Shippensburg University’s football team used a dominant second half and four touchdowns from redshirt sophomore running back Andre Weidman to defeat West Chester 43-14 at Seth Grove Stadium on Saturday.

Weidman’s effort was assisted by four interceptions from the SU defense and a punt return touchdown from sophomore Ty Neal. It was a complete effort from the Raiders, propelling them to their biggest win over WCU since 1921.

Shippensburg’s defense set the tone for the game on the first drive, with senior defensive back Tyler Marshall snagging an interception in the endzone. It took the offense a bit to get going, as WCU led 7-0 after one quarter.

The first play of the second quarter saw redshirt sophomore Nate Myers secure SU’s second interception of the day. The Raiders took advantage of the good field position, as redshirt sophomore Riley Gunnels connected with redshirt freshman Derek Guzman for a 1-yard touchdown, the first touchdown of Guzman’s career.

After forcing a three-and-out, the Raiders offense put together a very impressive drive. The team took 9:05 off the clock, capping off a 15-play series with Weidman’s first career rushing touchdown, giving SU the lead.

West Chester’s Dylan McKenzie scored a 77-yard touchdown on the team’s first drive of the second half, tying the game at 14. The Golden Rams were then pinned deep in their own territory next drive, forced to punt from their own endzone.

WCU opted to bring in a backup punter for this, which proved disastrous. A low snap rolled out the back of the endzone for an SU safety, putting the Raiders ahead. The starting punter returned for the free kick, which was returned deep into WCU territory.

Weidman capped off the next Raiders drive with a 3-yard touchdown, putting SU ahead by two scores. Myers continued his strong performance from there, with his second interception of the day setting up the offense just outside the redzone.

Two plays later, Weidman rushed it in from 23 yards out to pad the SU lead. He would cap off a brilliant day soon after, with a 60-yard touchdown up the middle.

Weidman ended the day with 168 yards on 23 carries, with his four rushing touchdowns being the most in a game for any SU player since John Kuhn in 2004. He only had 93 career yards entering the day.

Weidman spoke about his performance postgame, saying, “I knew I was going to get one, but once they kept coming, I just kept going. I’m an energy guy… my energy kept it going, but it was just a complete team effort.”

Neal scored his punt return touchdown with 5:16 left in the game, taking it 70 yards to the endzone. It was SU’s first punt return touchdown since 2016. Senior Ely Ghameshlougy put the cherry on top, snagging an interception on West Chester’s final drive.

Four different Raiders attempted a pass on the day, with redshirt sophomore Jaevon Parker ending the game as SU’s leading passer, going 1-for-1 with 36 yards on a trick play. Gunnels went 5-for-11 for 34 yards.

Myers led the defense with 11 tackles. Sophomore Alex Sauve was close behind with 10, followed by redshirt sophomore Gabe Benjamin with seven. Redshirt freshman Eli Rodruigez had his third career sack.

Speaking postgame about his approach, Myers said, “Just see the ball and go get the ball. I was just playing fast and physical and trying to hunt the ball down all day,”

SU football will finish its season with a home game against California. The game will begin at 1 p.m. this Saturday, with senior day festivities occurring pregame.

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