Slippery Rock's Cinque Sweeting scores the game's opening touchdown on a 33-yard reception against East Stroudsburg defender Shavar Hussett Saturday night at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium. SRU won its home opener, 22-7.

SLIPPERY ROCK — A late strike and an early stop.

Two possessions — one at the end of the first half, the other the beginning of the second — steered Slippery Rock University toward a 22-7 victory over East Stroudsburg in its football home opener Saturday night at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.

“Those possessions changed the complexion of this game, for sure,” East Stroudsburg coach Jimmy Terwilliger said.

SRU (2-0) struggled for most of the first half, managing only a 29-yard DJ Opsatnik field goal for a 3-0 lead with 5:41 left in the second quarter. The Warriors answered with a 10-play drive of their own, but a sack of quarterback Jake Cirillo by Butler graduate Tim Vernick short-circuited that march.

A portion of this story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. To read the full story and support our local, independent newsroom, please subscribe at butlereagle.com.