By Rachael Cataldo, Asst. Sports Editor
Junior linebacker Craig Roumes was named the game’s MVP as he led the Susquehanna football team to a 17–7 win over Stevenson during the CentennialMAC Bowl game on Saturday, Nov. 17 in Selinsgrove.
“Finishing the season on such a great winning streak really feels good especially sending our Senior class out on a high note,” senior quarterback Nick Brotzman said.
The River Hawks (8–3) started the game with a strong drive and carried the ball all the way to the Stevenson (8–3) 19-yard line. A pass from freshman quarterback Michael Ruisch was intercepted in the end zone to give the ball back to the Mustangs.
Neither team could score for the remainder of the first quarter. Junior inside linebacker David Simpson had an important interception to keep Stevenson from finding the end zone.
Susquehanna had an opportunity to score a field goal, but a blocked kick kept the score tied.
Freshman defensive back L’Trell Bradley had an interception in the beginning of the second quarter.
Stevenson would be the first to score on a Ruisch interception that was returned for a touchdown by a defensive lineman.
After throwing another interception, his third of the game, on the next drive, Ruisch was taken out in favor of the Brotzman.
The senior would immediately change the dynamic of the offense as Brotzman led a 17- play, 96-yard touchdown drive to tie the score 7–7 on a touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Mitch Carsley in the final seconds before halftime. Junior running back Aaron Speight rushed for 47 yards during the drive.
The third quarter was similar to the first quarter, as neither Susquehanna nor Stevenson could score.
Freshman defensive lineman Salvatore Gurnari, junior linebacker David Simpson, junior linebacker Cole Dixon, and senior linebacker Connor Thompson all recorded plays that highlighted the defensive effort.
The Susquehanna defense came up big in the fourth quarter by causing turnovers by the Mustangs and giving the offense great field position.
Senior punter Jake Wiles punted the ball 54 yards and Stevenson attempted to field the ball at its own six-yard line. Roumes knocked the ball loose and recovered it at the three-yard line.
After three unsuccessful tries, Brotzman successfully pulled off a quarterback option where he faked a pitch and cut inside to the end zone to give the River Hawks a 14–7 lead.
“I came into the game late and was able to get a drive going that resulted in a touchdown and got us going in the right direction,” Brotzman said. “That was something special for me personally to be able to lead my team to a win in our last game of the season.
Brougham had an interception on the following Stevenson drive. Freshman defensive lineman Jhemir Stanley recorded several tackles and Roumes recovered another fumble to put Susquehanna in the field goal range.
Freshman kicker Elijah Hoffman made a 32-yard field goal to secure the 17–7 victory for the River Hawks.
Carsley led the offense with seven receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown, while Speight rushed for 59 yards.
Roumes led the defense as the game’s MVP. Dixon, junior defensive lineman Kashief Hyatt, Brougham and Thompson each added a sack.
The River Hawks were the third Centennial Conference team to win a Centennial-MAC Bowl series this weekend.
“Looking back on my career I think this bowl win is most special,” Brotzman said. “Being able to finish the careers of all of us seniors on such a great team win really made it special.