Shippensburg football’s strong defensive effort in the first half was not enough on Saturday, falling to California (Pa.) 35-10 on senior day at Seth Grove Stadium. The Raiders end the season with a 3-8 record.
The Vulcans’ first drive of the day was impressive, going 87 yards on 11 plays, with Rowen Hershey making a phenomenal catch for a 31-yard touchdown. SU then went on its own long drive, but sophomore kicker Wilson Ingerski missed a 44-yard field goal try.
The teams traded punts on their next six drives. California moved into Shippensburg territory with less than two minutes left in the first half, but redshirt freshman Eli Rodruigez hurried Vulcans QB Roman Purcell, forcing a turnover on downs.
SU’s offense followed that with a strong two-minute drill, moving the ball well into California territory. They fizzled out in the redzone, but Ingerski connected on a 28-yard field goal try, making it 7-3 at halftime.
California came out of the locker room strong, scoring a 29-yard touchdown on its first drive to make it 14-3. SU could only muster one first down in the third quarter, but the defense held strong, keeping it a two-score game entering the fourth.
A pair of key mistakes in the fourth quarter allowed the Vulcans to pull away. Already ahead 21-3, Tajuan Bandy strip-sacked SU redshirt sophomore QB Riley Gunnels, setting up California at the SU 9-yard line. They ran it in for a touchdown on the very next play.
Later in the quarter, sophomore Ty Neal muffed a California punt, which was recovered by the Vulcans. They immediately punched it in the endzone, taking a 35-3 lead.
The last offensive drive of the season for the Raiders was a strong one. Shippensburg used 11 plays to go 47 yards, with sophomore Vincent Micucci finding redshirt freshman Derek Guzman for a 5-yard touchdown.
Gunnels led the SU passers with 93 yards on 15 completions. Redshirt sophomore Andre Weidman was the leading rusher, picking up 68 yards on 13 carries. The Raiders’ top receiver was redshirt sophomore Jaevon Parker, gaining 70 yards via seven catches.
California outgained Shippensburg 311-226, with the Raiders only averaging three yards per play. SU had 18 first downs compared to 16 for the Vulcans, but the turnovers proved to be a key difference.
This was the final game for SU head coach Mark Maciejeswski, who announced his retirement leading up to the game. He spent 14 seasons as head coach, compiling a record of 88-69.
Shippensburg also honored 11 senior players before the game: Jeremiah Carothers, Josh Cordoba, Ely Ghameshlougy, DJ Jackson, Josiah Leonard, Josh Lesesne, Tyler Marshall, Tyler Masdea, Terrance Peterson Jr., Tobee Stokes and Jalen Wade.
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