SRU football roughs up Shippensburg in shutout as DaOne Owens becomes first freshman QB to win since 2009
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock’s Jacob Snow (0) celebrates with Michael Dahn (27) as Dahn goes for a touchdown in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock’s Quentin Harrison (22) dives to the goal line to try and score in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock’s Xander McClure (3) catches a pass for a touchdown in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock’s Xander McClure (3) celebrates with fans after a touchdown in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock’s Quentin Harris (22) and Xander McClure (3) celebrate a touchdown in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock’s Reggie Fleurima (8) sticks the ball out to break the plane for a touchdown in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Slippery Rock defeated Shippensburg 42-0 in a college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Slippery Rock University's Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
SLIPPERY ROCK — One could almost hear the flick of the switch.
After watching his team turn the football over on downs twice in Shippensburg territory to begin the game, Slippery Rock University junior Joe White settled underneath a punt at his own 27-yard line.
He started up the middle, then darted toward an open left sideline, completing a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown and the game’s first points. The Rock offense then scored touchdowns on their next five possessions to run away from the Raiders 42-0 Saturday night at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.
“We got off to a slow start offensively again. ... That punt return was huge,” SRU coach Shawn Lutz said. “Special teams plays like that can deflate the opposing team.”
The play marked The Rock’s first punt return for a score since Jermaine Wynn against Clarion in 2021.
White said his coaches have been saying since training camp “we were gonna get one this year” and could see the play developing.
“It was the perfect play,” White said. “Everybody on the unit blocked somebody on that return. Everyone had a hand in it. It was up to me to finish it off.”
SRU (3-0) finished off Shippensburg (0-3) with an exclamation point.
The Rock defense forced six turnovers — three interceptions and three fumble recoveries — while SRU did not turn the ball over. SRU entered the game minus-2 in the turnover/takeaway category and turned the ball over four times last week.
“We completely flipped that script,” Lutz said.
After Rock cornerback Michael Dahn intercepted a pass to give SRU possession at the Raider 30 late in the first quarter, Demeatric Crenshaw capped a short drive with a 1-yard touchdown run and The Rock had a 14-0 lead.
Redshirt freshman quarterback DaOne Owens polished off the next four Rock possessions with touchdown passes. He connected with Slippery Rock High School graduate John Sabo from 9 yards out, Xavier McClure from 25 and Reggie Fleurima from 58 as SRU took a 35-0 lead into halftime.
Owens added a 61-yard scoring toss to Latrell Sutton in the third quarter to end the scoring for the evening. Owens became the first freshman quarterback to start a game for SRU since 2016 and the first to win a game since Ryan O’Rourke did so in 2009.
Owens appreciated the early support from the special teams and defense.
“It was massive,” he said. “They got our offense going. We were able to settle in and start putting drives together. I looked back through to see when the last time a freshman quarterback started here.
“To be the first one in that long a time ... I feel good about it and appreciate the coaches having confidence in me.”
Shippensburg was 0 for 4 in the red zone. Teddy Gregory Jr. returned an interception 51 yards for The Rock. Tyler Cain also picked a pass off while Trever Valenti, Elijah Halley and Brian Young Jr. recovered fumbles. Kanye Thompson forced two fumbles.
SRU tallied six sacks, as well.
“We knew coming in it was imperative we put pressure on their quarterback,” Rock linebacker Jacob Snow said. “We forced him into a few mistakes. Getting the shutout was big for us.
“When the first teamers left the field (early in the fourth quarter), we were coaching up the No. 2 guys, cheering them on from the sidelines. It was pretty cool.”
SRU posted its first shutout since a 31-0 win over Clarion in 2022.
The Rock plays its third straight home game, opening PSAC West play against defending division champion California (Pa.) at 6 p.m. Saturday.
Notes: Sabo’s touchdown was his first collegiate score. He led The Rock with four catches Saturday night. His father was a defensive end at SRU. “I think it’s awesome, what John is doing,” Lutz said. “He’s worked his butt off to get to this point. He’s proving that local guys can play here. ... Saturday’s win marked Lutz’s 85th as head coach, tying him with Shippensburg’s Mark Maciejewski for No. 2 among active PSAC coaches. ... SRU won its 37th consecutive night game, dating back to 2012. ... The Rock is also 24-1 in PSAC East crossover games since 2013.
Shippensburg 0 0 0 0 — 0
Slippery Rock 14 21 7 0 — 42
First Quarter
SRU — Joe White 73 punt return (Kevin Roberts kick), 5:47
SRU — Demeatric Crenshaw 1 run (Roberts kick), 3:08
Second Quarter
SRU — John Sabo 9 pass from DaOne Owens (Roberts kick), 9:20
SRU — Xavier McClure 25 pass from Owens (Roberts kick), 4:34
SRU — Reggie Fleurima 58 pass from Owens (Roberts kick), 2:47
Third Quarter
SRU — Latrell Sutton 61 pass from Owens (Roberts kick), 10:10
Individual Statistics
Passing: Shippensburg, Riley Gunnels 30-53-295-3, Vincent Micucci 1-6-6-0. SRU, DaOne Owens 16-27-252-0.
Rushing: Shippensburg, Nathan Beighley 3-47, Josiah Leonard 10-36, Vincent Micucci 5-13, Ethan Arneson 2-2, Riley Gunndels 5-(-33). SRU, JayJay Jordan 11-102, Quentin Harrison 6-29, DaOne Owens 5-16, Luke McCoy 3-12, Mel Carter 2-8, Demeatric Crenshaw 3-3.
Receiving: Shippensburg, Joziah Gonzalez 7-81, Josiah Leonard 5-54, Javeon Parker 5-50, Derek Guzman 4-54, Ty Neal 4-13, Nathan Beighley 2-25, Tobee Stokes 2-9, Caiden Pines 1-9, Steven Zerbe 1-6. SRU, John Sabo 4-28, Reggie Fleurima 3-66, Joe White 3-40, Carson Heckathorn 2-11, Latrell Sutton 1-61, Xander McClure 1-25, Quentin Harrison 1-14, JayJay Jordan 1-7.
