By Dan DiLizia, Contributing Writer
Junior running back Da’Avian Ellington led the Susquehanna football team to a 42-26 win over Lycoming on Sept.7 in Selinsgrove, Pa.
Ellington ran for a career-high of 179 yards andscored two touchdowns.
Susquehanna put together a six-point lead in the first quarter, scoring on a three-yard run by sophomore running back Xavier Briggs-DeVore. Sophomore wide receiver Samuel Darrell also had a 54-yard reception to help push the River Hawks ahead.
The River Hawks also pulled off a 78-yard run aided by Darrell and sophomore quarterback Michael Ruisch.
Lycoming’s Jamie Fisher then connected on a 33-yard field goal to end the first quarter, making the score 6-3 with Susquehanna still in the lead. At 9:55 in the second quarter, sophomore kicker Elijah Hoffman scored a 33-yard field goal.
This was followed by two touchdowns in a two-minute period by Ellington and senior wide receiver Mitch Carsley, making the halftime score 23-17.
Fisher scored a field goal in the third quarter for Lycoming, bringing the Warriors within three points.
The River Hawks then extended their lead with a touchdown from senior tight end Anthony McCoy on a pass from Ruisch. Ellington scored his second 60-plus yard run in the final quarter and Ruisch scored a touchdown.
The Warriors scored a touchdown of their own, making the final score 42-26 in favor of the River Hawks.
Another top player for Susquehanna was senior defensive end Kashief Hyatt. Hyatt and freshman Cooper Vellis each recorded a sack. Hyatt also registered 2.5 tackles for a loss of 12 yards and two pass breakups.
“It wasn’t the best performance, but we are coming together week by week,” Hyatt said. “I felt like I did what was expected of me.”
On the Warriors’ side of the field, Allen Martin led the team’s defense for a total of seven tackles.
Senior captains Cole Dixon and David Simpson also performed well for Susquehanna. Each had 5.5 tackles apiece to pave the way for the defense.
“I felt like the game was refreshing-it was a start,” Hyatt said. “I felt like we did a good job, first stop on the road to glory.”
The River Hawks will next play John’s Hopkins at 1 p.m. on Sept. 14 in Baltimore, Md.