BRIDGEWATER, Va. — Following a dramatic season-opening victory at Union, the Susquehanna University football team returns to the road Saturday, Sept. 12, when the River Hawks travel to Bridgewater College for a 12 noon kickoff at The Stadium at the Jopson Athletic Complex. The game was originally scheduled for 2 p.m., but was moved up to 12 noon due to inclement forecasted weather set to take place later Saturday.
LINKS TO THE GAME
Susquehanna enters the contest 1-0 after rallying for a thrilling 23-17 overtime victory at Union last Saturday. The River Hawks trailed 17-7 with less than eight minutes remaining before scoring 10 unanswered points to force overtime. In the extra period, Jaydon Handy blocked a Union field-goal attempt and Bezy Nwanonyiri scooped up the loose ball and raced 65 yards for the game-winning touchdown.
The comeback marked a memorable opening to the season for the River Hawks, who scored all 23 of their points in the second half, including all 17 of their fourth-quarter points. Weekly honors came in after the fact as Nwanonyiri and linebacker Brayden Nolan were named Landmark Conference Athletes of the Week for special teams and defense, respectively. Nolan was also named to D3football.com's Team of the Week after pacing the defense with 12 tackles and four tackles for loss.
Quarterback Tommy Wright led the comeback through the air, completing 20 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns. Wright connected with Reese Gaughan three times for 87 yards, with Gaughan hauling in both of Susquehanna's touchdown receptions. Wright's second touchdown pass to Gaughan came with just two seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game at 17-17.
The River Hawks also received strong defensive performances in the season opener. In addition to Nolan's award-winning performance, Vin Raniero added nine tackles and Ben Fleming recorded eight tackles. The defensive unit troubled Union quarterback Cole Brisson all day with three interceptions, including two from defensive back Eric Spears and Raniero logging Susquehanna's first pick of the season.
Susquehanna's special teams also played a pivotal role in the victory, with Handy's blocked field goal and Nwanonyiri's 65-yard return providing the game-winning points in overtime.
Bridgewater enters Saturday's matchup 0-1 after falling to Stevenson, 17-0, in its season opener on Sept. 4. The Eagles were held to 142 yards of total offense, including just 24 yards on the ground. Quarterback Parker Burke completed 17-of-24 passes for 118 yards, while Tommy Nelson led Bridgewater's rushing attack with 50 yards on 14 carries.
Defensively, Bridgewater forced three Stevenson turnovers and was led by Oscar Whitely, who recorded nine tackles and an interception. The Eagles also picked off Stevenson quarterback Todd Lattimore three times overall.
Saturday's matchup marks the fourth consecutive season that Susquehanna and Bridgewater have met. The River Hawks have won all three matchups, most recently defeating the Eagles 56-17 in Selinsgrove last season, with Susquehanna scoring 35 unanswered points in the second half.
The River Hawks will look to carry the momentum from their dramatic season-opening victory into another road test Saturday as they continue their 2026 campaign.
