Shippensburg University’s football team played a close game on Saturday against Shepherd. Shippensburg, with an overall record of 1-3 before the game, but 1-0 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), fought hard to stay in the game down to the last seconds. Ending the game at 30-23 in Shepherd’s favor, Shepherd continued its 10-year win streak against the Raiders leaving them 1-4 for the season.
Shippensburg freshman Sam Stoner had his first collegiate start at quarterback. Stoner ran in two touchdowns and passed for 272 yards over 19 converted passes.
Shepherd showed what made it the 2022 NCAA Division II national semifinalist throughout the game. The Rams strong defense made Shippensburg have a hard time getting the ball up the field. The first half was in Shepherd’s favor as it had two touchdowns and good kicks, and the Rams forced a safety off a blocked punt. Shippensburg still had a presence in the first half with a season long 45-yard field goal by junior Jaxson Montross, and another 43-yard field goal just before the whistle. The first half ended with a score of 16–6 in Shepherd’s favor.
The Raiders seemed to adjust in the second half. Redshirt-junior Redd Douglas made a 34-yard catch which put quarterback Sam Stoner in position for a 12-yard rush to the end zone. Jaxson Montross completed the kick for the extra point. Unfortunately for the Raiders, they were unable to stop a 43-yard touchdown drive by Shepherd ending the third quarter.
The fourth quarter started with yet another field goal by Montross marking his third of the game. Shepherd then had a 7:41 possession that ran down the clock and ended in another touchdown. Shippensburg came firing back with an 11-play, 62-yard touchdown drive. Freshman quarterback Stoner ran it in from 5 yards out and Montross once again made a good kick. The game ended at 23-30 with an onside kick from Shippensburg which Shepherd successfully received.
The Shippensburg football team plays again this Saturday at 1 p.m. in Seth Grove Stadium. The Raiders will face the West Chester Golden Rams.
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