Gannon University football suffered a tough loss to California University of Pennsylvania, 35-7, Saturday.
The outcome of the game dropped the Knights out of a first-place standing in the PSAC West and marked the second straight loss the team experienced after it fell to Mercyhurst University Oct. 17.
The first half was close as neither team could find the end zone. However, shortly into the second quarter, the Vulcans tagged seven points on the scoreboard as the result of a 14-play, 70-yard drive.
Attacking the Vulcans mostly in the air, Gannon wasted no time getting on the scoreboard itself, scoring on the next possession after slicing up 82 yards in 11 plays.
Gannon remained on a roll after an interception by freshman defensive back, Mike Zanders stopped Cal in the red zone. The momentum subsided however after a quick three and out by the Knights’ offense.
The Vulcans capitalized on Gannon’s offensive breakdown and scored quickly on the next drive, eating up only one minute and 18 seconds off the clock. The 14-7 score remained steady throughout the second quarter into halftime.
The Vulcans took control of the game after expanding its lead to 21-7 on the first possession of the second half. The Vulcans never looked back as they kept Gannon scoreless, and scored two more touchdowns of their own.
This loss brings Gannon to an overall record of 4-4, and a 3-2 record in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.
Redshirt senior standout running back Jansen Jones believed that the Knights were “ready to play both halves and get a win. It just didn’t show on the scoreboard.”
Jones danced into school history yet again, becoming the only Knight to rush for more than 1,100 yards in a single season. He was able to rush for 1,101 yards through eight games.
Jansen explained that the loss made it hard for him to really enjoy breaking the record. However, he said, “It’s a great feeling to accomplish such a goal.”
He also gave all of the credit to his offense, explaining that he couldn’t have done it without them.
The Knights look to get back in the win column against Seton Hill University at noon Saturday at Gannon University Field. The Griffins have yet to gain a win on the season with a record of 0-8.
The Knights secondary will aim to keep Seton Hill’s junior wide receiver Norman Darden in check. Darden averages about 40 yards per game through the air, and has caught four touchdown passes.
TJ WILSON
