Football | 10/16/2025 1:51:00 PM

BLOOMSBURG, Pa. -  The Bloomsburg football welcomes Shepherd to Redman Stadium for the 2025 Homecoming and Hall of Fame Weekend. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. at Danny Hale Field. 
 
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WATCH ON YOUR TV
• Fans can watch the game live and on-demand for free on the Bloomsburg Athletics Digital Network.
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MOBILE APP
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• The Live Streaming Video link above will also work on all mobile devices.

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GAME NOTES (PDF)

THE GAME
The Huskies return home to Steph Pettit Stadium this weekend looking to bounce back after a hard-fought 38–35 loss at East Stroudsburg. Bloomsburg (1–5, 0–3 PSAC East) rallied late with two fourth-quarter touchdowns but fell just short in the comeback attempt. The Huskies' offense continued to trend upward, posting 411 total yards and a season-best four passing touchdowns in the setback.

Shepherd (2–4, 2–1 PSAC East) enters Saturday's contest riding a two-game winning streak after posting victories over Millersville and West Chester. The Rams are averaging 404.8 yards per game, led by one of the PSAC East's top rushers in Jordan Barnett, who is averaging 101.2 yards per game and has scored eight times this season. 

THE SERIES
The Huskies and Rams meet for the seventh time overall and the fourth time as PSAC East rivals since Shepherd joined the conference in 2019. The series sits tied at 3-3, with both programs trading momentum over the past decade.

Bloomsburg has claimed the last two matchups, including a dramatic 27–21 double-overtime win last season in West Virginia. The Huskies' defense forced two turnovers inside the red zone, and quarterback KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) accounted for three total touchdowns, including the game-winner on a 9-yard run.

Prior to that, Shepherd won three straight meetings between 2019 and 2022, highlighted by high-scoring contests that often came down to fourth-quarter drives. The series has traditionally featured strong quarterback play and defensive battles in the trenches — a theme expected to continue this weekend at Steph Pettit Stadium.  

SCOUTING SHEPHERD
Shepherd enters this week with a 2-4 overall record and a 2–1 mark in PSAC East play, coming off back-to-back conference wins over Millersville (38–23) and West Chester (28–24). After opening the season with three straight non-conference losses, the Rams have begun to regain their offensive rhythm behind a balanced attack averaging 404.8 yards per game — 248.2 through the air and 156.7 on the ground.

Quarterback Michael Hardyway has settled in under center, completing 121-of-183 passes (66.1%) for 1,402 yards and eight touchdowns with just four interceptions. He ranks among the PSAC's most efficient passers with a 140.5 rating. Hardyway's favorite target is Kordell Batten, who leads the Rams with 34 catches for 415 yards and three touchdowns. Malakai Brown has added 21 receptions for 269 yards and three scores, while Caysen Lanza (270 yards) and Jaden Ashby (255 yards) provide additional depth in a deep receiving corps.

The Rams' ground game has been driven by standout tailback Jordan Barnett, who leads the PSAC East in rushing at 101.2 yards per game. Barnett has rushed for 607 yards and eight touchdowns on 80 carries (7.6 avg.), including a 96-yard burst — one of the longest runs in Division II this year. Grant Swinehart adds balance with 386 rushing yards and three touchdowns, giving Shepherd a potent 1–2 backfield combination.

Defensively, Shepherd has found traction after a rocky start, holding Millersville and West Chester to a combined 47 points over the last two games. Linebacker Nathan Muhle leads the Rams with 33 tackles and 6.0 TFL, while Geo-Di Tolbert and Makai Young each have 32 stops. The secondary has been opportunistic, posting six interceptions, including two each by Klayton Batten and Will Johnson, and returning them for a combined 146 yards.

On special teams, Daishaun Alexander has been a difference-maker in the field position battle, averaging 46.2 yards per punt with 10 punts of 50+ yards and seven inside the 20. Kicker Maxwell Barba is 5-for-6 on field goals with a long of 44 yards, while Klayton Batten provides a spark in the return game with a 74-yard punt return touchdown earlier this season.

The Rams have averaged 28.2 points per game during PSAC play and appear to be finding their stride offensively. With Hardyway's efficiency, Barnett's explosiveness, and an improving defense, Shepherd comes to Bloomsburg looking to keep pace in the PSAC East standings. 

SCOUTING THE HUSKIES
The Huskies enter Week 7 at 1-5 overall and 0-3 in PSAC East play, coming off a narrow 38-35 loss at East Stroudsburg in which the offense totaled 411 yards and posted a season-best four passing touchdowns. Despite the record, Bloomsburg's offense has found its rhythm — averaging 364.3 yards per game, with a balanced attack producing 145.7 rushing yards and 218.7 passing yards per contest.

Offensive Leaders

Quarterback KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) continues to pace the Bloomsburg offense, throwing for 1,312 yards and 13 touchdowns on 90-of-157 passing (57.3%) this season. Riley also ranks among the PSAC East's top dual-threat quarterbacks with 241 rushing yards and a team-leading four rushing touchdowns. He's averaging 258.8 total yards per game, guiding a Huskies unit that has scored 23 total touchdowns through six games.

Riley's top targets include Jerry Griffen-Batchler (Norristown, Pa./Germantown Academy), who leads the team with 436 receiving yards, six touchdowns, and an impressive 19.8 yards per catch. Griffen-Batchler is averaging 87.2 yards per game and has caught multiple scores in three contests. Gabe Brower (Alexandria, Pa./Juniata Valley) ranks second on the team with 23 catches for 339 yards and five touchdowns, while Justin Wolfe (Hollidaysburg, Pa./Hollidaysburg Area) adds 24 receptions for 209 yards and a score. Paul Wojciechowski (Manalapan, N.J./Manalapan) (121 yards, 1 TD) and Eli Zimmerman (Schnecksville, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh) (31 yards) round out a deep rotation of receivers.

On the ground, the Huskies rely on a committee led by Declan Clancy (Lititz, Pa./Manheim Township), who has carried 89 times for 371 yards and a touchdown. Zimmerman has been a reliable red-zone option with four rushing scores, while Brower adds 123 yards and a touchdown from the backfield. Bloomsburg averages 4.0 yards per carry and has 10 rushing touchdowns on the season.

Defensive Front

Bloomsburg's defense has been led by the linebacker trio of Izzy Dobbins (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) (48 tackles), Brady Thompson (Green Lane, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) (44 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 1 sack), and Garrett Garcia (Catawissa, Pa./Southern Columbia) (36 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks). Nahzier Booker (Pottstown, Pa./Pottstown) has emerged as a disruptive edge presence with 5.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble. In the secondary, Idriz Ahmetovic (New Oxford, Pa./New Oxford) and DJ Greene (Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport) have each recorded interceptions, while Zhamir Rowan (Maplewood, N.J./Columbia) leads the defensive backs with a 21-yard return on his pick.

The Huskies have generated eight sacks, 24.0 tackles for loss, and 415 total tackles through six games, allowing 380.5 yards per game while holding opponents to a 48% conversion rate on third down.

Special Teams Impact

Jerry Griffen-Batchler (Norristown, Pa./Germantown Academy) continues to shine on special teams, averaging 138.8 all-purpose yards per game with 218 kickoff return yards and 58 punt return yards. Eli Zimmerman (Schnecksville, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh) adds another dimension in the return game with a 27.7-yard kickoff return average, including a long of 39 yards.

Punter Danen Lorusso (Moorestown, N.J./Roman Catholic) has been a steady weapon, averaging 39.4 yards per punt with five inside the 20-yard line and a long of 50 yards. Kicker Aaron Johnson (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) is 1-for-3 on field goals (long of 31) and 10-for-12 on PATs this season.

ON THIS DAY – OCTOBER 18
Bloomsburg Football History, October 18, 2014
No. 12/13 Huskies Roll To 41-0 Homecoming Win Over Millersville
It was a happy Homecoming Saturday for the Bloomsburg University football team and the 5,237 fans in attendance under partly sunny skies at Redman Stadium as the 12th-ranked Huskies romped to a 41-0 victory over Millersville to move to 6-0 overall on the year and 5-0 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference play.

The Huskies dominated the Marauders (0-6, 0-5) in every statistical category, finishing with a 446-175 edge in total yardage. Bloomsburg racked up 258 yards on the ground and 188 through the air, but the defense was again the star.

Bloomsburg scored its first shutout win since a 21-0 victory at Shippensburg on Oct. 25, 2008 by limiting Millersville to just nine first downs while forcing five turnovers – four interceptions and one fumble recovery.

History, October 18, 1964
Australian swimmer Kevin Berry sets world record 2:06.6 to beat American Carl Robie by 0.9s and win the men's 200m backstroke gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics

QUICK RECAP – 2024 HUSKIES
The Huskies exceeded all expectations by the league's coaches and finished the 2024 season 6-5 and 4-3 in PSAC East action. After being picked to finish last in the East, the Huskies finished third in the conference. Bloomsburg opened the season with a dominant 35-7 win over Fairmont State at home before dropping a heartbreaker to Seton Hill, 15-14, on a last-second touchdown. The Huskies responded with a 32-27 comeback win over Edinboro and went on to defeat West Chester 23-21 at home to finish out the month of September. After three-straight losses to Kutztown, East Stroudsburg, and Lock Haven, Bloomsburg righted ship with a 20-10 win over Shippensburg University to end October. The Huskies went down to Shepherd and came home with a 27-21 double overtime win over the Rams before defeating Millersville 35-27 on Senior Day. The Huskies ended the year with a 27-7 loss to Slippery Rock on the road.

QUICK RECAP – 2024 RAMS
Shepherd finished the 2024 season with a 6-5 overall record and a 3-4 mark in PSAC East play. The Rams opened the year with a 23-0 shutout victory at Southern Connecticut State before falling to nationally ranked Slippery Rock (20-10). Shepherd bounced back with a 27-9 win over Clarion and rolled to a 38-0 victory at Shippensburg. The Rams continued their strong play with a 45-38 win over Lock Haven before dropping contests to West Chester (35-14) and Kutztown (24-0). After defeating Millersville (35-21), Shepherd fell in double overtime to Bloomsburg (27-21) and on the road at East Stroudsburg (28-7). The Rams closed the season on a high note with a 13-10 win at Seton Hill.
 
CONSISTENCY IS KEY
For the first time since his tenure began in 2019, head coach Frank Sheptock went into spring ball and then the regular season with the same coaching staff in 2025. Coach Sheptock added depth to the staff with several student and volunteer assistants, but his coordinators and main position group coaches remained the same. Tim Landis is back for year two as offensive coordinator and the quarterbacks coach. Chris Sprague continues to coach the offensive lines and tight ends. Zach Martin is back at the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach while Johnathan Pruden returns to coach the secondary. Greg Kahn is leading the defensive line once again and Tony Ianerio oversees the running backs and specialists. Josh Bernocco is in his second season as the special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach. Coach Sheptock added Chase Higgins, Peyton Persing, Loughlin Smith, and Nick Troutman as volunteer and student assistant coaches. 
 
KEY LOSSES
The Huskies have several key positions to fill for the 2025 season. Bloomsburg will be without three key All-PSAC East athletes on defense with the departure of Ryan D'Ambra (Southampton, Pa./Archbishop Wood), Giovanni Cancro (Pequannock, N.J./Pequannock Township), and Charles Crews III (Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport Area). The Huskies also lose two of their top receivers to graduation as Owen Anderson (Cogan Station, Pa./Jersey Shore Area) and Matthew Bowes (Somerton, Pa./La Salle College HS) finished their careers in 2024. 

RETURNING ALL-PSAC ATHLETES
Bloomsburg returns All-PSAC East wideout Jerry Griffen-Batchler (Norristown, Pa./Germantown Academy) for his senior season. Griffen-Batchler earned his first All-Conference honor as he was named a PSAC East First Team wide receiver. Griffen-Batchler put together a career year with 48 receptions for 854 yards. He averaged 4.36 catches per game and 17.79 yards per catch. Griffen-Batchler had eight receiving touchdowns and averaged 77.64 yards per game. He had four games with two touchdown catches and three games of 100+ receiving yards. Griffen-Batchler posted six catches for 209 yards and two touchdowns in the Huskies' 35-27 win over Millersville on six catches. His 209 receiving yards were the most by a Husky since 2003. 68 yards came on one touchdown catch for the junior. Griffen-Batchler also returned kickoffs and punts for the Huskies. He had 11 punt returns for 88 yards and had 324 kickoff return yards on the year. Griffen-Batchler had a conference-best 254 all-purpose yards in the Huskies' win over Millersville. For the year, Griffen-Batchler posted 1,259 all-purpose yards and averaged 114.45 yards per game. He finished second in the conference in receiving touchdowns and fifth in receiving yards and yards per game.

LOCKER ROOM TALK 
Head coach Frank Sheptock has found the secret to success in his locker room talks as Bloomsburg has found a way to score in bunches in the first and third quarters and keep their opponents off the board. The Huskies outscored opponents 48-45 in the first quarter and 82-39 in the third quarter during the 2024 season. The third quarter scoring has come extremely efficiently as the Huskies have averaged just 5:53 minutes of possession in the third.   

In the season opener, Fairmont State out-scored Bloomsburg 7-6 in the first quarter, though the Huskies held an 8-3 advantage in the third and out-scored Fairmont State 15-10 in the second half. Three weeks ago against Edinboro, the Fighting Scots out-score Bloomsburg 8-7 in the first quarter, though the Huskies out-scored Edinboro 20-7 in the second half, including a big 13-7 lead in the third quarter. 

OFFENSIVE NOTES
PROTECTING THE QB
Bloomsburg's offensive line has remained one of the PSAC's most dependable units, keeping senior quarterback KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) upright and productive through six games. The Huskies have allowed six sacks for just 33 yards, ranking fifth in the PSAC in sacks allowed and continuing their reputation for sound protection. The veteran front five—led by Coach Sprague's experienced group—opened the season with no sacks in the win over Edinboro and just one in three of the last four games. Their protection has allowed Riley to thrive, including a 264-yard, two-touchdown performance at Fairmont State and four touchdown passes at East Stroudsburg.

PLAYING A CLEAN GAME
Discipline continues to be a defining trait for the Huskies. After leading the PSAC in fewest penalties last season, Bloomsburg again ranks among the league's most disciplined squads. Through six games, the Huskies have committed 31 penalties for 256 yards, an average of 42.7 yards per game—still among the top marks in the PSAC. Opponents, by contrast, have been flagged 38 times for 325 yards. Bloomsburg's poise and focus have helped extend drives and minimize costly mistakes on both sides of the ball.

ALL-PURPOSE JGB
Senior wide receiver Jerry Griffen-Batchler (Norristown, Pa./Germantown Academy) has continued to be one of Division II's most dynamic all-purpose threats. Despite missing a game, he leads the PSAC East and ranks among the top in the nation with 142.4 all-purpose yards per game. Griffen-Batchler has totaled 436 receiving yards, 218 kickoff return yards, and 58 punt return yards, averaging an impressive 19.8 yards per catch. He has six receiving touchdowns, including two at Edinboro and two at East Stroudsburg, and remains a constant big-play threat every time he touches the ball.

LOTS OF OPTIONS
Quarterback KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) continues to spread the ball around, connecting with 10 different receivers this season. Gabe Brower (Alexandria, Pa./Juniata Valley) has become a key target with 23 receptions for 339 yards and five touchdowns, while Justin Wolfe (Hollidaysburg, Pa./Hollidaysburg Area) adds 24 catches for 209 yards and a score. Paul Wojciechowski (Manalapan, N.J./Manalapan) has contributed nine grabs for 121 yards and a touchdown, and Griffen-Batchler leads the team in both receptions (22) and yards (436). The Huskies are averaging 218.7 passing yards per game, their best mark since 2019.

THE RILEY FILE
Senior quarterback KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) remains the engine of the Huskies' offense, showing balance as both a passer and a runner. Riley has thrown for 1,312 yards on 90-of-157 passing (57.3%) with 13 touchdowns and a 147.5 efficiency rating—ranking fourth in the PSAC in passing yards per game (218.7) and tied for fourth in touchdown passes. He's also rushed for 241 yards and four scores, giving him 1,553 total yards of offense and 17 total touchdowns this season. Riley now ranks fifth all-time at Bloomsburg with 5,635 career passing yards and 43 touchdowns.

MOVING FORWARD
The Huskies' rushing attack continues to show balance and improvement. Declan Clancy (Lititz, Pa./Manheim Township) leads the way with 371 yards on 89 carries (4.2 avg.) and a touchdown, including a season-best 113 yards vs. Lock Haven. Eli Zimmerman (Schnecksville, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh) adds 157 yards and four touchdowns, while Riley has chipped in 241 yards and four rushing scores. Gabe Brower (Alexandria, Pa./Juniata Valley) has been explosive on limited carries, averaging 9.5 yards per rush (123 yards, 1 TD). As a team, Bloomsburg has totaled 874 rushing yards, averaging 145.7 per game, providing the balance needed for a multi-dimensional offense.

CAREER MILESTONES
Two of Bloomsburg's offensive standouts continue to climb the all-time charts. KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) surpassed 5,600 career passing yards, moving into fifth all-time in program history, and is on pace to surpass 6,000 by season's end. Jerry Griffen-Batchler (Norristown, Pa./Germantown Academy) now has 2,006 career receiving yards, seventh in school history, needing just 120 yards to tie for sixth all-time. Both are within reach of elite company among Bloomsburg's storied offensive leaders.

DEFENSIVE NOTES 
LBU
Bloomsburg's linebacker corps continues to live up to the "LBU" legacy, spearheading a defense that has produced 415 total tackles, 24 tackles for loss, and eight sacks through six games. Izzy Dobbins (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) leads the team with 48 tackles, followed closely by Brady Thompson (Green Lane, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) (44) and Garrett Garcia (Catawissa, Pa./Southern Columbia) (36), who also has two sacks and three tackles for loss. Nahzier Booker (Pottstown, Pa./Pottstown) remains one of the PSAC's most disruptive defenders with 5.5 TFL, one sack, and a forced fumble, while Idriz Ahmetovic (New Oxford, Pa./New Oxford) adds 39 tackles and two pass breakups. Bloomsburg's physicality and depth at linebacker continue to drive a defense that has forced five turnovers and allowed just 380.5 yards per game despite facing some of the league's top offenses.

THE CORE THREE
The trio of Izzy Dobbins (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic), Brady Thompson (Green Lane, Pa./Upper Perkiomen), and Garrett Garcia (Catawissa, Pa./Southern Columbia) has been the heartbeat of the Huskies' defense, combining for 128 total tackles this fall.

Dobbins leads the team with 48 tackles (20 solo) and two tackles for loss, maintaining his reputation as a sideline-to-sideline playmaker.

Thompson is close behind with 44 stops (21 solo) and three tackles for loss, including one sack—and he posted a season-high 14 tackles at Fairmont State.

Garcia adds 36 tackles, 3.0 TFL (16 yards), and a team-best two sacks, providing steady pressure from the inside linebacker spot.

EDGE PRESSURE AND PLAYMAKING
Bloomsburg's front seven has made its presence felt in the backfield, led by Nahzier Booker (Pottstown, Pa./Pottstown), who's been a consistent disruptor off the edge. Booker ranks among the PSAC's top defensive linemen with 5.5 tackles for loss (25 yards), one sack, and a forced fumble, all while drawing double teams. McKenzie Hazzard (Baltimore, Md./Archbishop Curley) and Ryan Corros (Honey Brook, Pa./Twin Valley) have added four combined sacks and 4.5 TFL, giving the Huskies productive depth up front.

SECONDARY STRENGTH
The Huskies' secondary has quietly developed into one of the PSAC East's most improved units. Safety Idriz Ahmetovic (New Oxford, Pa./New Oxford) ranks fourth on the team with 39 total tackles, along with two pass breakups and consistent leadership on the back end. Zhamir Rowan (Maplewood, N.J./Columbia) has chipped in with one interception (21-yard return) and two breakups, while DJ Greene (Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport) also owns an interception and a pass breakup, adding 20 tackles from his hybrid role. Cornerbacks Ervin Mitchell (Waldorf, Md./Westlake) (13 tackles, three breakups) and Ian Donohue (Schuylkill Haven, Pa./Blue Mountain) (15 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 0.5 sack, one breakup) have provided steady coverage against some of the PSAC's most prolific passing attacks.

DEFENSIVE FRONT IMPACT
The defensive line rotation—featuring Booker, Corros, Hazzard, Emilio Diaz (Lancaster, Pa./Milton Hershey School), and Dylan Clair (Harleysville, Pa./La Salle College HS)—has helped the Huskies hold opponents to just 4.2 yards per rush on the season. Booker and Hazzard have combined for nearly a third of the team's tackles for loss (8.0 total), while Corros has contributed two sacks and a seven-yard TFL. The group's consistency has allowed Bloomsburg to generate interior pressure and limit explosive rushing plays, holding Edinboro and Shippensburg both under 75 rushing yards.

TOTAL DEFENSIVE PROFILE
Through six games, Bloomsburg's defense ranks among the PSAC East's top half in total stops and efficiency:

Tackles: 415 total (225 solo, 190 assists)
Tackles for Loss: 24.0 (-116 yards)
Sacks: 8.0 (-64 yards)
Interceptions: 2 (Rowan, Greene)
Pass Breakups: 19
QB Hurries: 12
Fumble Recoveries: 2 (Booker, Joe Alu (York, Pa./Central York))
Forced Fumbles: 3
Turnovers Gained: 5
Third-Down Defense: Holding opponents to 48% (36-of-75)
Red-Zone TD Defense: Allowing touchdowns on just 59% of red-zone trips (16-of-27)

THE STANDARD CONTINUES
Bloomsburg's defense has forced opponents to work for every yard, allowing 380.5 yards per game but keeping the Huskies within striking distance in nearly every contest. With leadership from Dobbins, Thompson, and Garcia in the middle—and emerging depth up front and in the secondary—the unit continues to carry the "LBU" torch with pride and production.

SPECIAL TEAMS SPOTLIGHT
Special teams continue to be a steady contributor for the Huskies. Jerry Griffen-Batchler (Norristown, Pa./Germantown Academy) ranks among the PSAC's top return specialists with 12 kick returns for 218 yards (18.2 avg.) and three punt returns for 58 yards (19.3 avg.). Eli Zimmerman (Schnecksville, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh) has been strong as well, averaging 27.7 yards per kick return with a long of 39 yards.

Punter Danen Lorusso (Moorestown, N.J./Roman Catholic) has been consistent, averaging 39.3 yards per punt on 20 kicks, including five inside the 20 and a long of 50 yards. His ability to flip field position has been critical in close games.

Kicker Aaron Johnson (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) has gone 1-for-4 on field goals (long of 31) and 10-for-12 on PATs, while Riley and Ahmetovic have handled kickoff duties, averaging 49.5 yards per kick with two touchbacks.

Overall, Bloomsburg's special teams have been a dependable third phase, combining solid coverage, explosive returns, and steady punting to maintain field position advantages.

TEAM TRENDS & EFFICIENCY
BALANCED AND EFFICIENT
Bloomsburg's offense has found consistency through balance, averaging 364.3 yards per game with 218.7 passing and 145.7 rushing yards per contest. The Huskies have scored 23 touchdowns—13 through the air and 10 on the ground—while converting 49% of third downs (36-of-73), ranking among the PSAC East's top three offenses in situational efficiency.

Quarterback KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) has directed a unit that's converting 90% of fourth downs (9-of-10), the best rate in the PSAC and one of the top marks nationally in Division II.

RED-ZONE PRODUCTION
The Huskies have scored on 16 of 19 red-zone trips (84%), with 15 touchdowns and just one field goal. Nine of those scores have come on the ground, while six were through the air. The offensive line's short-yardage push has powered this success—Bloomsburg is 9-for-10 on fourth downs and has scored touchdowns on 79% of red-zone chances, both strong indicators of finish and toughness.

Defensively, the Huskies have forced opponents to settle for field goals on multiple drives, allowing scores on 85% of red-zone trips but limiting touchdowns to just 59% (16-of-27). That mark ranks among the top red-zone touchdown defenses in the PSAC.

PSAC CELEBRATES 75 YEARS 
The PSAC celebrates its 75th Anniversary this season as they highlight four groups of student-athletes, administrators, and important figures from its 17 current member institutions and former members, Cheyney and Mercyhurst. The PSAC will celebrate: 

Made in the PSAC – Released September 3, 2025
Recognizing former student-athletes that have gone on to influential careers after graduation (which could be in the sports industry, but not as a professional athlete.)

Bloomsburg Honorees:
Charlie Chronister - Men's Basketball
Chuck Day - Men's Basketball
Alan Eck - Football
Mary Pakenas Garder - Administrator/Swimming
Jen Bryan Grana - Women's Basketball
Danny Hale - Football
Dan Klingerman - Wrestling
Steph Pettit - Football
 
75 Greatest Female Athletes – Released September 10, 2025
Recognizing former female student-athletes that had exceptional athletic careers during or after their participation in the PSAC.

Bloomsburg Honorees
Julie Bugg – Women's Soccer, 1994-99
Daneen Fero Zaleski – Field Hockey, 1985-89
Susan Kocher – Softball, 1983-87, current Bloomsburg softball head coach 
Theresa Lorenzi – Women's Basketball, 1985-89
Jamie Vanartsdalen – Field Hockey, 2005-2008
Alison Tagliaferri – Mansfield, Basketball, Softball, 2001-06, current Bloomsburg women's basketball head coach
 
75 Greatest Male Athletes – Released September 17, 2025
Recognizing former male student-athletes that had exceptional athletic careers during or after their participation in the PSAC.

Bloomsburg Honorees
Ricky Bonomo – Bloomsburg, Wrestling, 1984-88 
Jahri Evans – Bloomsburg, Football, 2003-07
Stu Marvin – Bloomsburg, Men's Swimming, 1974-78
Franklyn Quiteh – Bloomsburg, Football, 2009-13
Jerry Radocha – Bloomsburg, Men's Basketball, 1969-77
Irv Sigler – Bloomsburg, Football, 1995-99

Distinguished Keystones – Released September 24, 2025
Individuals that have been historically influential in the PSAC, whether it be staff, coaches, or administrators.

Bloomsburg Honorees
Jim Doyle – Bloomsburg, Broadcaster, 1970-Present
Jan Hutchinson (East Stroudsburg '71) – Bloomsburg, Field Hockey Coach, Softball Coach, 1978-09
Eleanor Wray – Bloomsburg, Coach, Administrator, 1960-86

SHEPTOCK ERA
Sheptock was named the 28th head football coach in Bloomsburg University as he returns to his alma mater to take over the Huskies' program. Sheptock was at Division III Wilkes University as the defensive coordinator from 1990-95 and then took over the Colonels' program and served as head coach from 1996-2014. While at Wilkes, Sheptock went 107-81 overall and established the program record for most wins in a season (11) and career (107) while leading the Colonels to nine postseason appearances.
 
A member of the NCAA Division II Team of the Quarter Century (1973-97), Sheptock played linebacker for head coach George Landis and holds the school records for tackles in a career (537), single-season (159), and single-game (23), as well as career fumble recoveries (12). His program record for tackles in a single game, in fact, occurred during the national semifinal contest at North Alabama.

HOME OPENER AND SPECIAL EVENTS
The Huskies returned to Redman Stadium for their home opener two weeks ago against Edinboro, and picked up their first win of the season, 34-18. During halftime, Bloomsburg Athletic recognized all student-athletes, coaches, and teams who earned honors during the 2024-25 winter and spring seasons.

The team returned home two weeks ago to take on Lock Haven at 2:00 p.m. This game served as both the Husky Legacy Club Game and the annual Think Pink game. During the event, Bloomsburg honored the championship teams from 1985 (40th anniversary), 1995 (30th), 2000 (25th), 2005 (20th), and 2010 (15th).

The Huskies honor the five Hall of Fame inductees on Saturday against Shepherd.

HUDDLE WITH THE HUSKIES
For the second-straight year during the 2025 season, Huddle with the Huskies will take place at the West End Ale Haus on Main Street in Bloomsburg.
 
The two Huddle with the Huskies evenings will be September 18 and October 16. The September 16 date previewed the home opener for the Huskies against Edinboro on September 20 and recap the first two weeks on the road. KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) and Brady Thompson (Green Lane, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) were the featured Huskies. The Thursday, October 16 date serves as the mid season review and preview for the Huskies Homecoming match-up with Shepherd on October 18.
 
The events are open to the public, and appetizers are available as supplies last, beginning at 6:00 p.m. with a short program to follow. During the program, Coach Sheptock will speak about the season, preview the upcoming game(s), and introduce members of the coaching staff and players from this year's roster.
 
Those joining the team for Huddle with the Huskies are encouraged to stay following the formal programming to enjoy a delicious dinner and drinks at the West End Ale Haus. 

43rd ANNUAL HALL OF FAME CELEBRATION
The members of the 2025 Hall of Fame Class are Tim Baer (Football – 2000), Vicki Davis (Women's Cross Country/Track & Field – 2013/14M), Dr. Louis Mingrone (Men's Soccer – Coach), Sharla Partlon (Field Hockey – 2005), and Carl Poff (Wrestling – 1979). The induction brunch and ceremony will occur on Sunday October 19, at the Kehr Union Ballroom. Doors open at noon for cocktail hour. Lunch service begins at 12:45 pm, followed by the induction ceremony at 1:30 pm. The five will bring the enshrined number to 218.
 
2025 PSAC PRESEASON POLL
The Bloomsburg football team was selected to finish fifth in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division by the league's head coaches in the annual preseason poll on Thursday.
 
For the second consecutive year, the Kutztown Golden Bears were selected No. 1 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference's Eastern Division Football Preseason Poll, as voted on by the conference's head coaches. In 2025, Kutztown earned the maximum seven first-place votes and are the two-time defending PSAC champions.
 
East Stroudsburg was voted No. 2 in the East, and the No. 3 team in the poll is West Chester. Shepherd earns the No. 4 spot in this year's poll after finishing with a 6-5 overall record in 2024. Bloomsburg was voted No. 5 in the 2025 poll after improving to a 6-5 overall record last fall. The Huskies will feature a pair of returning offensive standouts in WR Jerry Griffen-Batchler (Norristown, Pa./Germantown Academy) (Norristown, Pa./Germantown Academy) and QB KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) (Danville, Pa./Danville Area), while LB Brady Thompson (Green Lane, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) (Green Lane, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) (85 tackles, 9.0 TFL, 2.5 sacks) is back to help lead the defense.

Lock Haven is ranked No. 6 and Shippensburg comes in at No. 7 in this year's poll. Millersville rounds out the East and is ranked No. 8.
 
On the West, PSAC runner's up, Slippery Rock claimed the top spot with four first-place votes while IUP claimed three top votes to take second in the poll. California (Pa.) is third while Gannon is fourth heading into the 2025 season. Seton Hill claimed the No. 5 spot and Edinboro came in at No. 6 in the preseason poll. Clarion rounded out the West in the No. 7 spot.

Bloomsburg finished the season 6-5, their first winning season since 2018, and 4-3 in PSAC East play to finish third in the conference.