WASHINGTON, D.C. — The No. 22/24 Susquehanna University football team opened Landmark Conference play in impressive fashion Saturday afternoon, defeating Catholic University 45-21 at Cardinal Stadium. The River Hawks scored the first 28 points towards a 35-7 halftime lead and never looked back, earning their first conference victory of the season and extending their Landmark Conference winning streak to 19 consecutive games dating back to 2023.
Susquehanna's conference dominance continued with its 29th consecutive victory across the Landmark and Centennial conferences, a streak that dates back to 2021. The River Hawks improved to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in Landmark play. It also marked the River Hawks fourth consecutive win over Catholic since the Landmark's entry into football in 2023 and fourth straight matchup scoring at least 45 points.
How It Went Down
- Susquehanna wasted little time establishing control, scoring three touchdowns in the opening quarter to take a 21-0 lead.
- Catholic fumbled the ball on its very first drive, forced by Jaden Hines and recovered by Vin Raniero to set SU up on Catholic's seven yard line.
- Quarterback Tommy Wright used that chance to open the scoring with a one-yard rushing touchdown before senior running back Matt Surtz broke free for an 18-yard touchdown run. Wright then connected with Ethan Mahan for a 43-yard touchdown pass to cap the opening-quarter surge.
- The River Hawks continued their offensive attack early in the second quarter when Wright found tight end Noah Confer for a 52-yard touchdown reception, extending the advantage to 28-0. Catholic responded with a touchdown, but Wright added his second rushing score of the afternoon on a four-yard run to send Susquehanna into halftime with a commanding 35-7 lead.
- Catholic made a push in the third quarter, scoring twice to cut the deficit to 35-21. Susquehanna answered at the end of the period, as Wright connected with Confer for a two-yard touchdown with just five seconds remaining in the quarter. The scoring connection gave Confer his second touchdown reception of the game and restored the River Hawks' three-touchdown advantage at 42-21.
- The Susquehanna defense held Catholic scoreless in the fourth quarter, while Chris Degroote capped the scoring with a 27-yard field goal. But not before the defense offered up one more highlight as defensive back Micah Stamper fought through one-on-one coverage to intercept a tipped ball near the goal line. The River Hawks kneeled it out to clinch the 45-21 victory to begin their conference schedule at 1-0.
Inside the Box Score
- Tommy Wright completed 21-of-30 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns while adding two rushing touchdowns.
- Noah Confer hauled in five receptions for 76 yards and two touchdowns, including a 52-yard scoring strike.
- Carter McCauley led the River Hawks with seven receptions for 82 yards.
- Ethan Mahan recorded a 43-yard touchdown reception.
- Drew Hutchins led Susquehanna on the ground with 88 rushing yards on 14 carries.
- Matt Surtz added 75 rushing yards on 12 carries, including an 18-yard touchdown run.
- Vin Raniero paced the defense with nine total tackles, including seven solo stops.
- Jaden Hines recorded six tackles, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
- Susquehanna outgained Catholic 443-382, averaging 7.0 yards per play while recording three rushing touchdowns and three passing touchdowns.
- The River Hawks defense also recorded two sacks and two interceptions. The sacks were carried out by Toby Mackall and Omari Cofield, while Stamper and Bezy Nwanonyiri took care of the picks.
- The victory extends Susquehanna's Landmark Conference winning streak to 19 games and its combined conference winning streak across the Landmark and Centennial conferences to 29 games.
Up Next for the River Hawks
- Susquehanna returns home next Saturday, October 17, to host Moravian University in another Landmark Conference matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for noon at Amos Alonzo Stagg Field at Doug Arthur Stadium as the River Hawks look to continue their conference winning streak.
