CLARION, Pa. — Clarion (3-0) maintained its unbeaten record with a 31-24 victory over Shippensburg (0-2) at Al Jacks Field on Saturday, putting together a run of scoring drives early and making timely stops late in the second half to seal the win over the Raiders.
This victory marks Clarion's first win over Shippensburg at home since 1993, and marks the Golden Eagles' first 3-0 streak to start the season since winning seven straight games to kick off the 2015 campaign.
The Raiders had more offensive success than either of the Golden Eagles' previous opponents this season, scoring 24 points and slightly outgaining the Golden Eagles through the air by a margin of 245 yards to 241 yards. That said, the Clarion run defense held the Raiders to just 45 rushing yards on 31 attempts for an average of 1.5 yards per rush, and a paltry 4.0 yards per offensive play.
Pass protection was a challenge for both teams on Saturday afternoon. Quarterbacks Riley Gunnels and
Anthony Guercio were both sacked five times.
The first quarter began with Clarion's offense steadily advancing, highlighted by a 35-yard pass from Guercio to JaTawn Williams that set up a 5-yard touchdown connection between the same duo at 5:39. On 1st-and-10 from Shippensburg's 36-yard line, Guercio heaved a pass deep down the middle of the field for Williams, who caught the pass after a deflection while falling down just shy of the goal line. Three plays later Guercio fired a bullet to Williams in the back of the end zone for a score.
The Raiders responded with a lengthy drive capped by a 23-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 7-7 with just 32 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
The second quarter began with Clarion capitalizing on a pass interference penalty, setting up a 25-yard touchdown pass from Guercio to
Ray Jackson at 14:27. Guercio rolled to his right to avoid pressure and Jackson was lost by the Raiders' defense, slipping behind his man and catching the ball with no one around and walking into the end zone.
Andrew Kurtas added to the lead with a 28-yard field goal at 09:38, and
Khalon Simmons expanded the advantage with a 44-yard touchdown run, increasing the score to 24-10. The score remained that way entering the halftime break.
The third quarter opened with a pivotal turnover, as
Griffin Buzzell and
Christopher Shackleford combined to take the ball away from the Raiders on their opening drive of the half. Just two plays into the third Buzzell dislodged a ball from Nick Castorina, with Shackleford falling on it at the 27-yard line.
That set Clarion up at the Raiders' 28-yard line and a touchdown drive, though an unconventional one. The Golden Eagles' drive stalled at the Shippensburg five-yard line, setting up an apparent field goal attempt by Kurtas. Instead, holder
Frankie Passantino III took the snap and rolled out to his right, flicking a perfect pass to
Mathew McGregor for a touchdown to make it 31-10.
Isaac Kim blew up the Raiders' next offensive drive with one sack and a tackle for no gain on the next drive, and Shackleford forced a turnover on downs with a pass breakup late in the quarter.
Shippensburg scored a touchdown after a strip sack of Guercio gave them the ball deep in Clarion territory, and the Raiders added another touchdown with roughly 11 minutes to play to pull within 31-24. Clarion put the brakes on the Raiders with a long drive, though it resulted with no points, and the Golden Eagles got a crucial stop on the next defensive series to get the ball back and essentially lock up the victory.
Guercio completed 18 of 26 passes, totaling 236 yards and two touchdowns. Simmons contributed with 72 rushing yards on 10 carries, adding one touchdown to his performance.
Griffin Buzzell led the defense with 13 tackles and forced a fumble. McGregor recorded a fumble recovery and added a touchdown reception.
Garrett Jasper and
Jerome Williams II also had sacks.
Looking ahead, Clarion prepares to host Shepherd at Al Jacks Field on Saturday, September 20. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
