Photo Courtesy of Theodore Wolfe
By Chris Vetrone, Staff Writer
The Susquehanna River Hawks stayed hot, defeating the Dickinson Red Devils 31-14 at Amos Alonzo Stagg field at Doug Arthur Stadium on Saturday, September 25 being led by a strong defensive game.
Susquehanna did not disappoint in front of their home crowd during family weekend.
“It felt amazing, I haven’t played in front of my parents in three years, so it was nice to see them back in the stands,” junior running back Frank Negrini said.
Susquehanna got the ball rolling first on offense after first-year defensive back Naphtali Stine forced a Dickinson fumble, which was recovered by senior defensive lineman Riley Gaughan.
Following the fumble, the River Hawks started the drive at the 20-yard line of Dickinson. First-year wide receiver Kyle Howes rushed four yards for the first positive play of the drive. Senior quarterback Michael Ruisch then hit sophomore wide receiver Eddie Nugent for a 12-yard first down. Negrini rushed four yards for a touchdown.
On the very next drive for Susquehanna, they drove down the field to score on seven plays going 69 yards. On the drive, Negrini rushed three times for 21 yards, while sophomore running back Dashon Bundy rushed one time for five yards. Ruisch passed 3 times for 45 yards and a touchdown to senior wide receiver Kyle Good, putting Susquehanna up 14-0.
Dickinson would cut the lead in half with their very own rushing touchdown rush by Bryce Baylor. The touchdown celebration wouldn’t be long because Susquehanna would come right back with their own score.
Negrini started the drive with runs of six and four yards. Ruisch hit Good for a 33-yard pass down to Dickinson 35 on the next play from scrimmage. Negrini added another 13 yards and a touchdown on the last three plays of the drive. Susquehanna now led 21-7.
The River Hawks added another score to increase their lead with senior kicker Elijiah Hoffman nailing a 39-yard field goal, giving the River Hawks a 24-7 at halftime.
Ruisch connected with Good for 30 yards on three passes and another touchdown for the River Hawks on the first drive of the second half, extending the lead to 31-7.
Dickinson would score late with a 97-yard touchdown from quarterback Tim Graham to Robert Geiss, to cut the deficit to 31-14.
The defense for Susquehanna was the biggest story of Saturday’s game. Susquehanna sacked Graham three times. Senior linebacker Brendan Krumenacker, sophomore linebacker John Nicosia and senior linebacker Anthony Scicchitano recorded the sacks for Susquehanna.
The defense also recorded five tackles for loss accumulating 25 yards. They also finished the game with two interceptions from sophomore linebacker Drew Robinson and first-year defensive back Andrew Wells. The defense recorded eight pass break ups, three from Krumenacker and junior defensive back Aaron Beverly. Wells and junior defensive back Keith Green each recorded one.
Susquehanna goes on the road next week to take on the Ursinus Bears in Collegeville, PA Saturday, October 2 at 1:30.
“They are a good football team but being 4-0 brings a lot of confidence towards the game so we are feeling good, just got to keep going week by week,” Negrini said.
