Photos By Bailey Mullen
By Abrielle Tutino
The nationally fourth-ranked football team opened the 2025 season with a bang, securing a 33-14 win over Union in a non-conference matchup at Doug Arthur Stadium on Saturday.
Starting quarterback and captain, Josh Ehrlich, led the way by gathering a total of 226 yards through the air of 82 more on the ground.
“We have a great culture here and we really are just a family, on and off the field,” said the signal-caller.
The River Hawks started the game off fast but wavered as play went on. Ehrlich noted the need to start better offensively and finish drives.
Susquehanna’s inability to finish drives led place-kicker Dominic Bourgeois to boot four field goals, three of which came from within 30 yards. He also nailed a career-long 46-yard field goal on the final play of the first half.
Impressed by Ehrlich’s performance as captain, SU quarterbacks coach Mike Wiand said that Ehrlich “grabbed the bull by the horns” in the season-opening dub.
“We are really excited to have him as a captain and to see what his leadership can do for us,” said the assistant coach.
Many around the team and in NCAA Division III football circles were expecting a more dominant showing from the River Hawks, who went to the national semifinals last season. SU head coach Tom Perkovich echoed a similar sentiment.
“We have a long way to go if we want to be who we think we want to be,” said Perkovich, stressing that this team’s identity is something that needs to be built week by week through hard work and determination, and that every single practice matters just as much as every Saturday spent on the field.
Perkovich is confident that his team can be the team they were last year through hard work and by focusing on the little things. Perkovich wants the Riverhawks to continue being “humble and hungry” to become the best version of themselves this season.
Susquehanna’s three touchdowns came on rushing scores by Tommy Grabowski and Drew Hutchins, as well as a 27-yard interception return by Berkeley Wagner.
Union got their two scores on big plays through the air, both connections between quarterback Patch Flanagan and wide receiver Dan Quinn.
SU will host Bridgewater next Saturday at 12 p.m. at Doug Arthur Stadium. Ehrlich said that the team with focus on discipline, competing against one another and building confidence as a team.