October 4, 2024/Midnight 

Erie, Pa, – The Gannon Golden Knights fell to the California (Pa.) Vulcans on the road Saturday afternoon. 

In the first quarter of the game, the Gannon offense was able to move down into field goal range on their opening drive. On second down at California’s 28-yard line, Gannon quarterback Jordan Whitaker threw an interception which would set the tone for a long and frustrating day for the Golden Knights. 

The Vulcans would turn that interception into points as Bobby Boyd Jr’s rushing touchdown gave California the early lead. Gannon’s offense would fumble in their own territory on the following drive allowing the home team to recover the ball in great field position.  

Starting the second quarter at first and goal, California’s quarterback Davis Black completed a pass to wide receiver Omari Hopkins for a three-yard touchdown. Down by two scores, Whitaker would start to find his groove as he threw a 39-yard pass to tight end Jonathan Bowden in what would be the biggest offensive play of the game for Gannon. Whitaker would rush in for the score to cut the deficit down to seven.  

California would respond back in just four minutes as a 39-yard touchdown reception by Eric Willis III regained the Vulcan’s 14-point lead. Gannon would allow one more touchdown right before the end of the half to trail 28-7 at the break.  

In the third quarter, the Golden Knights would force its first punt of the game, but it did not work in their favor. Backed up near their own goal line on third down, Jordan Whitaker would throw his second interception of the game. This time it was a pick-six which gave California yet another touchdown. The Vulcans would add one more touchdown before the end of the third quarter and would lead by 35 points. 

California’s offense would score one more insurance touchdown just minutes into the fourth quarter. Davis Black’s fourth passing touchdown of the day would be his last pass of the day as he was rested the rest of the game. Another fumble by Gannon set up the Vulcans in good field position, but a missed field goal resulted in no points allowed from the turnover. The Gannon Knights would fall 49-7 on the road to the California Vulcans. 

The Gannon Golden Knights (0-4) will look to end the losing streak next week when they host the Seton Hall Griffins (2-2) during Homecoming Weekend. Kickoff is set for one o’clock on Saturday, October 5th, 2024.