Lycoming News

Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference issued the following announcement on Nov. 13.

The No. 16 Kutztown University Golden Bears won their second Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Football Title following a 38-32 victory over No. 10 Slippery Rock University from Andre Reed Stadium in Kutztown, Pennsylvania Saturday.

 

The Golden Bears (10-1) came to play on their home field and on Senior Day for the championship as they dominated the run game earning the win.

 

Kutztown’s Jeremiah Nelson was huge for Kutztown rushing for 223 yards and a pair of touchdowns on his way to earning PSAC Championship MVP. Kutztown totaled 388 total rushing yards with Eric Nickel tallying 74 yards and a pair of rushing TDs of his own, while Jordan Davis and Zaire Jones rushed for 66 and 35 yards, respectively.

 

On the defensive side of the ball for Kutztown, Justin Harris picked off Slippery Rock’s (9-2) Noah Grover two times aiding in the win.

 

It was evident the plan was to run the ball for the Golden Bears as Nelson broke free for a couple of big gains including one for 68 yards.

Kutztown quarterback Eric Nickel also broke off a big gainer for 50 yards and a touchdown in the second quarter. Going into the break, the Golden Bears had a 24-17 lead.

 

To start the second half, Rock marched its way down the field to kick a field goal and get within four points at 24-20. Both teams were stagnant after that until the fourth quarter.

 

The Rock had a chance to take the lead in good field position at the start of the fourth quarter, but a Harris interception put Kutztown deep into Rock territory. The Golden Bears later tallied a touchdown and an extra point to take a 31-20 lead.

 

Later in the quarter, Nelson broke off his 61-yard touchdown to give Kutztown a 38-20 lead.

 

Slippery Rock chipped away with the remaining time they had scoring on a Tim Smith rushing touchdown. The Rock then missed the two-point conversion attempt.

They later got the ball back and Henry Litwin broke the all-time SRU career receptions record on a touchdown catch. The Rock converted on the PAT and brought the game within six points with just 43 seconds left, however, they did not recover the onside kick, and Kutztown won the championship, 38-32.

 

With the win, Kutztown earns an automatic bid and will likely host an NCAA Division II Football Tournament game. The NCAA Football Selection show will be Sunday at 5 p.m. where the other top teams in the PSAC will see if they are still playing for the chance at a DII title.

Original source can be found here.