Raiders suffer heartbreak loss to Golden Rams

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It took a game-winning field goal with one second left in the fourth quarter to decide a winner of Saturday’s PSAC matchup between Shippensburg University and West Chester University. The Raiders fell 32–29 in a heartbreaking loss to the Golden Rams.

The game started with the Raider defense forcing a three-and-out on it’s first defensive series of the game.

The offensive start of the game was promising for SU. Zach Zulli threw a beautiful pass that was hauled in by wide receiver Trevor Harman, giving the Raiders an early 7–0 lead.

SU’s defense forced another three-and-out, giving the ball back to the Raiders with the momentum in their favor.

SU used that momentum to score yet again.

This time running back Blair Brooks finished an eight-play, 60-yard drive with a 19-yard touchdown run, extending SU’s lead to 14–0.

Brooks finished the game with 155 rushing yards and one touchdown for the Raiders.
“I hold myself to a high standard. The o-line blocked really well. It’s been making it easier on me,” Brooks said.

The offensive line did its job and opened a lot of holes for Brooks throughout Saturday’s game.

The Golden Rams’ running back, Rondell White, had equally as good a game as Brooks.

White got the ball rolling for WCU following the early touchdowns by the Raiders.

White scored three consecutive times for the Golden Rams, all on rushing plays, propelling WCU ahead of SU by a score of 21–14.

The Raiders looked to even up the game right before halftime when Zulli and Harman connected once again for a 52-yard touchdown. Unfortunately for the Raiders, Drew Newcomer’s point after attempt was no good.

Harman finished the day with 121 receiving yards, nine catches and two touchdowns. The senior wide receiver also extended his consecutive games with 100-plus receiving yards to seven games.

The Raider defense did an excellent job in the second half of limiting the damage that White could do. SU’s defense was led by Brian Sourber, who recorded 12 total tackles, eight of which were solo tackles.

Raider linebacker Cortlin Dell also stepped up for the Raiders, recording 11 total tackles throughout the course of Saturday’s game.

Newcomer rebounded from his missed point after attempt and made three consecutive field goal attempts to recapture the Raiders lead 29–21 with 10:30 left in the fourth quarter.

West Chester kept fighting. WCU quarterback Andrew Derr found Adam Dempsey for a 29-yard touchdown. The Golden Rams elected to go for a two point conversion, which was successful and tied the game at 29.

The game came down to the final second when Golden Ram kicker Shawn Leo knocked in a 26-yard field goal, crushing the Raiders’ chance of an upset victory.

“It’s a tough loss, but we are going to bounce back and be ready for Thursday…Bloomsburg is a great team. Our chances for the PSAC title are still alive,” Harman said.

The Raiders have four days to prepare for their matchup against Bloomsburg University.

The game will be nationally televised on the CBS Sports Network. Kickoff is set for 8:06 p.m.