Football | 11/6/2025 12:03:00 PM

BLOOMSBURG, Pa. -  The Bloomsburg football team welcomes #4 Kutztown to Redman Stadium for the PSAC East finale on Saturday, November 8. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m. at Danny Hale Field. 
 
LIVE INTERNET COVERAGE
• Live Stats  |  Provided by Bloomsburg
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• Live Audio (Online and Radio)  |  Provided by Bigfoot Country 106.5
 
WATCH ON YOUR TV
• Fans can watch the game live and on-demand for free on the Bloomsburg Athletics Digital Network.
 • Search for "Bloomsburg Athletics Digital Network" in the app stores on Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku and Android TV devices to download the app. All 11 regular season Bloomsburg football games will be available on the app.
 
MOBILE APP
• Fans can also watch all PSAC football games on the PSAC Sports Digital Network mobile app that is available for free in the app stores on Apple and Android devices.
• The Live Streaming Video link above will also work on all mobile devices.

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Game Notes (PDF)

THE GAME
The Huskies (2–7, 1–5 PSAC East) return home to Redman Stadium, hosting perennial PSAC East contender Kutztown University (6–3, 5–1 PSAC East). Bloomsburg looks to rebound from last week's heartbreaking 46–44 triple-overtime loss at West Chester, where the Huskies racked up 447 yards of total offense and matched a season-high with four passing touchdowns from KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area).
 
Kutztown enters Week 10 as the #4-ranked team in NCAA Division II and one of the hottest programs in the country. The Golden Bears are a perfect 9-0 (6-0 PSAC East) after dismantling East Stroudsburg 49-6 last week. They've outscored opponents 396–65 and own the PSAC's top scoring offense (44.0 ppg) and top defense (7.2 ppg). Kutztown has won 29 straight regular season games, dating back to 2023.
 
THE SERIES
Bloomsburg and Kutztown meet for the 79th time in a rivalry that dates back to 1927, making it one of the longest-running series in the PSAC. The Huskies hold a 48–29–1 advantage all-time, though the Golden Bears have gained momentum in recent years, winning the last eight meetings, including a 42-10 victory last fall at Andre Reed Stadium. Bloomsburg's last win in the series came in 2015 with a 27-21 overtime triumph at Redman Stadium, while the Huskies have historically controlled play at home with a 28–11–1 record in Bloomsburg.
 
SCOUTING KUTZTOWN
Kutztown enters Week 10 ranked No. 4 nationally and sits atop the PSAC East standings at 9–0 overall and 6–0 in conference play. The Golden Bears have outscored opponents 367–77, averaging 40.8 points per game while allowing just 8.6, the top scoring defense in Division II. Head coach Jim Clements' team remains the most balanced group in the PSAC, ranking second in total offense (407.4 yards per game) and first in total defense (208.3 yards allowed per game).
 
OFFENSE
 
The Golden Bears' offense revolves around efficiency and physicality.
Quarterback Judd Novak has thrown for 1,893 yards and 16 touchdowns with zero interceptions, completing 66.8 percent of his passes and posting a 180.11 passer rating, the best in the PSAC.
 
Running back Steven Burkhardt anchors the ground game with 771 yards on 112 carries (6.9 avg) and eight rushing touchdowns, leading the PSAC East in scoring. He has eclipsed the 100-yard mark three times this season, including a season-high 146 yards against Shippensburg.
 
Through the air, Noah Kracyla has emerged as Novak's favorite target, hauling in 27 receptions for 486 yards and two touchdowns. Rich Paczewski has 17 catches for 291 yards and a touchdown while Lenniek Preston has hauled in 16 passes for 271 and a team-leading four touchdowns. .
 
DEFENSE
 
Kutztown's defense remains the hallmark of its success. The Golden Bears lead the PSAC in virtually every category:
 
7.2 points per game allowed (No. 2 in NCAA DII)
 
88.3 rushing yards allowed per game
 
142.0 passing yards allowed per game
Brandon Strausser leads the Golden Bears with 38 total tackles including 2.5 TFL (six yards) while added three pass break ups and two quarterback hurries. Ty Kephart is second on the team with 34 total tackles and 2.5 TFL (7 yards). Kyree Butler hs 24 total tackles but leads the team with 5.0 TFL (22 yards) and 2.0 sacks (16 yards). He has two quarterback hurries and a forced fumble as well. Lawron Short leads the team with 3.0 total sacks for 13 yards and a quarterback hurry.
 
SPECIAL TEAMS
 
Kicker Will Smith has converted one of three field goal attempts for a long of 31 yards this year. Smith is 7-for-7 on point after attempts and Dakota Campbell is 44-for-48 on PATs. Nate Millard handles the punt duties for the Golden Bears and is averaging 41.54 yards per punt with a long of 72 yards and has two touchbacks and 12 fair catches. He has pinned opponents inside their own 20 yard line six times. Smith handles the kickoff duties with 59 kickoffs and is averaging 59.0 yards per kick with 14 touchbacks and sent three out of bounds.
 
OUTLOOK
 
Kutztown combines a veteran offensive core with a suffocating defense that has not allowed more than 17 points in any game this season. Their ability to control time of possession (32:13 per game) and win the turnover margin (+1) has fueled another championship-caliber campaign. To stay close, Bloomsburg will need to establish early drives, neutralize Burkhardt's rushing lanes, and force Novak into long-yardage situations against one of the nation's stingiest defensive units.
 
SCOUTING THE HUSKIES
Bloomsburg enters Week 10 continuing to showcase one of the PSAC East's most balanced and efficient offenses. The Huskies are averaging 383.4 yards per game—including 160.8 on the ground and 222.7 through the air—their highest offensive output since 2019.
 
OFFENSE
 
Quarterback KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) continues to lead the Huskies' attack with precision and poise. The senior has thrown for 2,004 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 402 yards and six scores, accounting for 27 total touchdowns this fall. He has at least one TD pass in every game this season and multiple scores in seven of nine contests.
 
Riley's top target, Jerry Griffen-Batchler (Norristown, Pa./Germantown Academy), has elevated his play into All-PSAC form, posting 702 yards and eight touchdowns on 40 receptions. The senior also ranks second in the league in all-purpose yardage (124.0 per game), contributing as both a receiver and returner. Behind him, Gabe Brower (Alexandria, Pa./Juniata Valley) continues his steady contributions with 38 catches for 567 yards and seven touchdowns. Brower adds 174 yards on 20 carries as well. Justin Wolfe (Hollidaysburg, Pa./Hollidaysburg Area) has emerged as a reliable target for Riley with 34 catches for 345 yards and three touchdowns.
 
The rushing attack has provided the balance head coach Frank Sheptock has emphasized all year. Declan Clancy (Lititz, Pa./Manheim Township) leads the ground game with 581 yards and three touchdowns, while Zimmerman adds 242 yards and four scores. Together with Riley's mobility, the trio has helped Bloomsburg top 200 rushing yards in three games this season.
 
Up front, the offensive line continues to shine in protection—allowing just eight sacks in nine games, one of the lowest totals in Division II.
 
DEFENSE
 
The Huskies' defense has leaned on physicality and depth, recording 602 total tackles, 39 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks through nine games. Linebackers Brady Thompson (Green Lane, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) (62 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 sacks) and Izzy Dobbins (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) (61 tackles, 3 TFL) anchor the unit, while Nahzier Booker (Pottstown, Pa./Pottstown) (9.5 TFL, 3 sacks) has been a disruptive force on the defensive line.
 
Idriz Ahmetovic (New Oxford, Pa./New Oxford) leads the Huskies' secondary with 52 total tackles, one interception and a pair of pass breakups. Tyler Frey (York, Pa./Central York) has stepped in as a true freshman and added 39 total tackles this season, including 1.0 TFL (4 yards) and an interception while breaking up another two passes. Cole Turner (Royersford, Pa./Spring-Ford) has been productive on the outside for the Huskies with 45 total tackles and four pass break ups. 
 
SPECIAL TEAMS
 
Bloomsburg's special teams have been steady and opportunistic. Aaron Johnson (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) has provided consistency in the kicking game, converting 3-of-5 field goals and 20-of-24 extra points. Ahmetovic averages 50.3 yards per kickoff and has three touchbacks this season.
 
Sophomore wide receiver turned kicked has added a spark for the Huskies with 20 of 24 point after attempts converted and is 3-for-5 on field goals with a career-long FG of 38 yards.
 
Punter Danen Lorusso (Moorestown, N.J./Roman Catholic) continues to flip field position with a 37.4-yard average and seven punts inside the 20. On returns, Eli Zimmerman (Schnecksville, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh) averages 24.2 yards per kickoff and Jerry Griffen-Batchler (Norristown, Pa./Germantown Academy) 19.3 per punt, giving the Huskies one of the PSAC East's top return tandems.
 
COMPARING THE OFFENSES
Bloomsburg:
Senior quarterback KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) has thrown for 2,004 yards and 21 TDs, rushing for six more. The Huskies' backfield duo of Declan Clancy (Lititz, Pa./Manheim Township) (581 yds) and Eli Zimmerman (Schnecksville, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh) (242 yds, 4 TD) anchors a rushing attack that averages 160 yards per game.
 
Kutztown:
Sophomore QB Judd Novak (1,893 yds, 16 TD, 0 INT) directs the PSAC's most balanced offense. The ground game—led by Steven Burkhardt (771 yds, 8 TD) and Jaedyn Stewart (370 yds, 7 TD)—has produced 32 rushing scores while averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
 
COMPARING THE DEFENSES
Bloomsburg:
Linebackers Brady Thompson (Green Lane, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) (62 tackles) and Izzy Dobbins (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) (61) anchor the defense, while Nahzier Booker (Pottstown, Pa./Pottstown) adds 9.5 TFL and 3 sacks. The Huskies have forced nine turnovers and remain physical up front despite facing one of the toughest offensive slates in the PSAC East.
 
Kutztown:
The Bears have yielded only 3 rushing TDs and are +10 in turnover margin. Defensive standouts include Kyree Butler (5 TFL, 2 sacks), Jhaisir Harden (2 INT, TD), and Kahlil Williams (4 TFL, 2 sacks). Kutztown has shut out three opponents and allowed zero first-quarter points all season.
 
INTANGIBLES
Bloomsburg has thrived on grit and resilience, pushing three games to the final possession. Kutztown has dominated from the opening whistle, outscoring opponents 250–37 in first halves. The Huskies' path to an upset lies in winning turnover margin and forcing Kutztown into long-field situations—something few teams have accomplished this season..
 
KEY MATCHUPS
Riley vs. Kutztown's Secondary: Riley's quick reads will be tested by a unit allowing only 142 passing yards per game with 7 INTs.
Clancy & Zimmerman vs. KU Front Seven: The Huskies must sustain the run to keep Kutztown's offense off the field.
Huskies' Front Seven vs. Burkhardt/Stewart: Containing Kutztown's 6.1-yard rushing average is crucial to slowing the tempo.
Field Position: Special-teams execution could swing momentum, particularly against KU's explosive returners.
 
ON THIS DAY – NOVEMBER 8
 
Bloomsburg Football History, November 8, 2014
No. 5 Huskies Win 10th Straight With 40-3 Victory at Lock Haven
 
 The Bloomsburg University football team made good use of its last chance to tune up for next weekend's Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championship Game, rushing for 303 yards in a convincing 40-3 win at Lock Haven on Saturday afternoon.
 
With the victory the fifth-ranked Huskies (10-0, 9-0 PSAC East) stretch their winning streak to 10 and set up a re-match for the PSAC title next week at Slippery Rock. The Huskies defeated Slippery Rock (8-2, 7-2 PSAC), the PSAC West champion by way of tiebreaker following its win over Clarion and a loss by California (PA) at Mercyhurst, in last year's PSAC Championship Game.
 
Bloomsburg led 13-3 at halftime, but dominated after the break to put the game on ice.
 
Bloomsburg outgained Lock Haven by a 487-165 margin and added to its national leading turnover margin by tallying three interceptions – along with Spangler, Eric Schwartz (York/Central York) and Ezra Ranco (Collegeville/Perkiomen Valley) also had picks. In all, the Huskies defense surrendered just nine first downs on the day.
 
Munger led the offense with 117 yards on 22 carries. Joe Parsnik (Wilkes-Barre/Coughlin) added his second career 100-yard rushing day with 104 yards on 14 totes.
 
Kelly finished 13 of 18 for 184 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Chad Hoffman (Drums/Hazleton) and McFadden both caught five passes for 81 yards.
 
Tomas Cabrera (Hanover/Hanover Area) tallied seven tackles along with a forced fumble while Gary Postell (Philadelphia/Bishop McDevitt) added six stops.
 
History, November 8, 1966
Frank Robinson, Baltimore Orioles outfielder, selected as AL MVP, first player to win MVP in both leagues
 
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 GOLDEN BEARS
Kutztown capped the 2024 season with an impressive 11–1 overall record and a perfect 7–0 mark in PSAC East play. The Golden Bears captured the PSAC Championship and advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs, where they fell in a narrow overtime loss to Slippery Rock in the second round. Quarterback Judd Novak and running back Steven Burkhardt combined for more than 3,200 total yards as Kutztown ranked among the PSAC leaders in both scoring and total offense, while the defense stood out as one of the league's best—allowing just 13.5 points per game and ranking top-five nationally in rushing defense.
 
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.
 
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 two 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.
 
Last week, 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
Head coach Frank Sheptock continues to stress fast starts and strong finishes—and through nine games, the Huskies have lived up to that mindset with consistent second-half surges and late-game execution. Bloomsburg has scored 34 points in the first quarter, 71 in the second, 56 in the third, and 75 in the fourth, with over 60 percent of their total scoring (146 of 236 points) coming in the second and fourth quarters.
 
That late-half production was on full display at Millersville, where Bloomsburg erupted for a season-high 511 total yards and 21 second-half points in a 37–21 road victory. The following week at West Chester, the Huskies once again found rhythm after halftime, posting 17 second-half points and 447 total yards.
 
OFFENSIVE NOTES
 
Riley's Command
Senior quarterback KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) continues to drive one of the PSAC East's most balanced offenses. Through nine games, Riley has accounted for 2,406 total yards (2,004 passing / 402 rushing) and 27 total touchdowns (21 passing / 6 rushing). He's completed 57.4 percent of his passes and has thrown at least one touchdown in every contest, including multiple scores in seven of nine games. His dual-threat ability has produced four games of 275+ total yards, giving the Huskies consistent rhythm both through the air and on the ground.
 
Griffen-Batchler's All-PSAC Form
Senior wideout Jerry Griffen-Batchler (Norristown, Pa./Germantown Academy) remains the focal point of Bloomsburg's aerial attack and one of Division II's premier all-purpose threats. He leads the Huskies with 40 receptions for 702 yards and 8 touchdowns, while also contributing 232 kick-return yards and 58 punt-return yards. Griffen-Batchler averages 124.0 all-purpose yards per game and 17.6 yards per catch, ranking top-two in the PSAC East in both categories.
 
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 rushing attack has delivered steady production behind an experienced offensive line that has allowed just 7 sacks in 249 dropbacks—one of the fewest totals in Division II.
 
Declan Clancy (Lititz, Pa./Manheim Township) leads the team with 581 yards and 3 touchdowns on 131 carries (4.4 avg).
Eli Zimmerman (Schnecksville, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh) adds 242 yards and 4 scores, complementing Riley's 402 rushing yards and 6 TDs.
 
The Huskies have eclipsed 200 rushing yards in three games and average 4.3 yards per carry. Bloomsburg's offense has converted 79 percent of red-zone trips into touchdowns (22-of-28), ranking among PSAC leaders in scoring efficiency.
 
PLAYING A CLEAN GAME
Bloomsburg continues to rank among the nation's most disciplined teams, committing just 48 penalties for 430 yards through nine games — 47.8 yards per game — to sit second in the PSAC and top-10 nationally. Opponents have been flagged 55 times for 494 yards, a difference that has consistently given the Huskies an edge in possession and momentum.
 
ALL PURPOSE JGB
Senior receiver Jerry Griffen-Batchler (Norristown, Pa./Germantown Academy) remains one of the PSAC's elite multipurpose threats. Despite missing one game, he leads Bloomsburg with 40 receptions for 702 yards and eight touchdowns, adding 232 kickoff return yards and 58 punt return yards for 992 all-purpose yards (124.0 per game). Griffen-Batchler ranks fourth in the PSAC in all-purpose yardage and first in receiving yards per game (87.8).
 
CAREER MILESTONES
KJ Riley (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) has surpassed 6,300 career passing yards (6,327) and 51 touchdowns, ranking fifth all-time at Bloomsburg and within reach of fourth place in school history (Glen McNamee – 6,950). This season he's completed 140-of-244 passes for 2,004 yards and 21 touchdowns while adding 402 rushing yards and six scores.
 
Griffen-Batchler has now joined the Huskies' 2,000-yard receiving club (2,335) and ranks fifth all-time in career receptions (151). His eight touchdowns lead the team and mark his most productive season to date.
 
RUSHING DUO ROLLING
The Huskies' ground game continues to produce behind Declan Clancy (Lititz, Pa./Manheim Township) (581 yards, 3 TD) and Eli Zimmerman (Schnecksville, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh) (242 yards, 4 TD). Combined with Riley's mobility (402 yards, 6 TD), Bloomsburg averages 160.8 rushing yards per contest and has topped 200 yards three times this season. The Huskies have out-rushed their opponent in five of nine games and maintain a 4.3 yards-per-carry average.
 
EFFICIENT ON THIRD AND FOURTH
The Huskies rank second in the PSAC in third-down efficiency (51%) and first on fourth down (72%). Bloomsburg has converted 13-of-18 fourth-down tries this season and is 8-for-9 over its last three games. Inside the red zone, the offense has scored on 25-of-28 trips (89%), including 22 touchdowns..
 
Linebacker Leadership
The Huskies' defense continues to build on the program's "Linebacker U" tradition with standout seasons from Brady Thompson (Green Lane, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) and Izzy Dobbins (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic). Thompson leads the team with 62 tackles, 4 TFL, and 2 sacks, while Dobbins has added 61 tackles and 3 TFL. The duo has combined for over 20 percent of the team's total stops and provides reliable pursuit at all levels.
 
Booker's Breakout Season
Defensive lineman Nahzier Booker (Pottstown, Pa./Pottstown) has been a disruptive force up front, recording 9.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks, both team highs. Booker's two-sack effort at Millersville set the tone for a five-sack defensive day and showcased his ability to collapse pockets and command double-teams. His burst off the edge has been central to Bloomsburg's improvement in third-down defense.
 
Secondary Stability
The back end has matured into a disciplined, opportunistic unit led by Idriz Ahmetovic (New Oxford, Pa./New Oxford) (52 tackles, 1 INT), Tyler Frey (York, Pa./Central York), and Zhamir Rowan (Maplewood, N.J./Columbia). DJ Greene (Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport) and Cole Turner (Royersford, Pa./Spring-Ford) have combined for multiple pass breakups and timely interceptions. Opponents are completing just 55 percent of their passes against the Huskies, and Bloomsburg has forced turnovers in six of nine games.
 
Defensive Identity
Through nine contests, Bloomsburg has produced 588 tackles, 39 TFL (–196 yds), and 16 sacks (–129 yds) while allowing 4.3 yards per rush. The defense has limited opponents to a 62 percent red-zone touchdown rate and ranks among the PSAC East's most disciplined units, committing few penalties and excelling in assignment execution.
 
SPECIAL TEAMS SPOTLIGHT
Aaron Johnson (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) anchors the kicking unit with 3-of-5 field goals (long 38) and 20-of-24 PATs, scoring 29 points.
 
Danen Lorusso (Moorestown, N.J./Roman Catholic) continues to impact field position, averaging 37.4 yards per punt with seven pinned inside the 20.
 
Return specialists Eli Zimmerman (Schnecksville, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh) (24.2 kick-return avg, long 41) and Jerry Griffen-Batchler (Norristown, Pa./Germantown Academy) (19.3 punt-return avg) give Bloomsburg one of the PSAC's top special-teams tandems, combining for nearly 600 return yards on the year.
 
TEAM TRENDS & EFFICIENCY
383.4 yards per game (160.8 rush / 222.7 pass)
51% third-down / 72% fourth-down conversions
89% red-zone scoring / 79% red-zone TD rate
5.3 penalties per game (47.8 yds) — Top 10 nationally
36 total touchdowns (21 pass / 15 rush)
 
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