Shippensburg University’s football team fell in its season opener on the road against American International College 28-3.
The first quarter had a slow start, with both teams facing stalls on their initial drives. AIC found momentum, however, from a 14-yard scramble on third-and-9 from graduate quarterback Cephas Williams and a deep pass on the next play to senior wide receiver Fatir Bell. On a third-and-1 at the 26, Williams handed the ball to senior running back Sidiki Kone, who cut past the Raiders to score the first touchdown.
The Raiders responded after the Yellow Jackets’ second successful drive. Senior Tanner Hess turned in a 64-yard kickoff return to AIC 28 to push momentum. Despite the return, AIC held Shippensburg to a field goal by redshirt junior Tanner Luther.
The Yellow Jackets continued to dominate offensively through the rest of the afternoon. They scored two touchdowns in the second quarter and one in the fourth to solidify their victory. The game was also the first win of AIC’s Dan Chipka’s head coaching career.
Offensively, Shippensburg was held to eight first downs and 138 yards.
The Raiders will look to bounce back when they host Clarion for their home opener at Seth Grove Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sept. 14.
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