By Dan DiLizia, Staff Writer
The Susquehanna football team soundly defeated Gettysburg 56-13 in a Centennial Conference victory on Nov. 2 on the Bullets’ home turf in Gettysburg, Pa.
Seven different players scored touchdowns during the contest, with two scored every quarter. Taking place during Gettysburg’s family weekend, this game was the fourth time in history between the two that Susquehanna scored 50-plus points on the Bullets.
The River Hawks scored the first touchdown of the game via an 18-yard run by junior running back Da’Avian Ellington, followed by a 17-yard reception by senior wide receiver Mitch Carsley.
Senior defensive back Danial Shelton also notched his second interception of the season during the first quarter.
Gettysburg then took possession at its own 27-yard line and scored to tie the game 7-7. Just a few seconds later, senior wide receiver Mikah Christian racked up Susquehanna’s first special teams touchdown of the season by returning a 53-yard kickoff for 88 yards.
The River Hawks started the second quarter, leading 14-7. Ellington scored early on in the quarter via a four-yard run.
After a 73-yard drive, sophomore quarterback Michael Ruisch connected on a 22-yard completion to sophomore wide receiver Kyle Good to bring the score to 28-7 going into halftime. Good brought in five catches and two touchdowns during the game.
“We kept our foot on the gas pedal,” freshman wide receiver Tayo Akinboade said.
Susquehanna scored another special teams touchdown when senior outside linebacker Craig Roumes blocked a 30-yard field goal attempt and freshman defensive back Chance Singleton returned it for 80 yards to lead 35-7.
After a forced fumble by strong safety L’Trell Bradley, and a recovery by Roumes, Ruisch moved the team up 67 yards, finishing with a 17-yard pass to Good for the touchdown as Susquehanna extended their lead 42-7.
The first score of the final quarter was punched in by sophomore quarterback Hezekiah Patterson with a 22-yard scoring run, River Hawks leading 49-7.
The Bullets notched their second touchdown of the competition with just over four minutes left in the game via a 44-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Justin Suarez to freshman wide receiver Mike Vigliano. Senior kicker Justin Geisel failed to score the extra point, trailing 49-13
Patterson sealed the deal with less than two minutes left, completing a 63-yard pass to junior wide receiver Jaden Buchanan for his first score of his college career and the final score of 56-13
“We came in with good intensity and they laid down for us,” freshman running back Lamont Sparrow said of the teams’ performance.
Senior linebacker David Simpson and Bradley each racked up five tackles and a fumble during the game to keep the pressure on.
The River Hawks will next play McDaniel on senior night at 6 p.m. on Nov. 9 at Stagg Field.
