SRU football taking 3-0 record to Cal where Vulcans await
SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — Winning football is second-nature to Slippery Rock and California (Pa.).
The two traditional PSAC West powers clash at noon Saturday at Adamson Stadium in a mutual division opener. While SRU (3-0) is on a run of 16 consecutive winning seasons, California (2-1) is enjoying a streak of 21 straight winning campaigns.
“I think it’s the stability and continuity that does it for both programs,” SRU coach Shawn Lutz said. “Gary (Vulcans coach Dunn) has been head coach down there as long as I’ve been doing it up here.
“Both teams expect to win.”
Lutz is 91-25 in his 11th year as Rock head coach. Dunn is 77-29 in his 11th season at Cal.
Both will bring explosive offenses into Saturday’s contest. SRU leads all of Division II with an average of 58 points per game. Only three other teams — Harding, Henderson State and Grand Valley State — are averaging more than 50.
California is averaging 32 points per game in its own right despite scoring only a single touchdown in last week’s 28-7 loss at Shepherd. The Vulcans boast one of the top passing quarterbacks in the region in junior Eric Gibson, a transfer from Northern Colorado.
Gibson has thrown for 762 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions. SRU quarterback DaOne Owens has thrown for 707 yards and seven scores. The Rock has seven players who have caught at least one touchdown pass this season.
“That makes it easier for DaOne in the passing game because he doesn’t have to focus on one receiver,” Lutz said. “He knows everyone can make plays for him.
“After JayJay (Rock running back Jordan), Bobby Boyd is the best back in the league,” Lutz said of the Vulcan running back. “He’s explosive, strong and hard to tackle. He’s had some big games against us.”
Linebacker Jacob Snow — SRU’s leading tackler — will miss this game with a concussion. Tyree Johnson will likely start in his place.
“Cal has a young, inexperienced offensive line and we have to take advantage of that,” Lutz said. “Their quarterback has been prone to the interception. We need to pressure him, hurry him.”
Seneca Valley graduate Roman Royal is one of three sophomores starting along the Vulcan offensive line. He is at right guard.
SRU leads the series between the teams, 53-35-3. The Vulcans have won the last two regular season meetings, including a 45-38 decision last year.
