California 30, Hillsdale 24
The Vulcans defense came up big in the closing minutes of last Thursday’s showdown with Hillsdale to pickup the win over the No. 17 ranked Chargers.
Senior defensive back Rontez Miles broke up a potential touchdown as time expired to give California coach Mike Keller his first win.
The squads battled to a 14-14 tie midway through the second quarter before senior quarterback Peter Lalich connected with Mike Williams on a five-yard pass to take the seven-point lead into halftime.
Lalich connected with Trey Johnson on a seven-yard touchdown pass on the opening drive of the third quarter and Cody Nuzzo added a 25-yard field goal to build a 30-14 lead in the third quarter.
Lalich completed 24-of-31 passes for 275 yards and four touchdowns.
It was the first win by the Vulcans over a nationally-ranked opponents since defeating Saginaw Valley in Sept. 2010.
The Vulcans travel to Kutztown Saturday to take on the defending PSAC champions. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
Clarion 7, Fairmont State 0
The Clarion defense held on with a goal-line stand in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter to wins its season-opener.
Freshman defensive back Jason Peters broke up a pass in the end zone with just nine seconds left on the clock to seal the win.
The win was the first opening-day shutout for the Falcons since 1986.
The lone score of the game came in the third quarter. On their first possession of the half, the Falcons drove 84 yards on 8 plays. Junior quarterback Ben Fiscus hit freshman wide receiver Mark Nicholas in stride for the 27-yard score.
Fiscus finished with 136 yards through the air and 77 yards on the ground. Sophomore Bobby Thomas added 81 yards on the ground.
Clarion returns to the field Saturday when it travels to LIU-Post. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
Indiana 33, Southern Connecticut 6
The Crimson Hawks put up 310 yards on the ground as they ran past Southern Connecticut in their home opener.
Indiana busted out to a 17-6 lead in the first half as senior Harvie Tuck and redshirt freshman Montay Green each had touchdown runs.
Quarterback senior quarterback Pat Smith scored touchdowns in the third quarter, first on a three-yard touchdown run and the second on a 51-yard pass to junior tight end Tyler Dummermuth.
The Crimson Hawks tapped the season-opening win with safety in the fourth quarter.
Tuck finished the game with 185 yards on the ground. Green added 101. Smith threw for 141 yards.
The Crimson Hawks will take to the road next week as they take on Cheyney in their PSAC opener. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Slippery Rock 52, Seton Hill 6
The Rock gave Seton Hil a little taste of what they will be experiencing when they join the PSAC next season in a blowout win.
Slippery Rock quarterback threw Jared Buck three touchdowns passes and had a touchdown run before the end of the second quarter. The redshirt sophomore finished with 163 all-purpose yards.
Redshirt junior cornerback Anthony Saunders returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown in the first half to give Slippey Rock a 35-0 lead at halftime.
The Rock senior running back Akeem Satterfield finished with 118 yards and had a 27-yard run in the third quarter.
The Griffins lone touchdown came in the third quarter as senior running back Tavin Davis capped off a 12-play, 96-yard drive with a one yard touchdown run.
The Rock are off this weekend. Seton Hill will travel to Urbana on Saturday for a 12 p.m. kickoff.
Photo Credit: IUP
