WILLIAMSPORT, PA - The No. 20 Susquehanna University football team hits the road Saturday, October 31, for a pivotal Landmark Conference matchup against Lycoming College. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at David Person Field at Girardi Stadium in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, as the River Hawks and Warriors meet in a battle of the conference's top two teams.

Susquehanna enters the contest at 6-1 overall and 3-0 in Landmark Conference play, while Lycoming stands at 5-3 overall and 4-0 in conference action. With both teams undefeated against Landmark opponents, Saturday's showdown presents a significant opportunity for the River Hawks to strengthen their position in the conference championship race.

The River Hawks are coming off a convincing 36-15 road victory over Wilkes University last Saturday, extending their winning streak to three games, while Lycoming enters Saturday recently defeating Western Connecticut State 48-7 to run its win streak to four. Susquehanna has continued to establish itself as one of the conference's premier programs, carrying a 21-game winning streak in Landmark Conference play into the weekend (31 including their ten-game win streak from the Cenntial Conference). 

Last Time Out
Susquehanna controlled the second half in its 36-15 victory at Wilkes on October 24, using a balanced offensive performance and a strong defensive effort to secure its third consecutive Landmark Conference win.

The River Hawks totaled 443 yards of offense, including 243 passing yards and 200 rushing yards, while limiting Wilkes to 264 total yards. Susquehanna also controlled possession for 33 minutes and 44 seconds and converted seven of its 12 third-down attempts.

Quarterback Tommy Wright connected with Ethan Mahan for a pair of touchdown passes, including scores of 42 and 46 yards, while also finding Frankie Mroz and Noah Confer for touchdown receptions. Running back Matt Surtz added two rushing touchdowns, scoring from three and 34 yards out.

Defensively, the River Hawks created multiple opportunities to take control of the game. Galen Limantour blocked a Wilkes field-goal attempt, allowing Jaden Hines to recover the ball and return it 25 yards. Omari Cofield recorded an interception, while Brady Rosencrans came away with another interception after deflecting a pass into the air.

The River Hawks' all-around performance helped them pull away in the second half, outscoring Wilkes 28-8 after the break. The victory also helped Susquehanna break back into the top 20 in both the AFCA and D3football.com polls. 

Scouting Lycoming
Lycoming enters Saturday's contest riding a four-game winning streak and holding a perfect 4-0 record in Landmark Conference play. The Warriors have put together an impressive stretch of conference performances, most recently earning a dominant 48-7 victory over Western Connecticut State University on October 24.

Lycoming's recent success has been fueled by a disruptive defensive unit. Against Western Connecticut State, the Warriors limited their opponent to just 177 total yards, recorded eight sacks, and forced four turnovers. Junior linebacker Khalil Johnson led the way with nine tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble that he recovered and returned 35 yards for a touchdown.
Johnson was subsequently named the Landmark Conference Defensive Athlete of the Week for his performance.

The Warriors have also demonstrated their ability to control games on both sides of the ball throughout conference play. Their four consecutive wins include victories over Catholic, Wilkes, Juniata, and Western Connecticut State, setting the stage for Saturday's matchup against Susquehanna.

With both teams entering the contest unbeaten in conference play, the River Hawks will need to be prepared for a physical, competitive test against a Lycoming team that has found its stride late in the season.

Key Matchup
Saturday's contest will feature two teams that have built their conference success on strong all-around performances. Susquehanna will look to continue its balanced offensive attack while finding ways to counter Lycoming's aggressive defense, which has generated sacks and turnovers throughout the Warriors' recent winning streak.

For the River Hawks, protecting the football, sustaining drives, and capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be critical against a defense that has consistently disrupted opposing offenses. On the other side of the ball, Susquehanna will aim to limit Lycoming's offensive production and create opportunities for its own offense through pressure and takeaways.

With both programs carrying undefeated Landmark records into Saturday, the ability to win the turnover battle and execute in key situations could prove decisive.

Series History
The River Hawks and Warriors renew a familiar regional rivalry with significant conference implications. At the forefront for both teams is defeating their unbeaten conference foe to create space at the top of the Landmark standings. On the back end for Susquehanna, a win will mark its ninth straight win over Lycoming in the annual Stagg Hat Trophy Game and 10th of the last 11 matchups. Prior to this the Warriors held a firm grip on the all-time series, with Susquehanna winning just twice between 1996 and 2014. 

Up Next
Susquehanna will look to continue its winning ways and make a statement in the Landmark Conference race when it takes on Lycoming Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at David Person Field at Girardi Stadium. Fans can follow the action through the live video stream, live statistics, and radio coverage on WQSU 88.9 FM.