Thanks to an overpowering defense and an opportunistic offense, IUP used a quick start to roll past Edinboro 35–12 at George P. Miller Stadium on Saturday during the Crimson Hawks’ homecoming weekend.
IUP improved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in PSAC West play. The Fighting Scots, who were coached by former IUP player Matt Scott and quarterbacked by former IUP backup Nico Marchitelli, fell to 2-3 and 1-1.
The Crimson Hawks got some added motivation from Marchitelli, their former teammate, who sent a text to some of the team Friday night guaranteeing a victory for Edinboro.
“It just didn’t sit right with us,” said Defensive tackle Terrell Williams. “I already didn’t like Edinboro because we lost to them last year. Then (Marchitelli) said that. So that was just something that just fed the fire.”
The Crimson Hawks exploded for 21 points in the first quarter, capitalizing on two Edinboro fumbles and a short field to seize control early. Quarterback Matthew Rueve was sharp, completing 19 of 24 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns, including scoring passes to Devin Whitlock and Cyair Clark.
Running back Leon Parson led the ground attack with 68 rushing yards and a touchdown, adding 56 receiving yards on seven catches. Parker Gregg chipped in with a short-yardage score to open the game.
IUP’s defense stole the show, sacking Edinboro quarterbacks nine times for 55 yards and forcing three fumbles. Williams returned one of those fumbles 38 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter, extending the lead to 28–9. Logan Goodwin and Logan Danielson combined for four sacks, while Mekhi Johnson and Randy Okungu each forced fumbles.
“We got after (Marchitelli) today,” said Goodwin. “It was a great performance by the whole D-line.”
Edinboro struggled to find rhythm, converting just 2 of 12 third downs and managing only 190 total yards. IUP held the Fighting Scots to 1.5 yards per rush and dominated the line of scrimmage throughout.
The win was one of the few things that went as expected in the PSAC on Saturday. In two huge upsets, Seton Hill handed California a 16-7 loss, and previously winless Gannon knocked off Slippery Rock, 38-35.
IUP has the week off before visiting Slippery Rock on Oct. 18.
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