September 27, 2024/midnight
Erie, Pa. — The Gannon Golden Knights fell to the undefeated Kutztown Golden Bears Saturday afternoon at home.
On the opening kickoff, Kutztown receiver Sincere Thomas returned it for 45 yards which set up the Golden Bears for a successful drive. The Knights would surrender a touchdown after allowing 40 yards rushing on that drive.
After a three-and-out for the Gannon offense, Kutztown would add another touchdown on the following drive helped by two costly penalties by the Golden Knight defense. The home team would attempt to answer back but were held on a fourth-down conversion attempt inside opponent territory.
Entering the second quarter, Gannon’s offense did itself no favors as a sack inside the end zone gave Kutztown a safety and a 16-point lead. It would only get worse from here as the next two drives for the Golden Bears both led in touchdowns. Gannon trailed 30-0 at halftime in a game that looked all but over.
Needing a spark to enter the third quarter, a goal-line stand by the Knights defense gave a little bit of momentum. Unfortunately, the offense punted on the next drive allowing Kutztown to drive back down the field and eventually cash in for their biggest lead of the game at 37 points.
Into the fourth quarter, the Golden Knights were finally able to get on the board. Following running back Todd Braxton’s 32-yard rush — the biggest play of the game for Gannon — quarterback Jayden Whitaker took it in himself for the first Knights touchdown of the game.
Following a forced-punt, Gannon would move down the field following a huge 15-yard pass interference penalty. Jayden Whitaker would strike again hitting receiver Napoleon Harris for a 29-yard touchdown. It would be too late for the Knights as they would fall 37-14 to the Golden Bears.
Whitaker completed half of his passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. The Gannon offense was outscored 408-160 in the loss.
The Gannon Golden Knights (0-3) will attempt to win their first game of the season next week on the road against California (Pa.) University Vulcans (2-1). The game is on September 28th at Adamson Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon.
