After a lackluster first half against West Chester University last week, the Shippensburg University football team stressed a strong start in Saturday’s game.

The Red Raiders got the message, scoring 35 points in the first quarter of a 76–0 rout of Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East Division foe, Cheyney University, on Saturday.

SU’s 76 points versus Cheyney set the Red Raider record for most points scored in a single game. The two first downs the SU defense yielded also tied it for the fewest first downs allowed in the last 18 years.

“It was nice to get off the bus and play a little bit. That is something that we have struggled with all season,” coach Mark “Mac” Maciejewski said. “Hopefully this is an indication of what we can do if we put our minds to it and play right away.”

Kyle Haines started off the scoring for SU, hauling in a 17-yard pass from quarterback Chase Yocum less than two minutes into the game. Less than two minutes later, Cole Chiappialle returned a Wolves punt 58-yards for a touchdown, putting SU up 14–0.

Yocum later added another score in the first quarter on a 43-yard rushing touchdown. Back-up quarterback Landon Archangelo entered the game for the third series and connected with Erik Kerns for an 11-yard score.

It was not just the offense that was rolling in the first half, as SU’s defense kept the Wolves in check. At halftime, Cheyney had just one first down, 41 total yards and trailed the Red Raiders 49–0.

SU continued to dominate in the second half, adding four more touchdowns. Sophomore running back Marcus Lominy accounted for two of those touchdowns, with one coming from one yard out and the other coming from 27 yards out. Colin McDermott also added an 8-yard rushing touchdown, while Luke Durkin caught a 7-yard pass from Archangelo for a touchdown.

The SU defense gave up just 15 total yards in the second half, holding the Wolves to just 56 yards overall. SU outgained the Wolves 570 yards to 56 yards.

Cheyney quarterback Justis Jacobs finished 1-of-10 passing for eight yards. He was also sacked three times.

The Red Raiders kept Cheyney off the scoreboard, as well. For SU, it was its first shutout since a 42–0 victory over Cheyney on Nov. 9, 2013.

For SU, numerous players had career days. McDermott had a big day, leading SU’s running backs with 87 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries.

Yocum was the leading rusher for the Red Raiders, rushing for 113 yards and two scores on 10 carries. Yocum also went 7-of-10 passing for 127 yards and a touchdown.

“A lot of different guys touched the ball today and made some plays, which was nice to see. And the defense stepped up and made some plays also,” Maciejewski said.

Maciejewski stressed the importance of the remaining games on SU’s schedule.

“We’re going to enjoy this one for the next couple of hours and then get moving on next week,” he said. “It’s a four-game season, so that’s what were working on right now. We will have to come back tomorrow and start getting to work against Millersville.”

The Red Raiders, (5-2, 3-1 PSAC East), will travel to Millersville University Saturday for another PSAC East Division matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Biemesderfer Stadium. 

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