The PSAC should be recognized as a whole. Locally, we are fortunate to watch a couple of D2 power houses in IUP and California U. The successes of the previously mentioned programs are clear, but it might be what’s going on 170 miles east of Pittsburgh that should be grabbing our PSAC attention.
Zach Zulli, Jake Metz, and the rest of the Shippensburg Raiders are experiencing obvious personal successes but it’s their undefeated 7-0 record that is most impressive. Zulli, has been fantastic through the air throwing for 33 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Yes, three interceptions, and the Raiders’ QB has yet to reach 300 attempts on the season. He has completed 69 percent of his throws, has an efficiency rating of 190, and is averaging 390 yards per game. On the other side of the ball, Zulli’s teammate Jake Metz is the PSAC leader for both sacks (seven), and tackles for loss (11).
The high-tempo style of pace has Coach Mark Maciejewski looking like an offensive genius. The best way to explain the successes of the 2012 Shippensburg Football Team can be described by achieving efficiency at an up-tempo pace for an entire game. If Raiders’ fans thought the 61 and 60 point games put up earlier in the season were impressive, they had to have prized the 73 dropped in Kutztown this weekend. Shippensburg scored at will, and at times made the 35 points scored by The Bears seem unnoticed. Maciejewski and the troops must continue their strong play to back their number 18 ranking. The Raiders travel to take on a very good West Chester squad next Saturday. Some might ask if West Chester has another upset in them, after handing another great program, California their only loss on the season.
Photo Credits: Shippensburg
