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BLOOMSBURG – Halloween Night turned out to be full of treats for visiting Shippensburg as the Raiders scored a 34-18 victory over fifth-ranked Bloomsburg (8-1, 5-1 PSAC East) before 3,287 fans and national TV audience under the lights at rain-soaked Redman Stadium.

Shippensburg (6-3, 5-1 PSAC East) did the majority of its damage through the air – defending Harlon Hill winner Zach Zulli completed 31 of 39 passes for 466 yards and five touchdowns, not showing any ill effects from the frightful conditions. The Raiders posted 549 yards of total offense on the night.

Things started quick for the Raiders who implemented their hurry-up offense, driving 51 yards in 12 plays on the game's opening drive down to the Bloomsburg 27-yard line. The Husky defense was able to turn the momentum, however, on an interception by Jonathan Patrick (Somerset, NJ/Franklin) at his own four.

A three-and-out from the Huskies' offense gave the ball back to the Raiders and this time the visitors moved their way down the field in workman-like fashion, driving 83 yards in 21 plays. The drive stalled, though, when the Huskies came up with a goal line stand, turning the Raiders away on fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line.

After a scoreless first period, the Raiders broke through on their first possession of the second quarter. A seven-play, 55-yard drive came to a close in the end zone following a 31-yard touchdown pass from Zulli to Trevor Harman. The point after attempt failed, leaving Shippensburg ahead 6-0.

The Raiders further seized control heading into the halftime break on its next drive when Zulli connected with Sheldon Mayer for an 84-yard touchdown strike down the middle of the field for the 13-0 advantage at the break.

Bloomsburg appeared to be taking back the momentum on its first drive out of the locker room. Lawrence Elliott Jr. (Utica, NY/Thomas R. Proctor) brought the kickoff back 43 yards, setting up the Huskies in prime field position. Franklyn Quiteh (Tobyhanna/Pocono Mountain West) nearly broke through the Ship defense for a long touchdown run, but was tripped up at the Raiders' 11-yard line. From there, the Raiders defense held, forcing a Danny Fisher (Liverpool/Central Dauphin) field goal attempt from 28 yards away to put the hosts on the board with a 13-3 score. In the process, Fisher broke a tie for sixth all-time in Division II history with his 55th career 3-pointer.

On its ensuing possession, Shippensburg came through with what was its defining facet of the game – success on third-and-long. Facing a third-and-10 from the Huskies' 27-yard line, the Raiders' signal caller found Harman for another score to stretch their lead to 17.

The Huskies would answer on the following drive. Once more Elliott broke loose on the kickoff return, racing 86 yards down the sidelines before finally being tripped up. Bloomsburg then found the end zone for the first time following two Quiteh runs of six and eight yards, drawing to within 10 once more at 20-10.

Each time Bloomsburg had the chance to turn the tide, however, Shippensburg had an answer. Facing third-and-16 from his own 25, Zulli delivered to Mayer again for a 75-yard touchdown catch and run. A Huskies turnover on their following possession led to another Zulli touchdown pass, this time a 38-yard connection to Harman, and the Raiders would never look back.

Bloomsburg scored on its first drive of the fourth quarter, mounting an 11-play, 91-yard drive capped by a Tim Kelly (Camp Hill/Cedar Cliff) 13-yard touchdown run and pulled to within 34-18 when Quiteh ran in the two-point conversion.

Quiteh carried 18 times for 82 yards and a touchdown, setting a new PSAC record for career rushing attempts in the process with 956. His scoring play also put him into a tie for the most overall touchdowns in conference history with 85, matching the mark set by Bloomsburg alum Jamar Brittingham.

Tony Peregrin (Mayfield/Lakeland) caught a career-high five passes for 70 yards to pace the receiving corps while Elliott posted 183 yards of kick return yardage.

Defensively, middle linebacker Justin Shirk (Harrisburg/Central Dauphin) tied a career-high in tackles with 14 along with a sack. Larry Webster (Hagerstown, MD/Elkton) had 1.5 sacks and Andrew Harris (Bethlehem/Whitehall) along with Chris Kennedy (Phoenixville/Archbishop Carroll) each had one as well. David McFadden (Allentown/Allentown Central Catholic) combined with Webster on a sack of Zulli, giving the Huskies five sacks on the night.

Harman caught 12 balls for 134 yards and three scores while Mayer hauled in six passes for a whopping 244 yards and two touchdowns for the Raiders.

Bloomsburg returns to action on Saturday, Nov. 9 with a key PSAC East battle at undefeated and nationally-ranked West Chester. That game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. kickoff.