Box Score

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Senior quarterback Chris Roberts (New Britain, Conn.) threw for 180 yards and two touchdowns, but a late score allowed Indiana (Pa.) to pull out a 28-21 win over the Southern Connecticut State University football team on Friday night at Jess Dow Field. It was the 2009 season opener for both teams.

The Owls actually jumped out to a 14-0 lead late in the first quarter.

With the game still scoreless midway through the opening frame, redshirt freshman Josh McWilliams (Paterson, N.J.) came through with a blocked punt. Senior Ramon Johnson (Jersey City, N.J.) scooped it up and brought it back to the IUP 23 yard line.

Three plays later, Roberts hit running back John Wiechman (Buxton, Maine) on a pass that resulted in a 19-yard touchdown strike. Christopher Hazelton (Bristol, Conn.) added the point after touchdown for a 7-0 lead.

The Owls' defense forced IUP to punt on its next possession as well. That drive ended back at the Crimson Hawks' 2 after a botched snap on a punt attempt.

Two plays later, Wiechman fumbled as he was heading into the end zone, but Jarom Freeman (Peekskill, N.Y.) was able to recover and go in for the score. Hazelton's PAT made it 14-0.

The Owls were driving again late in the first half, but a Roberts pass was intercepted by Abe Satterfield at the IUP 26, and he took it the other way for a touchdown.

Southern Connecticut held a 14-7 lead at the half.

The second half began with an 89-yard kickoff return touchdown by Akwasi Owusu-Ansah. The PAT by Craig Burgess tied the game at 14-14.

IUP went in front early in the fourth quarter on a 17-yard run by Tobias Robinson. The successful PAT made it 21-14.

Southern Connecticut rallied with a 12 play, 74-yard drive that spanned 5:38 to even the score. The drive culminated on an 11-yard pass from Roberts to Pete DiGangi (Cheshire, Conn.).

However, IUP used just three plays to go back in front, with the decisive score coming on a 42-yard pass from Andrew Krewatch to Javon Rowan.

Roberts finished 17-of-30 on the evening. Willie Epps (Norwalk, Conn.) led the Owls' receivers with four catches for 57 yards. Freeman paced the running back with 69 yards on 15 carries.

Ramon Barber (Donalsonville, Ga.) led the defense with nine tackles and a forced fumble.

The Owls return to action on Saturday, September 5 at 3 p.m. when they take on Bryant in non-league play.