close

Vulcans want to make big hit with defense

3 min read
article image -

If California University’s football team learned anything from last year’s 41-30 loss to Shepherd in the NCAA Division II playoffs, it was this: don’t ignore the defensive side of the ball.

Cal has one of the best offenses in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, but the fifth-ranked Vulcans will go only as far the defense allows.

Over the past two games, Cal has allowed a combined 27 points, after allowing 34 in a Week 1 win over Ohio Dominican.

That’s good news for Cal and not so good news for Seton Hill, Saturday’s opponent at Adamson Stadium. Kickoff is 1 p.m.

“Our defense is important, because if you can’t score, you can’t win,” said linebacker Luke Hrapchak, who had five tackles, a quarterback sack, an interception and a blocked field goal in last week’s 29-13 win at Millersville. Those numbers made Hrapchak the PSAC Co-Defensive Player of the Week.

“I know the offense is going to put up a lot of points every game,” he said. “But as a defensive guy, if they don’t score, they don’t beat us.”

Cal held Cheyney to just 246 total yards in a 54-14 rout two weeks ago and made a stop at the end of its opener against Ohio Dominican, forcing a 52-yard field goal that failed in the Vulcans’ 36-34 victory.

“I love the way our defense is playing right now,” said Cal head coach Gary Dunn. “They are flying around. We have a veteran bunch, and I love how they compete. The last two weeks, they have played really well.”

Seton Hill has struggled this year, starting the season 0-3 and allowing a combined 155 points, including 62 in last week’s loss to Kutztown. Turnovers have also been a problem, as the Griffins have 11 in three games and produced only two. Cal comes into the game with a plus-2 turnover ratio.

“They have a fiery offense, and every year they play us tough,” said Hrapchak. “Regardless of their record, they are going to give us the best game of the year. They like deep vertical pass plays, so we have to be aware of that.”

Kickoff: 7 p.m. Saturday

Still looking for its first win, Waynesburg goes against No. 21 Case Western Reserve in Cleveland. Waynesburg is coming off a 30-20 loss to Carnegie Mellon last week in a game in which the Yellow Jackets nearly tripled their season output for points.

The Yellow Jackets are still searching for a reliable running back but did fare better last week by producing a season-best 67 rushing yards.

Case Western, which had a bye last week, is led by quarterback Rob Cuda, who has thrown for 509 yards and 5 touchdowns in two games.

W&J got some good news with tailback Jordan West. His knee injury in last week’s win over Thomas More was only a sprain. He is expected back in a couple weeks.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $3.75/week.

Subscribe Today