Football | 11/14/2025 2:35:00 PM

BLOOMSBURG, Pa. -  The Bloomsburg football team welcomes Slippery Rock to Danny Hale Field at Redman Stadium for the final game of the 2025 season.
 
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Game Notes (PDF)

THE GAME
The Bloomsburg Huskies (2-8, 1-6 PSAC East) close out the 2025 season with a non-conference matchup at home against Slippery Rock (6-3, 3-3 PSAC West) on Saturday afternoon at Redman Stadium. It marks Bloomsburg's final appearance in front of its home crowd this fall after a competitive stretch of late-season contests, including a 35-27 battle with Kutztown last week in which the Huskies threw for a season-high 334 yards and three touchdowns.

Slippery Rock enters the finale looking to rebound from a 38-8 setback at Edinboro last Saturday. Despite that loss, "The Rock" remains one of the PSAC's most dynamic teams, averaging more than 419 yards per game with a balanced offensive attack and an 8.2-yard-per-pass average over the past two months.

Saturday's contest will serve as an important measuring stick for the Huskies' emerging offensive core, led by quarterback KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) and wideouts Jerry Griffen-Batchler (Norristown, Pa./Germantown Academy) and Gabe Brower (Alexandria, Pa./Juniata Valley), as Bloomsburg aims to finish the season on a high note at home.

THE SERIES
Bloomsburg and Slippery Rock meet for the 17th time in program history, with the Huskies holding a 11-5 edge all-time. The programs last met to conclude the 2024 season, a 27–7 win for Slippery Rock at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. The Huskies' last victory in the series came in 2013, a 42-38 win in Bloomsburg for the Huskies to win the PSAC Championship that season.

SCOUTING THE ROCK
Led by head coach Shawn Lutz, Slippery Rock enters the weekend ranked among the PSAC's most complete teams statistically. The Rock averages 419.3 yards per game (216.7 rushing, 202.7 passing) and has scored 40 touchdowns through nine games.

Dual-threat quarterback DaOne Owens has thrown for 1,503 yards and 13 touchdowns while rushing for 262 yards and seven scores, accounting for 20 total touchdowns. Running back JayJay Jordan leads the PSAC in rushing with 1,194 yards (132.7 per game) and 10 touchdowns, while Latrell Sutton and John Sabo pace the receiving corps with a combined 47 catches for 817 yards and nine touchdowns.

Defensively, the Rock allows just 363.0 yards and 24.3 points per game, led by playmakers Michael Henwood (2 INT, 1 TD), Tyler Cain (2 INT), and linebacker Carmen Metcalfe (1 INT, 9 return yards). The team has recorded 17 takeaways and limited opponents to 46-of-119 (39%) on third-down conversions.

On special teams, Kevin Roberts handles both kicking and punting duties, connecting on 3-of-7 field goals and averaging 38.6 yards per punt, while Joe White has emerged as one of the PSAC's top returners with a 12.7-yard punt-return average and one touchdown. 

SCOUTING THE HUSKIES
Head coach Frank Sheptock's squad continues to show balance and growth despite a schedule stacked with ranked PSAC opponents. The Huskies average 386.1 yards per game, including 233.8 passing and 152.3 rushing, while ranking second in the PSAC in third-down conversion rate (51%) and first in fourth-down efficiency (75%).

Quarterback KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) has been among the PSAC's most productive dual threats, accounting for 2,767 total yards (2,338 passing, 429 rushing) and 30 total touchdowns (24 passing, 6 rushing). His 334-yard, three-touchdown effort against Kutztown last week marked his third 300-yard performance of the season.

Senior receiver Jerry Griffen-Batchler (Norristown, Pa./Germantown Academy) continues to anchor the aerial attack, ranking fourth in the PSAC with 809 receiving yards and nine touchdowns despite missing one game. His 122.1 all-purpose yards per game rank top-five in the conference. Fellow senior Gabe Brower (Alexandria, Pa./Juniata Valley) adds 718 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, including a 10-catch, 151-yard day versus Kutztown.

On the ground, Declan Clancy (Lititz, Pa./Manheim Township) (598 yds, 4 TD) and Eli Zimmerman (Schnecksville, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh) (261 yds, 4 TD) give Bloomsburg steady production, while the offensive line has allowed just 17 sacks across 10 games — among the fewest in the league.

Defensively, linebackers Brady Thompson (Green Lane, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) (65 tackles, 5 TFL) and Izzy Dobbins (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) (62 tackles, 3 TFL) lead a unit that has generated 17 sacks and nine takeaways. Nahzier Booker (Pottstown, Pa./Pottstown) (9.5 TFL, 3 sacks) and Cole Turner (Royersford, Pa./Spring-Ford) (51 tackles) provide strength up front, while Idriz Ahmetovic (New Oxford, Pa./New Oxford) and Tyler Frey (York, Pa./Central York) each have interceptions to anchor a secondary that continues to develop against PSAC passing attacks.

Special teams remain a bright spot — Aaron Johnson (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) (3-for-5 FG, 23-for-28 PAT) and punter Danen Lorusso (Moorestown, N.J./Roman Catholic) (36.7 avg, 8 inside 20) headline the kicking unit. Zimmerman averages 23.8 yards per kick return, while Griffen-Batchler adds 19.3 per punt return, both among PSAC leaders.

INTANGIBLES — THE VETERAN VS. THE CHALLENGER
Riley's experience — 40 career starts, 6,600+ passing yards, 54 touchdowns — gives Bloomsburg a leadership edge against a Slippery Rock team that has thrived in rhythm but shown vulnerability in tight games. When Riley settles in, Bloomsburg's tempo offense can stress even elite defenses with multiple formation looks, quick screens, and vertical seams to Griffen-Batchler and Gabe Brower (Alexandria, Pa./Juniata Valley) (718 yds, 8 TD). Both veterans will be central to the Huskies' offensive identity Saturday. If Riley and Griffen-Batchler can find their rhythm early — as they did in a 334-yard, three-touchdown effort last week — Bloomsburg has the playmakers to trade scores with The Rock and send their seniors out with a statement win.

PLAYMAKERS IN SPACE — GRIFFEN-BATCHLER VS. JAYJAY JORDAN
Though they play on opposite sides of the ball, Griffen-Batchler and Jordan will both command defensive attention every snap. Griffen-Batchler's ability to flip field position as both a receiver and returner (17.8 yards per kickoff, 19.3 per punt) gives Bloomsburg a crucial edge in special teams, while Jordan's combination of vision and burst has turned short gains into game-changing plays for Slippery Rock. The key will be field position: Bloomsburg averages 33.9 yards per kickoff and has been efficient in sustaining drives (51% third-down conversion). If the Huskies can keep Jordan and The Rock's offense starting deep in their own territory, their chances at a Redman Stadium upset rise dramatically.

BATTLE IN THE TRENCHES — ESTABLISHING THE RUN
While both offenses can throw the football, the winner may hinge on who controls the ground game. Bloomsburg averages 152.3 rushing yards per game, paced by Declan Clancy (Lititz, Pa./Manheim Township) (598 yds, 4 TD) and Eli Zimmerman (Schnecksville, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh) (261 yds, 4 TD), with Riley adding 429 rushing yards and six touchdowns of his own.

The Huskies have topped 200 rushing yards three times this season and out-rushed their opponents in five of ten contests. Their offensive line has been among the league's steadiest, allowing just nine sacks all season despite Riley's mobility and extended play style.

Slippery Rock, meanwhile, owns one of the PSAC's most explosive rushing attacks, averaging 216.7 yards per game behind JayJay Jordan, who ranks second in Division II with 1,194 yards and 10 touchdowns. Bloomsburg's defensive front, led by Nahzier Booker (Pottstown, Pa./Pottstown) (9.5 TFL, 3 sacks) and Brady Thompson (Green Lane, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) (65 tackles, 5 TFL), will be challenged to contain Jordan's 8.2-yard average and force third-and-long situations that favor the Huskies' coverage packages.

DEFENSIVE LEADERSHIP
Linebackers Brady Thompson (Green Lane, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) (65 tackles, 5 TFL, 3 sacks) and Izzy Dobbins (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) (62 tackles, 3 TFL) continue to anchor the defense. Nahzier Booker (Pottstown, Pa./Pottstown) (9.5 TFL, 3 sacks) has been a force on the line, while Tyler Frey (York, Pa./Central York), Zhamir Rowan (Maplewood, N.J./Columbia), and Idriz Ahmetovic (New Oxford, Pa./New Oxford) each have interceptions. Bloomsburg's unit has recorded 17 sacks and forced 10 turnovers, holding opponents to 45 percent on third down.

RILEY VS. THE ROCK'S SECONDARY
Bloomsburg senior quarterback KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) enters the season finale as one of the PSAC's most seasoned and versatile signal-callers, surpassing 6,300 career passing yards to rank fifth all-time at Bloomsburg. Riley has accounted for 2,767 total yards and 30 touchdowns this fall — including 24 passing scores — and has thrown for over 200 yards in seven of ten games. He's at his best when extending plays and attacking vertically, and his chemistry with senior receiver Jerry Griffen-Batchler (Norristown, Pa./Germantown Academy) has been the engine behind the Huskies' late-season surge.

Riley's poise in the pocket will be tested by a Slippery Rock defense that has eight interceptions and 17 sacks, led by ballhawks Michael Henwood (2 INT, 1 TD) and Tyler Cain (2 INT). Slippery Rock allows just 195 passing yards per game, ranking among the top units in the PSAC West, and thrives on pressure disguised from its edge linebackers. Riley's ability to diagnose coverage pre-snap and get the ball out quickly will be essential to neutralizing SRU's pass rush and keeping the Huskies' offense balanced.

GRIFFEN-BATCHLER VS. THE ROCK'S CORNERS
Few receivers in the PSAC have been as consistent and explosive as Jerry Griffen-Batchler (Norristown, Pa./Germantown Academy). The senior from New Jersey has racked up 809 yards and nine touchdowns on 47 receptions in just nine games, ranking fourth in the PSAC in receiving yards per game (89.9) and among the top five in all-purpose production (122.1 ypg).

Griffen-Batchler's blend of size, speed, and catch radius makes him a mismatch against most single coverage looks. He has caught a touchdown in six of nine appearances and posted back-to-back 100-yard performances in October. He'll be matched against a disciplined Slippery Rock secondary that's allowed only 10 passing touchdowns all year, relying on its physical corners to press early and funnel receivers inside to its linebackers. Expect Riley and Griffen-Batchler to test that coverage early — particularly on post and corner routes, where they've connected multiple times for explosive gains this season, including a 54-yard score at East Stroudsburg and several red-zone completions in tight coverage.i

ON THIS DAY – NOVEMBER 15

Bloomsburg Football History, November 15, 2014
Rally Falls Short As Huskies Fall, 28-26, To Slippery Rock in PSAC Championship Game

For the second consecutive year the Bloomsburg University football team faced off with Slippery Rock in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championship Game – and for the second consecutive year the squads delivered an instant classic.

Unfortunately for the Huskies, this year's edition saw a late rally by Bloomsburg fall just short in a 28-26 defeat under sunny skies at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.

This time around, the Bloomsburg defense forced three second half turnovers – five in all – but could not overcome a 14-point fourth quarter hole while suffering its first loss of the year. Now 10-1 overall, the fifth-ranked Huskies will await their NCAA Playoff fate with the Selection Show scheduled for Sunday evening at 5 p.m. Slippery Rock (9-2) hopes its win will be enough to vault into the national playoff bracket after entering the day ranked eighth in Super Region One.

Kelly finished with career highs in completions (21), attempts (42) and passing yards (293) while Elliott did likewise in both receptions (five) and receiving yards (102). Chad Hoffman (Drums/Hazleton) also had a career-best six grabs for 84 yards while D.J. McFadden (Willow Grove/Abington) caught three passes for 52 yards.

Buck was named Championship Game Most Valuable Player, finishing 17 of 27 for 256 yards and two scores with two interceptions. German caught five passes for 94 yards while Greene became just the second player to rush for over 100 yards against the Huskies this season – 21 carries for 116 yards.

Defensively, Justin Shirk (Harrisburg/Central Dauphin) had a season-high 14 tackles while Gary Postell (Philadelphia/Bishop McDevitt) tallied a personal-best 10 stops. Spangler and Andrew Harris (Bethlehem/Whitehall) each had eight tackles. Cabrera made six stops with a fumble recovery and interception.

History, November 8, 1966
Frank Robinson, Baltimore Orioles outfielder, selected as AL MVP,first player to win MVP in both leagues

QUICK RECAP – 2025 HUSKIES
Bloomsburg enters the final week of the 2025 campaign at 2–8 overall (1–6 PSAC East) after facing one of the league's most difficult schedules and delivering several explosive offensive performances—most notably 511 yards at Millersville, 447 yards at West Chester, and 334 passing yards against nationally ranked Kutztown.

The Huskies opened the year with a 40–41 shootout at Fairmont State before dropping another tight contest at Seton Hill. Bloomsburg responded with a decisive 34–18 win over Edinboro, but four straight league setbacks pushed the Huskies to 1–6 entering late October. The turning point came at Millersville, where BU erupted for a season-high day on the ground (215 rushing yards) and a +3 turnover margin. Bloomsburg fell in a triple-overtime thriller at West Chester, 46–44, before a 35–27 setback to #4 Kutztown in the home finale.

Despite the record, the Huskies have shown major statistical leaps from 2024:
– +31 yards per game in total offense (386.1)
– +70 yards per game in passing offense (233.8, highest since 2018)
– Top-10 nationally in fewest penalties per game (5.3)
– 51% on third down, second in the PSAC
– 75% on fourth down, first in the PSAC

Now, Bloomsburg closes the season against perennial PSAC powerhouse Slippery Rock with momentum from two of its top offensive outings of the year.

QUICK RECAP – 2024 SLIPPERY ROCK
Slippery Rock finished last season at 11–2, reaching the NCAA second round and establishing itself again as one of the top programs in Division II. SRU averaged more than 430 yards per game and held opponents under 20 points per contest. Although the 2025 Rock roster varies, the program continues to rely on elite tempo, explosive passing, and defensive pressure—mirroring several strengths Bloomsburg has faced this year against Kutztown, Shepherd, and East Stroudsburg.
 
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) (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.

I'M HONORED
Bloomsburg linebacker Nahzier Booker (Pottstown, Pa./Pottstown) earned the first PSAC Weekly Honor for the Huskies as he was named the PSAC East Defensive Athlete of the Week following a dominant all-around performance that anchored the Huskies' 37-21 road victory over Millersville three weeks ago.

Booker was everywhere for the Bloomsburg defense, finishing with a game-high 11 tackles including two sacks and three tackles for loss, while forcing a fumble and spearheading a front seven that limited the Marauders to just 96 rushing yards on 33 carries.

The sophomore linebacker was instrumental in halting several Millersville drives, recording both of his sacks on the Marauders final drive. His relentless pressure also helped force three interceptions as the Huskies' defense produced five total sacks and seven tackles for loss, holding the Marauders scoreless in the third quarter and to just one touchdown after halftime.

Two weeks ago, Aaron Johnson (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) was named the PSAC Special Teams Player of the Week after his standout performance against West Chester on Saturday. 

Johnson converted all five extra points and a pivotal 32-yard field goal as time expired in regulation to force overtime in the longest game in Bloomsburg football history.

Johnson's steady leg helped keep the Huskies alive in a back-and-forth battle that featured several lead changes, ultimately sending the contest to a dramatic 46–44 finish in triple overtime.

Johnson went 6-for-6 on total kicks (5 PATs, 1 FG) and repeatedly came through under pressure, including the game-tying kick with no time left on the clock to cap a 60-yard drive in the final minute of regulation. His poise and reliability were instrumental in Bloomsburg's offensive rhythm and special teams consistency throughout the game, as he accounted for nine total points in a contest that featured no margin for error.

LOCKER ROOM TALK 
Bloomsburg continues to produce its strongest football late in halves—an identity that has held firm through 10 weeks. Updated scoring by quarter:

1st: 33 | 2nd: 82 | 3rd: 55 | 4th: 93 | OT: 19 – Total: 282 

Over 60% of all scoring (175 of 282 points) has come in the second and fourth quarters. The last month alone has highlighted the trend:

– 511 yards & 21 second-half points in a 37–21 win at Millersville.
– 447 yards & 17 second-half points in a triple-overtime battle at West Chester.
– 334 passing yards and a late surge against nationally ranked Kutztown.

OFFENSIVE NOTES

Riley's Command
Senior quarterback KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) continues to deliver one of the most productive seasons in school history.

Season Totals:
– 2,338 passing yards, 24 TD (school top-10)
– 429 rushing yards, 6 rushing TD
– 2,767 total yards (276.7/game) – one of the top totals in the PSAC
– 57.6% completion, 166–288 passing

Riley has thrown multiple touchdowns in seven games, topped 250+ passing yards three times, and owns two 4-TD performances (ESU, West Chester).
Career: 6,327 yards, fifth all-time at Bloomsburg.

Griffen-Batchler's All-PSAC Form
Despite missing one game, JGB remains one of the most dangerous players in Division II.

2025 Totals:
– 47 receptions, 809 yards, 9 TD, long 54
– 17.2 yards per catch
– 232 kick return yards, 58 punt return yards
– 1,099 all-purpose yards (122.1/game) – top five in the PSAC

He leads the team in receiving TDs and yards per game and has produced explosive plays in nearly every matchup.

Depth and Distribution
Riley has spread the ball effectively among a deep receiving corps:

Gabe Brower (Alexandria, Pa./Juniata Valley) – 38 catches, 567 yards, 7 TDs
Justin Wolfe (Hollidaysburg, Pa./Hollidaysburg Area) – 27 receptions, 345 yards, 3 TDs
Paul Wojciechowski (Manalapan, N.J./Manalapan) – 10 catches, 141 yards, 1 TD

Together, the Huskies average 222.7 passing yards per game, their best clip in six seasons.

Ground Game Growth
The offensive line has allowed just 10 sacks all season (55 opponent sack yards), one of the lowest totals in the region.

Rushing Leaders:
– Declan Clancy (Lititz, Pa./Manheim Township): 598 yards, 4 TD, long 34
– KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area): 429 yards, 6 TD
– Eli Zimmerman (Schnecksville, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh): 261 yards, 4 TD
– Gabe Brower (Alexandria, Pa./Juniata Valley): 184 yards, long 34.

Bloomsburg averages 152.3 rushing yards/game and 4.1 yards per carry.

PLAYING A CLEAN GAME
The Huskies remain one of Division II's most disciplined teams:
– 53 penalties for 475 yards — 47.5 per game (top-10 nationally)
– Opponents: 58 for 534

Red-Zone Execution
Bloomsburg's offense remains among the PSAC's best inside the 20:
– 28-of-32 scoring (88%)
– 25 touchdowns, including 12 rushing & 13 passing
– 78% touchdown rate, top tier in the conference

ALL PURPOSE JGB
Griffen-Batchler's 1,099 all-purpose yards leads the Huskies:
– Receiving: 809
– KR: 232
– PR: 58
– Avg: 122.1 yards/game 

CAREER MILESTONES
– KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area): 6,661 passing yards (5th all-time), 54 passing TD
– JGB: 2,442 career receiving yards, 158 career receptions (top five in school history) 

RUSHING DUO ROLLING
Bloomsburg averages 152.3 rushing yards/game and has out-rushed its opponent in five games. Clancy leads with 598 yards, Zimmerman adds 261, and Riley contributes 429 from the QB position. 

EFFICIENT ON THIRD AND FOURTH
Bloomsburg remains one of the PSAC's most efficient situational offenses:
– 51% on third down (66-129)
– 75% on fourth down (15-20)
– 89% red-zone scoring

Linebacker Leadership
Brady Thompson (Green Lane, Pa./Upper Perkiomen): 65 tackles, 5 TFL, 3 sacks
– Izzy Dobbins (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic): 62 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack

They anchor a defense allowing just 4.3 yards per rush.

Booker's Breakout Season
Nahzier Booker (Pottstown, Pa./Pottstown) remains the defense's most explosive playmaker:
– 9.5 TFL, 3.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
– Dominant 3-TFL, 2-sack games vs. Millersville and Lock Haven

Secondary Stability
– Idriz Ahmetovic (New Oxford, Pa./New Oxford): 58 tackles, INT
– Tyler Frey (York, Pa./Central York): 46 tackles, INT
– Zhamir Rowan (Maplewood, N.J./Columbia): INT (21-yard return)
– Cole Turner (Royersford, Pa./Spring-Ford): 51 tackles
Opponents complete just 66.5% of passes (PSAC average is higher).

Defensive Identity
Season totals:
– 645 tackles, 40 TFL, 17 sacks
– 5 interceptions, 4 fumbles recovered
– 31 pass breakups, 16 QB hurries

SPECIAL TEAMS SPOTLIGHT
Aaron Johnson (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) (K)
– 3-for-5 FGs (long 38)
– 23-for-28 PATs
– PSAC Special Teams Athlete of the Week

Danen Lorusso (Moorestown, N.J./Roman Catholic) (P)
– 36.7 yards/punt
– 13 fair catches, 8 inside the 20

Return Game
– Eli Zimmerman (Schnecksville, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh): 22 KR, 524 yards, long 41
– JGB: 232 KR yards, 58 PR yards

TEAM TRENDS & EFFICIENCY
– 386.1 yards/game (152.3 rush / 233.8 pass)
– 40 TDs (24 pass / 16 rush)
– 51% third-down, 75% fourth-down
– 88% red-zone scoring
– 5.3 penalties/game

Bloomsburg's offensive balance, disciplined play, and defensive pressure have defined its 2025 identity. With momentum from two of its best offensive performances of the year and a veteran core leading both sides of the ball, the Huskies aim to close the home schedule strong against a nationally ranked opponent.

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 against Lock Haven on October 4 and the 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 honored the five Hall of Fame inductees on October 18 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 was last Sunday October 19, at the Kehr Union Ballroom. 

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.