Slippery Rock improves to 2-0 amidst tough schedule

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Garrett Dollin | September 15, 2024

SHEPHERSTOWN, WV – Slippery Rock improved to 2-0 Saturday afternoon, defeating Shepherd 20-10.

Slippery Rock opened up their 2024 campaign against the New Haven Chargers. The Chargers were coming off an 8-3 season, where they won the NE10 Championship and made their third straight playoff appearance. New Haven, led by head coach Chris Pincince, were picked to repeat atop the NE10 in the preseason poll. Despite being left off the D2 preseason Top 25 list, the Chargers did receive votes.

However, Slippery Rock would step up to the challenge and breeze by New Haven, 22-7. This marked the 15th consecutive season-opening win for the Rock. New Haven was no match against the Rock’s defense, putting up only one touchdown to show on the scoreboard. Despite inconsistencies from the Rock’s offense, quarterback Brayden Long stepped up when he needed to most.

Week two would face the Rock with another early season challenge, heading to West Virginia to take on Shepherd. The Rams have been one of the most consistently solid programs in the PSAC, making the playoffs each of the past four years. Shepherd was chosen to finish 2nd in the PSAC East this season, just behind defending champion Kutztown. The previous meeting between these two schools was in the second round of the 2022 playoffs, where Tyson Bagent led the Rams to a 37-27 victory over Slippery Rock. Bagent, now with the Chicago Bears in the NFL, had just under 600 yards in that contest, recording 372 through the air and 222 on the ground. Like New Haven, Shepherd entered Saturday’s game outside of the Top 25 but received votes.

Shepherd’s offense threatened at times, but ultimately the Rock’s defense was too much for the Rams to overcome. Slippery Rock outran Shepherd 182 yards to 26, with transfer Idris Lawrence and Chris D’Or combining for 161. Quarterback Brayden Long went 17-21, 157 yards, and 1 touchdown to Xander McClure. On the defensive side of the ball, Eddie Faulkner IV and Josh Stokes both recorded fumble recoveries, with Ali Abdul-Hakim recording an interception following a dropped pass.

Slippery Rock will once again be on the road next week, heading up to Shippensburg to take on the Raiders. Shippensburg is coming off a win of their own after they defeated Clarion 24-21 Saturday. Slippery Rock leads the all-time series against Shippensburg, 41-22-2. This will be the first time the teams meet since September 14, 2019, when the Rock was victorious 54-19.

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