Slippery Rock football broke out in DaOne Owens first career start, defeating Shippensburg University 42-0 at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium on Saturday.
Both teams struggled to find success on offense early. A 13-play, 45-yard drive resulted in a turnover on downs for The Rock’s offense to start the game.
However, it would not be long before the ball was back in Owens’ hands. On third-and-1, Shippensburg running back Ethan Arneson was unable to secure a lateral pass from Riley Gunnels, with Brian Young Jr. falling onto the loose ball.
Despite the early opportunity, the Raiders’ defense would prove to be a challenge early on for the freshman quarterback. Unable to get to the lead marker, Slippery Rock would again turn the ball over on downs inside the Shippensburg 30-yard line for the second time in as many drives.
“Our quarterback is young, he’s a freshman. It takes a little time to get going, but you can see what he brings to the table,” Slippery Rock coach Shawn Lutz said.
A three-and-out forced by The Rock’s defense would provide junior transfer Joe White a chance to open up the scoring with a 73-yard punt return touchdown.
The Rock’s defense was only getting started, as Michael Dahn recorded his first interception at the Shippensburg 25-yard line. The Rock’s offense capitalized on the turnover, with a one-yard rushing score from senior quarterback Demetric Crenshaw.
Following another punt from Shippensburg, Owens capped off a 9-play, 80-yard drive, rolling out left and finding redshirt sophomore John Sabo in the endzone.
“I think he did a good job commanding the game, getting it to a lot of different receivers,” Lutz said. “It’s good to see different guys getting into the offense.”
Another dominant series from the Rock’s defense forced another punt, but a fumble by Joe White on the return gave Shippensburg’s sideline a glimmer of hope. However, on fourth and 7 deep in Rock territory, heavy pressure from Brett Kowka forced an errant throw from Riley Gunnels, which was intercepted by Teddy Gregory and returned 51-yards to the Shippensburg 25-yard line.
Owens made quick work of the turnover, connecting with Xander McClure for the 25-yard strike. On the ensuing drive, Owens would find another target in Northwestern transfer Reggie Fleurima for the 58-yard score.
Shippensburg would comprise their best offensive drive of the game thus far, getting down to a first and goal at The Rock’s 8-yard line before the clock expired, ending the half. Any hope of a momentum swing coming out of the locker room would quickly be deflated, after Kanye Thompson joined the turnover party, forcing a fumble recovered by Trevor Valenti on The Rock’s 20-yard line.
Owens would pick up where he left off in the first half, connecting with Latrell Sutton for a 61-yard touchdown. Shippensburg, still scoreless heading into the fourth quarter, were once again producing a solid drive nearing the red zone. This was before Kanye Thompson forced another fumble, picked up by Elijah Halley.
Tyler Cain would join the turnover party on the following drive, intercepting Riley Gunnels at the 3-yard line.
“The biggest plus: six turnovers,” Lutz said. “When you have six turnovers a game, I think your chance of winning is almost over 99 percent.”
Prior to the game, Brayden Long, who served as The Rock’s starting quarterback for the previous two seasons, was presented with the PSAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award and the 2024-2025 Division II Academic All-American of the Year Award. Over the summer, Long accepted a full-time position as the Raiders Offensive Assistant and Recruiting Coordinator.
In his first career start, Owens finished 16-of-27, throwing for 252 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions. Owens is the first freshman quarterback to start for Slippery Rock since Oct. 29, 2016, when Augustus Necastro came up short against Clarion 23-27.
JayJay Jordan continued his dominant season, running for 102 yards on 11 attempts. Halley, Jacob Snow, Young Jr., Jett Franz, Nick Frisco, Mark Williams and Kowka all recorded sacks in the first shutout for Slippery Rock since Oct. 29, 2023 where The Rock defeated Clarion 31-0.
Slippery Rock football will be back in action next Saturday, Sept. 27, when they welcome PSAC West rival California University (Pa.) to Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.
