Football Defense Kutztown 092119
Desiree DeHaven/Kutztown University
10
Gannon GAN 1-2
35
Winner Kutztown KUTZ 3-0
Gannon GAN
1-2
10
Final
35
Kutztown KUTZ
3-0
Winner
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
GAN Gannon 0 3 0 7 10
KUTZ Kutztown 7 7 14 7 35

Game Recap: Football | | David Rung, Director of Athletics Media Relations

Early Second Half Flips Momentum As Kutztown Tops Golden Knights

THE RUNDOWN
  • Final Score: (RV) Kutztown 35, Gannon 10
  • Records: Gannon (1-2, 0-0 PSAC West) | Kutztown (3-0, 0-0 PSAC East)
  • Location: Andre Reed Stadium — Kutztown, Pa.

GAMEDAY MEDIA CENTER
KEY SEQUENCE
  • While Gannon left some opportunities on the field in the first half, it trailed just 14-3 at the half against a high-powered Kutztown side. The Golden Bears grabbed momentum quickly to start the third quarter though, scoring on the opening drive of the second half. The hosts then forced a fumble on the next Golden Knight possession and covered the short field to net another touchdown and a 28-3 lead just 2:30 into the period to take control.

HOW IT HAPPENED
  • Gannon started the game with an impressive drive, as Jimmy Keefe (Middleburg Heights, Ohio/St. Edward) completed his first three passes and Melvin Blanks (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Hills) and Zevin Holley (Fredericksburg, Va./Stafford) helped rush for 30 yards to get the ball to the Kutztown 25. A holding penalty backed the Knights up though, and a 45-yard field goal attempt fell just short.
  • The Golden Knight defense stepped up in response to force a punt, and the offense once again went on the move. Keefe threw on the first five plays, completing four, and Blanks ripped off a 10-yard run to get to the KU 26, but the Golden Bears held to force a turnover on downs and keep things scoreless. A 56-yard pass from Kutztown on the ensuing possession opened the scoring in the final minute of the first quarter.
  • A three and out got Kutztown the ball back early in the second quarter, and the Bears marched down the field to double their lead with 8:27 left before the half. Gannon made it inside the Kutztown 30 for the third time in three drives when it got the ball back, keyed by a 43-yard pitch and catch from Keefe to Sam East (Jackson Township, N.J./Saint John Vianney), and this time Eric Scarpino (Waterford, Pa./Fort LeBoeuf) converted on a 32-yard field goal to make it 14-3.
  • With Kutztown stalled near midfield with 2:29 left in the half and facing a 4th-and-4, Dorian Jones (Gaithersburg, Md./Quince Orchard) came up with a big play, undercutting a fade route and returning the interception to the 49-yard line. The Knights once again got into positive territory on the drive, but had to settle for an Isaac West (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) punt that pinned Kutztown on its own 12, and they would hold to keep it 14-3 at the break.
  • A pass for 39 yards and a run for 17, both from KU quarterback Collin DiGalbo, set the Golden Bears up, and an 8-yard touchdown pass got the Golden Bears going just 53 second into the third quarter. A strip sack on second down gave the ball back to the hosts, and they took just two plays to make it a 28-3 game with 12:30 on the clock in the third.
  • Chunk plays from Blanks and Joey Cox (Costa Mesa, Calif./Calvary Chapel) got the ball onto the Kutztown side of the field on the next drive, but the Knights again had to settle for a West punt. The Gannon defense found a groove over the next 10 minutes, allowing just a single first down on each of the next three Golden Bear possessions.
  • On the third of those drives, the Golden Knights came up with one of their most exciting plays of the season. With Kutztown trying to pick up a 4th-and-1, the Gannon front stood up the runner and stripped the ball. Khwan Mickens (Miami, Fla./West Broward) scooped it up at the 20, and sprinted 80 yards untouched for the score.
  • Kutztown answered with a touchdown drive, and the Golden Bears managed to force turnovers on Gannon's final two drives of the game to seal their victory.
     
GAME NOTES
  • Blanks put together his second solid game on the ground. The sophomore picked up 83 rushing yards on just 13 carries, averaging 6.4 yards per tote, and added five catches for 48 yards for his second straight game eclipsing 100 all-purpose yards.
  • Five Gannon receivers pulled in multiple receptions. East took advantage of an expanded role with three grabs for 57 yards.
  • A.J. Satcher (Buffalo, N.Y./Canisius) collected nine tackles for the second consecutive game to lead the Golden Knight defense. He put up six solo stops for the second time this season.
  • The Gannon defense forced an interception for the third straight game to start the year with Jones' pick.
  • Seven of Gannon' s 11 drives on the game reached Kutztown territory.
 
UP NEXT
  • Gannon kicks off PSAC West play Saturday, hosting Clarion on Homecoming.
  • Homecoming and Family Weekend activities aren't limited to Saturday afternoon. The Gannon Alumni website features full information and opportunities to register for all the exciting action.
  • Live video, live stats and live audio will be available for the 1 p.m. kickoff at McConnell Family Stadium.
  • The Golden Eagles suffered their first loss of the season Saturday, dropping a 40-24 decision to Shepherd.
  • Clarion holds a 7-4 lead in the all-time series after winning a 14-9 defensive battle last season.
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