PSAC Eastern Division Offensive Player of the Week. Smith ran for 117 yards, having a major impact on the Red Raiders’ total of 203 yards on 41 carries.
On defense, the team held their opponent to 14 points or less for the second straight game, which is the first time it has done so since 2012 against Millersville and Lock Haven and the mark of an improved defense.
Led by junior linebacker Allen Holman who had 14 tackles, SU recorded four sacks and 10 total tackles for loss in the contest.
SU takes the road again next Saturday when they travel to California (Pa.), for a Saturday matchup with the Vulcans.
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.