SELINSGROVE, PA - Susquehanna University football delivered a dominant performance on Saturday afternoon at Amos Alonzo Stagg Field, rolling past Western Connecticut State University, 55-12, to clinch the program's Landmark Conference championship. The River Hawks controlled the contest from the opening kickoff, scoring 20 points in the first quarter and never looking back as they secured the conference title with an emphatic home victory.
Running back
Matt Surtz headlined the afternoon with a historic performance, rushing for five touchdowns to record the second-most rushing touchdowns in a single game in program history. The senior finished with 130 rushing yards on 21 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt, as he repeatedly found his way into the end zone.
How It Went Down
- Susquehanna wasted little time putting points on the board, as Matt Surtz opened the scoring just 2:20 into the contest with an explosive 50-yard touchdown run. The River Hawks needed just two plays to cover 62 yards, giving them an early 6-0 advantage. After the defense forced a stop, the offense quickly returned to the end zone. Beginning at the Western Connecticut 46-yard line, Susquehanna needed just four plays to find paydirt, with Surtz powering his way across the goal line from four yards out. Cohen Hoover added the extra point to make it 13-0 with 8:58 remaining in the first quarter.
- Western Connecticut answered with a six-play, 75-yard scoring drive, connecting on a nine-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 13-6. However, the River Hawks responded with a lengthy 10-play, 68-yard march that consumed 5:36 off the clock. Surtz capped the drive with his third touchdown of the opening quarter, once again finding the end zone from four yards out. Hoover's extra point extended the Susquehanna advantage to 20-6 with 1:06 remaining in the first.
- The River Hawks continued their offensive dominance in the second quarter. After taking over possession, Susquehanna put together a seven-play, 77-yard drive, with Surtz scoring his fourth touchdown of the afternoon on a one-yard plunge. Hoover converted the extra point to push the lead to 27-6 with 5:18 remaining before halftime.
- Susquehanna's defense got in on the scoring just 13 seconds later. On Western Connecticut's ensuing possession, the River Hawks forced a fumble that was scooped up by Brayden Nolan, who raced 31 yards into the end zone for a defensive touchdown. Hoover's extra point capped the quick scoring sequence, giving Susquehanna a commanding 34-6 advantage. The River Hawks carried that lead into the halftime break after shutting out the Wolves in the second quarter.
- Coming out of halftime, Susquehanna picked up right where it left off. The River Hawks put together a seven-play, 47-yard drive that culminated in Surtz's fifth rushing touchdown of the afternoon, this time from three yards out. The score marked the senior running back's fifth trip to the end zone, moving him into second place in program history for rushing touchdowns in a single game. The touchdown extended the River Hawks' lead to 41-6 with 4:48 remaining in the third quarter.
- Western Connecticut responded with a seven-play, 75-yard drive of its own, scoring on a 17-yard touchdown pass to make it 41-12. However, the River Hawks remained firmly in control heading into the final quarter.
- Susquehanna added to its advantage early in the fourth quarter with another impressive offensive possession. Tommy Wright connected with Frankie Mroz for a 30-yard touchdown reception to cap an eight-play, 54-yard drive that consumed 4:29. Hoover's extra point pushed the River Hawks' lead to 48-12 with 12:50 remaining.
- The River Hawks put the finishing touches on the championship-clinching victory following a Western Connecticut fumble. Taking over just six yards from the end zone, Susquehanna needed only three plays to score, as Sam McCracken powered in from three yards out. Hoover added the extra point to complete the scoring and secure the emphatic 55-12 victory with 5:02 remaining.
- With the win, Susquehanna officially clinched the Landmark Conference championship, capping a dominant afternoon in which the River Hawks scored in every quarter, recorded six rushing touchdowns and added a defensive touchdown. The offense piled up 480 total yards, including 259 rushing yards, while the defense limited Western Connecticut to just 211 yards of total offense and forced four turnovers.
Inside the Box Score
- Matt Surtz turned in a record-setting afternoon, rushing for 130 yards and five touchdowns on 21 carries. His five rushing scores rank second in a single game in Susquehanna program history behind Da'Avian Ellington's six scores on the ground in 2019.Â
- Tommy Wright completed 13-of-21 passes for 211 yards and a touchdown, while adding 26 rushing yards.
- Drew Hutchins contributed 56 rushing yards on 13 carries, while Frankie Williams added 32 yards on four attempts.
- Noah Confer led the receiving corps with four catches for 69 yards.
- Frankie Mroz hauled in two passes for 44 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown reception.
- Sam McCracken added a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
- Brayden Nolan provided one of the afternoon's biggest defensive plays, returning a fumble 31 yards for a touchdown.
- Ben Fleming recorded five tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and an interception.
- Galen Limantour finished with three tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and three quarterback hurries.
- Robby Garvey totaled four tackles, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
- Mike Mignone led the defense with eight total tackles, one tackle for loss and a fumble recovery.
- As a team, Susquehanna outgained Western Connecticut 480-211 in total offense, including a 259-10 advantage on the ground. The River Hawks also forced four fumbles and recorded three sacks.
Up Next for the River Hawks
- The River Hawks have officially clinched the Landmark Conference championship, capping another outstanding season with a dominant performance at Amos Alonzo Stagg Field. Susquehanna improves to 8-1 overall and 5-0 in Landmark Conference play, securing the conference crown with one game remaining in the regular season.
- The orange and maroon looks to finish the regular season with another unbeaten conference record next Saturday, hosting Juniata at 12 p.m. as part of Ring of Honor and Senior Day.Â
