Football | 10/6/2017 9:23:00 AM

BLOOMSBURG (4-1, 2-0 PSAC East) vs KUTZTOWN (3-2, 1-1 PSAC East)
Saturday, October 7, 2017 (2:30 PM)
Danny Hale Field at Redman Stadium - Bloomsburg, Pa.
Homecoming Weekend

GAME NOTES
Bloomsburg Game Notes
Kutztown Game Notes
PSAC Week 6 Notes

GAME COVERAGE
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RELATED LINKS
Bloomsburg - Schedule | Roster | Statistics
Kutztown - Schedule | Roster | Statistics

SERIES HISTORY
Bloomsburg leads the all-time series, 47-22-1
Streak: Kutztown 1W

Last Meeting: October 8, 2016 at Kutztown (Kutztown 34, Bloomsburg 24)
First Meeting: October 1, 1927 at Bloomsburg (Bloomsburg 30, Kutztown 0)
Largest Bloomsburg Win: November 6, 1965 at Kutztown (47-0)
Largest Kutztown Win: October 5, 1991 at Kutztown (67-19)

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
- This marks the 71st meeting in the series between the two schools, dating back to the first meeting in 1927 - a 30-0 home win for the Huskies. Bloomsburg has a 47-22-1 record in the series, which includes a mark of 27-7-1 at home. The Huskies have won 11 straight in Redman Stadium against the Golden Bears and are 15-1-1 in Bloomsburg since 1982. Last season's win by Kutztown was its first against the Huskies since 2011 and just the second in the last 20 meetings.

- Today's matchup features two teams that don't turn the ball over often. Bloomsburg has committed only five turnovers to date (three fumbles, two interceptions) and is +3 in turnover margin. Kutztown, meanwhile, has turned the ball over only three times (one fumble, two interceptions) and is +10 in turnover margin this season - second in the PSAC and third in the country.

- The game, however, also features two of the top penalized teams in the conference, and in the country. Bloomsburg has been penalized 38 times for 396 yards through five games - 12th in the PSAC and 122nd in the country. Kutztown, meanwhile, has been flagged 48 times for 485 yards - last in the PSAC and 157th in the nation. The Huskies and the Golden Bears have combined to allow 29 opponent first via penalty this season.

- Bloomsburg enters the 2017 season having posted a winning record for 18 consecutive years dating back to a 5-6 mark in 1998. The Huskies have recorded a winning record in 22 of the last 23 seasons.

- The Huskies have scored at least one point in 167 consecutive games and have recorded at least one touchdown in 122 straight contests.

LAST WEEK
Redshirt sophomore Alex Gooden (Parkesburg, Pa./Octorara) rushed for a career-high 164 yards (18 carries) and freshman Jordan Villafane (East Stroudsburg, Pa./Stroudsburg) broke up a potential game-tying touchdown pass on Millersville's last play from scrimmage as Bloomsburg held off the Marauders, 28-21, on Saturday afternoon at Chryst Field at Biemesderfer Stadium. Facing a fourth-and-14 from its own 28 yard line, Millersville was forced to go for it with less than a minute remaining and only one timeout left. Quarterback Tony Staffieri went deep looking for his top receiver, Kevin Wiggins. The wideout appeared to have a couple of steps on the Huskies' defense but Villafane leapt and got his fingertips on the pass to knock it away. Bloomsburg ran for 269 yards and four scores in the win. Gooden averaged 9.1 yards per carry and had four attempts of at least 10 yards including a career-long 53-yard scamper late in the second quarter. It was the longest rush of the season for the Huskies. Redshirt sophomore Qmac Quiteh (Tobyhanna, Pa./Pocono Mountain West) added 82 yards on 18 carries while redshirt sophomore Tre Green (West Chester, Pa./B. Reed Henderson) had only one carry but it was a big one - a 33-yard burst up the middle for the Huskies' third touchdown of the contest. It was Green's first collegiate score.

Kutztown's Conor Sullivan caught a touchdown pass and quarterback Collin DiGalbo found Josh Lee on the two-point conversion try to tie the game at 21-21 with 1:55 to go, but West Chester answered with the game-winning touchdown on the final drive to down the Golden Bears 27-21 on Saturday afternoon in West Chester. Kutztown rushed for a season-low 60 yards but limited West Chester to only 56 yards on the ground. DiGalbo threw for 205 yards and a score with Sullivan catching a team-high five passes for 71 yards. West Chester had 318 yards passing in the win.

GOING STREAKING
Bloomsburg's victory over Cheyney two weeks ago marked the 28th consecutive win over the Wolves in the all-time series. Bloomsburg has not lost to Cheyney since a 31-28 setback, in Bloomsburg, on October 14, 1989. The winning streak represents a school-record against a single opponent. Meanwhile, with the win last Saturday at Millersville, the Huskies have now won 18 consecutive contests against the Marauders dating back to a 31-21 loss at home during the 1999 campaign.

GROUND GAME
The Huskies rushed for a season-high 277 yards in the win over Cheyney and then added 269 yards on the ground in last Saturday's win over Millersville. Bloomsburg totaled only 332 total yards on the ground during the first three contests of the season (110.7 per game) but have combined to rush for 546 yards (273.0 per game) in the last two contests. With the back-to-back 200-plus-yard efforts on the ground, Bloomsburg has now totaled at least 200 rushing yards in a game 32 times in 52 career games under head coach Paul Darragh. Bloomsburg is 29-3 in those contests.

THREE-HEADED MONSTER
After getting off to a slow start on the ground over the course of the first three weeks, the Huskies have developed a trio in their backfield that have been on fire over the last two contests. Last Saturday, redshirt sophomore Alex Gooden (Parkesburg, Pa./Octorara) rushed for a career-high 164 yards on only 18 carries  after totaling 150 yards over his first three games of the season. In the last two games, Gooden has 255 yards and two scores on 27 carries (9.4 yards per carry). Redshirt sophomore Qmac Quiteh (Tobyhanna, Pa./Pocono Mountain West) has rushed for at least 67 yards in all five games this season and is averaging 5.4 yards per carry over the last two games while scoring three times. Redshirt sophomore Tre Green (West Chester, Pa./B. Reed Henderson) has also emerged as a backfield threat as he has rushed for 105 yards and a score on just seven carries (15.0 yards per carry) over the last two weeks.

WORKING AHEAD
The Huskies have been tremendous when scoring first and while working with a lead under head coach Paul Darragh. Last Saturday, the Huskies scored first and led after each of the first three quarters en route to the 28-21 victory over the Marauders. It marked the third time this season that Bloomsburg scored first, improving its record to 25-2 since Darragh took over in 2013. Meanwhile, during the Darragh era, the Huskies are 25-1 when leading after one quarter, 30-1 when leading at halftime, and 32-2 when leading after three quarters.

GETTING OFF THE FIELD
Bloomsburg's defense has done a tremendous of stalling opponent drives this season. The Huskies enter Saturday's contest having allowed only 21 first downs on 69 opponent third-down opportunities (30.4%) through the first five games of the season. That figure is second in the PSAC and ranks 21st in the country. After allowing Stonehill to go 7-of-18 on third downs in the opener, Clarion and Gannon combined to go 3-of-24 (12.5%) on third down chances in weeks two and three. Cheyney was 6-of-13 two weeks ago while Millersville converted 5-of-14 opportunities.
 
GARY EARNS DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONOR
Redshirt junior Chris Gary (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Wood) was named the PSAC East Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts during the Huskies' 48-19 victory over visiting Cheyney University. Gary, the PSAC leader in sacks a season ago, was up to his old tricks on Saturday as he finished the day with five total tackles, four tackles for a loss, three sacks, a forced fumble, and a quarterback hurry. Gary's three sacks tied a career high and his four tackles for a loss established a new career best. His second sack of the game also proved to be his second forced fumble of the season and led to a 51-yard fumble return for a touchdown by freshman Aaron Trumino (Binghamton, N.Y./Chenango Valley).

SACK ATTACK
Bloomsburg recorded a season-high six sacks against Cheyney and has now recorded 13 sacks over the last three games after collecting only two through the first two weeks. Bloomsburg is third in the PSAC with 15 sacks and trails only Slippery Rock (17) and Shippensburg (16) on the season.

SCHWARTZ EARNS FIRST WEEKLY AWARD
Senior Eric Schwartz (York, Pa./Central York) was named the PSAC East Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the Huskies' 27-10 win over Gannon. Schwartz, arguably, had the best game of his collegiate career as he led the Huskies with nine total tackles (seven solo), a sack, and an interception during the Huskies' 17-point win. He was also an integral part in limiting Gannon's offense to only 10 points (34 below Gannon's season average) and 321 yards of total offense (176.5 below Gannon's season average). The nine tackles established a new career-high for Schwartz and the sack was the first of his collegiate career (37 career games). His interception came late in the fourth quarter - at the Bloomsburg 37-yard line - and led to an Abbott field goal with under a minute remaining to put the game out of reach. It was Schwartz' first interception since November 8, 2014 during a victory at Lock Haven.

POPSON CONTINUES BREAKOUT
Redshirt sophomore Jay Popson (Mountain Top, Pa./Crestwood) made his first collegiate start at wide receiver against Stonehill and took advantage of the opportunity by catching seven passes for 121 yards. He entered the contest with two career catches and 27 career receiving yards but has quickly emerged as redshirt senior Chris Palubinsky (Ringtown, Pa./Shenandoah Valley)'s main target. His 121 receiving yards marked the first time a Bloomsburg receiver eclipsed 100 yards receiving yards in a game since Connor Gades hauled in 102 yards against Lock Haven on November 7, 2015. He has led the Huskies in receiving yards in each of the four of the first five games and currently ranks 11th in the PSAC in receiving yards per game (74.8).

ANOTHER QUITEH LEADS THEM
Following in his older brother's footsteps, redshirt sophomore Qmac Quiteh (Tobyhanna, Pa./Pocono Mountain West) picked up his first collegiate 100-yard rushing effort as he carried the ball 29 times for 118 yards in the 29-20 victory at Clarion on September 9. He added his second career 100-yard game with 108 yards and two scores against Cheyney. Through five games this season, Quiteh leads the Huskies with 449 yards rushing and five touchdowns on 102 carries. He entered the season with 14 career carries for 99 yards and two scores. Quiteh ranks fifth in the PSAC in rushing yards per game (89.8) and he has led the Huskies in rushing in four of the first five games. Quiteh is the younger brother of Bloomsburg's - and the PSAC's - all-time leading rusher, Franklyn Quiteh who compiled 7,523 rushing yards from 2010-13. Franklyn won the Harlon Hill Trophy as the nation's top player in Division II during his senior season of 2013 after rushing for 2,195 yards and 29 scores. He was a three-time Harlon Hill finalist.

ABBOTT EARNS WEEKLY HONOR
Redshirt junior placekicker Ryan Abbott (Hagerstown, Md./Saint James School) was named the PSAC East Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts in the Huskies' 29-20 victory at Clarion University. It marks the second time in Abbott's career that he has been honored with a weekly award from the PSAC. He also claimed the PSAC East Special Teams Player of the Week honor on September 25, 2016 - on the heels of last season's 54-14 victory at Cheyney University. Abbott was a perfect 3-of-3 on field goals and 2-of-2 on extra points as he helped the Huskies to their first win of the 2017 campaign. It marked a new career-high in field goals made in a game for Abbott – his previous high was two set on two different occasions last season (at Cheyney on September 24 and at IUP on November 12). He connected on a 30-yard field goal late in the first half which, at the time, gave the Huskies a 17-13 lead over the Golden Eagles. His 35-yarder on the Huskies' first drive of the second half tied the game at 20-20 and then his 33-yard boot late in the third quarter gave Bloomsburg the lead for good at 23-20.

DIRTY LAUNDRY
In the 29-20 victory at Clarion, the teams combined for 28 penalties and 297 penalty yards with the Huskies getting flagged 15 times for 145 yards in the victory. Last season, Bloomsburg was penalized only 61 times for 553 yards (50.3 yards per game) and allowed only nine opponent first downs via penalty. In fact, the Huskies were the least penalized team in the conference last year. This season, Bloomsburg has been flagged 38 times for 396 yards (79.2 yards per game) and have allowed 14 opponent first downs via penalty. The Huskies rank 12th in the PSAC in fewest penalty yards per game and is 122nd in Division II.

SELDOM HAPPENS
The Huskies rushed for only 79 yards in the season-opening loss to Stonehill - just the fifth time in 48 games under head coach Paul Darragh that the team has been held to under 100 yards rushing. The Huskies are 1-4 in such games with the only victory coming against Shippensburg on November 5, 2016 when the ground game picked up 96 yards in a 22-19 win. Redshirt sophomore Qmac Quiteh (Tobyhanna, Pa./Pocono Mountain West) led the Huskies with 15 carries for 74 yards while also scoring his third career rushing touchdown. The rest of the team accounted for 16 carries for five yards.

FOR OPENERS
The season-opening loss to Stonehill marked just the second time in the last 18 home openers, dating back to the 2000 season, that the Huskies found themselves on the wrong end on the scoreboard. The Skyhawks also earned a victory at Redman Stadium back in 2015. Meanwhile, the 44 points allowed by the Huskies were the most allowed by a Bloomsburg team in a season-opener since a 47-37 setback against New Haven to open the 1999 campaign. It also marked the most given up in a game since a 58-20 loss at Shippensburg in the 2012 NCAA playoffs on November 17, 2012.

CAPTAINS NAMED
Bloomsburg will go with a trio of captains this season - redshirt seniors Aaron Allison (Philadelphia, Pa./Frankford), Scott Beltz (Pen Argyl, Pa./Pen Argyl), and Eric Schwartz (York, Pa./Central York). Allison, a tight end from Philadelphia, has appeared in 36 games entering the 2017 season and has career 37 catches for 443 yards and five scores. Beltz, a defensive lineman from Pen Argyl, enters the season with 86 total tackles and 4.5 sacks in 32 career contests. Schwartz, a safety from York, has played in 32 career games and has 60 total tackles and an interception.

SERVICEMEN
Schwartz spent four years in the service, serving as a lance corporal before promotion to corporal. During his time in the Marines, Schwartz was deployed for nine months in Kunjak, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, where he worked as an infantry machine gunner. Deployed in 2009, he spent his days in a combat position on top of a truck, responsible for tactical employment of a heavy machine gun to provide direct fire in support of his unit. He also served a tour of duty in the Mediterranean Sea with an expeditionary unit. Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Alex Findura (Bloomsburg, Pa./Woodland (Ga.)) also served in the United States Marine Corps Infantry for four years. Findura's training and experience led him to become a member of an elite team called the Body Bearers, stationed in Washington D.C.  As a part of the Body Bearers, Findura was tasked with aiding in the funerals of fallen soldiers.

PRESEASON POLL
The Huskies were picked to finish fourth in the PSAC preseason coaches poll released in early August. Bloomsburg finished in a tie for third last year with a 6-5 overall record and a 4-3 mark in divisional play. The six victories snapped a streak of 17 straight seasons of seven or more victories but extended the program's streak to 18 straight years of having a winning season. The Huskies have had a winning record in 22 of the last 23 seasons.

JONASSEN TO ENTER BU HALL OF FAME
Former Husky great Eric Jonassen will be inducted into the Bloomsburg University Hall of Fame on October 27 as part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2017. Jonassen is the father of starting center, Seth Jonassen (Schwenksville, Pa./Perkiomen Valley).

Eric Jonassen was a dominant offensive lineman for two seasons on the Huskies' football team and earned a number of postseason accolades during his time at Bloomsburg. He was a two-time First Team All-PSAC selection and collected numerous All-American honors including being named Second Team AP All-American in 1990, First Team AP All-American in 1991, and First Team AFCA All-American in 1991. He was also tabbed a First Team Football Gazette All-American twice. After his collegiate career, Jonassen was drafted in the fifth round of the 1992 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers. He played three seasons in San Diego, participating in Super Bowl XXIX, and then played two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before retiring after the 1997 season.

Other members of this year's class are Michele Baylor Kane (women's lacrosse), Kathy Frick (field hockey, women's lacrosse coach), Chuck Laudermilch (women's soccer coach), Ralph Moerschbacher (men's swimming), and Michelle Wolyniec (women's cross country/track and field). The ceremony will take place on Friday, October 27 and then the six individuals will be honored at halftime of Bloomsburg's home game against Lock Haven on Saturday, October 28.

SCOUTING KUTZTOWN
The Golden Bears enter Saturday's contest with a 3-2 overall record and a 1-1 mark in the PSAC Eastern Division. Kutztown was picked to finish second in the east after its representation in the State Game last season.

Kutztown does not turn the ball over and the offense runs through quarterback Collin DiGalbo and running back Craig Reynolds. Reynolds ranks third in the PSAC in all-purpose yardage with 974 (194.8 per game) as he leads the team in rushing (377 yards, four touchdowns) and receiving (336 yards, five touchdowns). DiGalbo, meanwhile, has completed 57.2% of his passes for 1,048 yards and 11 touchdowns with only two interceptions. DiGalbo also has 192 yards and three scores on the ground. Conor Sullivan ranks second on the team in receiving with 17 catches for 235 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensively, the Golden Bears have forced 13 opponent turnovers, including nine interceptions. Shawn Turber-Ortiz leads the team with three picks while Tajier Jefferson and Jake Perry have two interceptions apiece. Jefferson leads the squad with 39 tackles through five games and also has four tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles. Jalen Nieves has 36 stops to rank second on the team. Chris Kimbiz is the main threat to get to the quarterback as he leads the team in both tackles for a loss (7.0) and sacks (3.0).

UP NEXT
Bloomsburg will embark on a two-game road swing beginning next Saturday, October 14, when it travels to West Chester University for a 12:30 p.m. kickoff. The Golden Rams lead the all-time series against the Huskies, 49-26, including last season's 27-7 win over Bloomsburg during Homecoming Weekend at Danny Hale Field at Redman Stadium. The Golden Rams have won three of the last four meetings between the two schools.