Football

Susquehanna University 17, Delaware Valley College 10

DOYLESTOWN (PA) - Dave Paveletz ran for 110 yards and one touchdown and Eddie Jones notched three interceptions as visiting Susquehanna University pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Division III this season with a 17-10 stunner over two-time defending Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) champion and 23rd-ranked Delaware Valley College.

Susquehanna, which dropped a 48-14 home decision to Delaware Valley last season, improved to 2-5 overall and 2-4 in the MAC. The Aggies saw their hopes for a third straight NCAA playoff bid take a major hit as they fell to 5-2 overall and 4-2 in the conference.

Paveletz, a freshman tailback, carried the ball 32 times and helped the Crusaders hold the ball for 38 minutes and 22 seconds in the game. He tied the game at 7-7 with just 43 seconds remaining in the first half as he broke three tackles, stayed on his feet and scored on a 43-yard touchdown run. Brian Wimmer added the extra-point to cap the 52-yard scoring drive that was set up by Jones' second interception of the afternoon.

Delaware Valley took the opening kickoff and marched to the Susquehanna 38-yard before giving the ball up on downs. The Crusaders then proceeded on a 10-play, 62-yard scoring drive that was capped by fullback Charlie Henry's 15-yard touchdown run. One play earlier, quarterback Justin Wutti had an eight-yard on a fourth-and-four situation to keep the drive alive. Wimmer's extra-point made it 14-7 with 6:31 to go in the third quarter.

On the ensuing possession, the Aggies reached the Susquehanna eight-yard line and had first-and-goal as the drive included a 22-yard run by Jake Sheffield and a 28-yard run by backup quarterback Joe McMonagle. However, a two-yard loss by Sheffield and a pair of incomplete passes by McMonagle brought up fourth down and Delaware Valley had to settle for Bill Miller's 28-yard field goal and 14-10 deficit with 1:54 to go in the third. The field goal was the 17th of Miller's career, tying the school's all-time record.

However, Susquehanna responded with a 12-play, 66-yard drive that culminated with Wimmer's 27-yard field goal and a seven-point advantage with 10:19 remaining in the contest.

Delaware Valley had the ball three more times but could not get closer than the Crusader 48-yard line. That occurred on the second drive and it ended with Jones' third interception as he picked off a McMonagle fourth down pass at the Susquehanna 23 and returned it 20 yards with 1:14 to go.

Susquehanna was forced to punt and the Aggies took over on their own 16 with no timeouts and 55 seconds to go. Starting quarterback Mike Isgro returned to the game following an earlier injury, but his first pass was intercepted by Shawn Rafferty to seal the upset. It was the fifth turnover of the game for Delaware Valley, which was held to just 238 yards of total offense.

Delaware Valley opened the game's scoring on its first possession of the day as Sheffield's 19-yard touchdown run capped a six-play, 49-yard drive. Miller added the extra-point for the 7-0 lead with 11:07 left in the first.

The Aggies then tried an onsides kick, but Susquehanna recovered it at the Aggie 45. The Crusaders then had the ball in Delaware Valley territory for most of the first half, but Wimmer had a 48-yard field goal attempt fall short and a 25-yard attempt blocked. They finally broke through on Paveletz's scamper and never looked back.

Wutti finished 14-for-22 for 133 yards while Jim Owen catching a game-high six passes for 52 yards. Rob Hauke and Damian Buggy led the team with six tackles apiece.

Isgro and McMonagle were a combined 12-for-30 for 112 yards and four interceptions for the Aggies. David Carmon and Don Marshall caught four passes apiece while Sheffield had 12 carries for 59 yards and a score. Travis Albanesisu led the defensive effort with 10 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble while Anthony Silver made 10 stops and forced a fumble.