By Christian Vetrone, Contributing Writer
Photo Courtesy of Robert Isacson
The Susquehanna Football team opened their season with a dominating win over the visiting Lycoming College Warriors 44-10, at Amos Alonzo Stagg Field at Doug Arthur Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 4. The River Hawks were led by senior quarterback Michael Ruisch and junior running back Frank Negrini.
The River Hawks started the scoring off with a 2-yard touchdown by first-year Gavin Coles. The touchdown capped off a four play 13-yard drive with time of possession being a quick one minute and two seconds.
“It felt great after not playing for two years and finally seeing fans in the stands, just an overall great way to start the season.” Negrini said.
Negrini scored 6:18 into the second quarter after the River Hawks drove down the field with an impressive seven play 65-yard drive. Negrini would credit some of his success to his offensive line, which is led by senior captain Cole Spencer.
The River Hawks finished the first half with a five-yard touchdown pass from Rusich to sophomore wide receiver Jacob Erb, giving the River Hawks a 20-3 lead at the break.
Susquehanna started off the second half scoring with a 22-yard field goal by senior kicker Elijah Hoffman.
Ruisch would then add his second passing touchdown on the day when he connected with senior Samuel Darrell with 5:02 left in the third quarter. Ruisch connected with Darrell 5 times for 76 yards and a touchdown.
The longest of the day was a 41-yard pass down the sideline to set up the River Hawks in the red zone. Ruisch would add a rushing touchdown to his stat line after driving 65 yards on 14 plays with 10:34 left in the fourth quarter. Ruisch finished the day completing 19 out of 26 pass attempts with 215 passing yards and 2 touchdowns.
“When the offense was clicking our playmakers stepped up to the plate.” Ruisch said.
Susquehanna would finish their offensive onslaught with a Negrini 8-yard touchdown run capping off their 44-10 victory.
The credit can’t go to the offense alone. The Susuquehanna defense was led by senior linebacker Anthony Scicchitano who led the team with 7 tackles and senior linebacker Brendan Krumenacker who had 5 tackles.
The Susquehanna defense would also sack Lycoming quarterback Elijah Shemory 3 times. Junior defensive back David Gilchrist would record the first sack of the season for the River Hawks in the first quarter for a nine-yard loss. Later in the quarter senior defensive lineman Riley Gaughan sacked Lycoming’s quarterback for a 10-yard loss. The third sack would be recorded by senior defensive lineman Salvatore Gurnari for a six-yard loss.
Susquehanna now heads out on the road to take on Franklin and Marshall on Sept. 11 in Lancaster, PA.
