Shippensburg University’s football team came back from a 21-7 deficit in the second quarter to defeat Millersville 35-27 on Saturday. It was the first win in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play for the Raiders, moving their record on the season to 2-4.

It was a sluggish first quarter for the Raiders’ defense, as Millersville scored passing touchdowns of 80 and 78 yards to take a 14-0 lead at the end of the frame. SU responded early in the second though, as freshman quarterback Vincent Micucci connected with redshirt freshman Marcus Sweeney for a 14-yard touchdown. It was the first collegiate touchdown for both players.

Millersville added another touchdown in the second, but Micucci responded quickly with a 59-yard passing touchdown to sophomore wide reciever Karim Brice to make it a one-score game. Millersville added a field goal just before the half to make it 24-14 at the break.

SU began the third quarter on offense, and used a workmanlike drive finished off by another touchdown from Micucci, an 11-yard pass once again to Brice, to make it a 24-21 game. Millersville responded with another field goal to expand the lead to six.

Micucci remained poised and led another steady drive, converting on three third downs on his way to his fourth touchdown pass of the game, this one to redshirt freshman Griffin Patterson, giving SU its first lead of the contest.

The teams traded punts to begin the fourth quarter, then the Raiders had an 11-play touchdown drive to give SU some breathing room, as redshirt junior running back Tanner Hess scored from one yard out to put SU ahead 35-27. Hess finished the day with 52 yards on 17 carries.

Millersville had a chance to tie the game, but redshirt freshman defensive back Gabe Benjamin intercepted a Marauder’s pass to put the Raiders back in control. It was the first collegiate interception for Benjamin.

Shippensburg was forced to punt in the final minute, with the special teams unit downing the ball at the 5-yard line. Millersville’s final drive went nowhere, as redshirt junior Jeremiah Carothers earned his second sack of the game on the final play to secure an SU victory.

Shippensburg racked up 25 first downs in the game, holding the ball for over 35 minutes. The Raiders were outgained 495-433 on offense, but they converted over half of their third downs along with a pair of fourth downs.

Micucci had the best game of his college career, completing 22 of 33 passes for 284 yards and four touchdowns. He also led the offense in rushing with 63 yards on nine carries. Brice was the leading receiver with 101 yards on four catches. Senior Javon Cruz led the defense with seven tackles.

The Raiders will return home to Seth Grove Stadium for their homecoming game against Kutztown this Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m., and homecoming royalty will be named during halftime.

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