Turnovers propel Red Raiders to victory over Lock Haven, 38 - 16

The Shippensburg University football team traveled to Hubert Jack Stadium to face off against Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) rival Lock Haven University on Saturday. SU used the slippery field conditions to its advantage in a 38–16 victory.

The Red Raiders defense held tough, keeping Lock Haven off the board in the fourth quarter, and forcing six turnovers on the day. SU also scored four times on the ground in the win.

The key turnover for the Red Raiders in the game was a 91-yard fumble recovery returned for a touchdown by Kevin Taylor in the second half.

The Bald Eagles had no trouble moving the ball early on, scoring on a 26-yard touchdown pass after Caleb Walton found Del’Vaughn Dennis to put Lock Haven up, 7–0.

SU finally found the end zone early in the second quarter, after a five-play 38-yard drive was capped off by a 9-yard rushing touchdown by SU quarterback Ryan Zapoticky.

The touchdown tied the game at 10 apiece.

The Bald Eagles answered before the half, however, adding a touchdown on a 73-yard strike from Walton to Lock Haven wide receiver Shawn Seif to give Lock Haven a 16–10 lead at the break after SU blocked the point after touchdown.

Late in the second quarter, SU quarterback Ryan Zapoticky suffered an injury and backup quarterback Chase Yocum was forced into action. Zapoticky was very effective running the ball in the first half, finishing with 69 yards and a touchdown before the injury.

After the break, The Red Raiders came out firing on all cylinders. Yocum took control of the offense and marched SU right down the field, keeping the ball himself for an 11-yard touchdown run after a seven-play 67-yard scoring drive. The PAT was good, giving the Red Raiders a 17–16 lead.

The Red Raiders began to score at will as the defense continually fed the offense the ball in the second half. After retaking the lead, SU linebacker Steven Cain intercepted a pass, setting up the Red Raiders with good field position before having to punt. The SU defense got the ball right back, however, after Taylor forced a fumble that was recovered by Chad Miller.

The Red Raiders cashed in on the turnover, scoring a touchdown on the ground four plays later by Cole Chiappialle to take a 24–16 lead.

SU never looked back. The Red Raiders added touchdowns on Taylor’s fumble recovery, and another rushing score by Chiappialle.

For the defense, senior linebacker Allen Holman and Taylor led the way. Holman registered 13 tackles on the day for the Red Raiders and also forced two fumbles while Taylor had eight tackles, a forced fumble and a defensive touchdown.

The Red Raiders once again were able to score 28-unanswered points in a victory over a PSAC East Division foe.

For SU, the win improves it to 4–1 overall, and 2–0 in PSAC East Division play. Next week, the Red Raiders will hit the road again, battling West Chester University in another PSAC East matchup.