Seton Hill hosted California (PA) on Saturday evening at Offutt Field for a PSAC West matchup under the lights.
The Griffins scored 14 fourth quarter points but it was not enough to overcome a 21 point deficit as the Vulcans held on to defeat the Griffins by a 21-14 score.
Both teams went three and out on their first possessions of the game. On their second possession, the Vulcans went 65 yards in 11 plays, the final one a one yard touchdown run, as they took a 7-0 lead over the Griffins midway through the first quarter. CalU carried the 7-0 lead into the second quarter.
On the second play of the second quarter, CalU scored on a 12 yard touchdown pass as they were able to extend their lead to 14-0. Those would be the final points of the quarter as SHU trailed the Vulcans 14-0 at the half.
Jaylen McDuffie forced a fumble and Jaheim Thomas recovered the ball at the CalU 42 yard line midway through the quarter. The Griffins could not take advantage of the short field and turned the ball over on downs. California then marched 67 yards in seven plays as they pushed their advantage to 21-0 with 2:03 left in the third.
In a carry over possession from the third quarter, the Griffins completed a 13 play, 65 yard drive with a four yard touchdown run from
Ky'Ron Craggette as the Griffins cut the CalU lead to 21-7 with 10:15 left in the fourth. The defense then forced a three and out and got the ball back for the offense at the SHU 38. SHU then moved the ball 62 yards in nine plays, the last 21 coming on a touchdown pass from
Tyler Bradley to
Mark Bails. The defense then forced another three and out but a roughing the kicker penalty extended the CalU drive and allowed the Vulcans to run out the clock.
Seton Hill had 19 first downs to just 15 for the Vulcans. SHU held CalU to just 58 yards rushing in the contest. The Griffins had 34 minutes of possession compared to just 26 for CalU.
Craggette rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown. Bradley was 10-15 for 114 yards and a touchdown. Bails had six catches for 92 yards and a TD.
Todd Phillips finished with four catches.
McDuffie led the Griffins with 10 total tackles, a forced fumble and two QB hurries.
Musa Tama finished with seven tackles.
Seton Hill will travel to IUP for another PSAC West contest next Saturday.
