WILLIAMSPORT, PA (September 3, 2022) -- Fifth-year standouts Michael Ruisch and Michael Lefever had career days for the RV/No. 21 Susquehanna University football team, cruising past host Lycoming College 45-16 in non-conference action in the first of two rivalry games for the River Hawks in 2022. Susquehanna retains the Stagg Hat for the fourth consecutive season, tying the all-time series with the Warriors 31-31-1 with the victory. 

The River Hawks (1-0) got the ball to start the game and wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, marching 75 yards over eight plays with Ruisch connecting with Lefever from three yards out to make it 7-0. SU forced a 3-and-out and needed just four plays to double its lead as Lefever caught his second of three touchdowns Saturday with a 38-yard reception to put Susquehanna up 14-0. 

After another Lycoming 3-and-out, the River Hawks cashed in a 4-play, 65-yard drive as Ruisch hit Jacob Erb wide open down the left sideline and he ran untouched in from 55 yards out for the 21-0 edge. SU three for 173 yards in the first quarter, converting both third downs in the quarter. 

In the second period, Lycoming (0-1) pulled back with a pair of Ian Blankenhorn field goals, but Lefever broke another huge gainer for his third touchdown of the game with 3:48 to go in the period. On the play, Lefever caught a pass over the middle, made two players miss and broke a tackle before racing 64 yards for the touchdown. Another field goal for Lycoming made the score 28-9, but SU ran a perfect two-minute drill to make the score 35-9 at the break. On the drive, Ruisch threw his fifth touchdown of the half to Bryce Ellinger on a gorgeous back shoulder throw from 10-yards out. 

After the intermission, SU tacked on a 22-yard field goal from graduate student Elijah Hoffman as he moved into second all-time in made field goals with his 23rd of his career. In the fourth quarter following a score from Lycoming, D.K. Wyche completed a nine-play, 51-yard drive with his first career touchdown run from five-yards out to finishing the game's scoring at 45-16. The SU defensive unit put a bow on the game, as Naphtali Stine and Keith Green sealed the win with interceptions. 

Offensively, Ruisch threw for a career-high 382 yards on 22-of-28 passing in addition to his five touchdowns. Lefever was his top target, as he hauled in eight balls for a career-high 183 yards and three touchdowns. It was the first time since Anthony McCoy back on September 28, 2019 that a River Hawk has posted three touchdown receptions in a game. The 183 yards receiving is the most since Mitch Carsley and his 203 yards back on September 29, 2018 against Dickinson College. 

Sophomore Kyle Howes posted a career-high four catches for 69 yards, while Erb finished with three grabs for 75 yards and a score. Sophomore running back Gavin Coles was solid Saturday, racking up three catches for 30 yards in addition to his 33 yards on the ground on six totes. Wyche finished with 29 yards on seven carries, and Frankie Negrini led all rushers with 68 yards on 16 attempts. 

Defensively for the River Hawks, newcomer Garrett Carter led all players with seven tackles while John Nicosia posted five tackles in the victory. David Gilchrist added four tackles and a pass break up, while Cameron Noble and Edwin Maxwell added four stops. Nick Silenok and Tim Pherson, Jr. posted sacks for SU, and Drew Robinson and Jesse Ruisch finished with pass break-ups as well. 

The River Hawks won the first-down battle 23-11, while posting a 520-168 edge in total offense for the day. Susquehanna held Lycoming to just 59 yards rushing, while surrendering only five first downs on 15 third-down attempts. The River Hawks also won the possession battle 32:43-27:12 and gained 7.5 yards per play as opposed to just 3.1 for Lycoming. Warriors' starting quarterback Elijah Shemory threw for 92 yards on 6-of-20 passing. 

Up Next

• The River Hawks will host Franklin & Marshall College Saturday, September 10 at 1 p.m. in the 2022 home and Centennial Conference opener in Doug Arthur Stadium. 

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--RIVER HAWKS--