A 15-play, 79-yard drive that included three fourth-down conversions culminated with an exciting 11-yard TD pass from SR QB Chad DiFebbo to JR Chase DiFebbo with just 46 seconds to play. The brother-to-brother connection finished a 28-27 come-from-behind victory for Shippensburg over the undefeated and third-ranked Bloomsburg Huskies. Shippensburg (7-2, 5-1 PSAC East) broke a 3-game losing streak with the Huskies and got thier first win on the road at BU's Redman Field since 2003.
Early on, it appeared to be all BU, jumping out to a commanding lead behind the ground game of tailbacks Kenny Domzalski and Derrick Price cwho ombined for 226 yards and three first-half touchdowns, including a 77-yard burst from Domzalski that gave Bloomsburg a 21-7 lead just four minutes into the second quarter.
Bloomsburg (8-1, 5-1 PSAC East) tried for a game-winning score in the final 45 seconds of play, reaching the 47-yard line with 15 seconds to play and two timeouts remaining. On the game's final play, Latorre was forced out of the pocket (he was sacked 3 times on the day) and the game ended on a 15-yard sack by JR Riley Bowen.
College: Bloomsburg State Conference: PSAC Division II Columnist: Jay Horn
Jesse Cooper 1 5' 7.0" 161 4.50 CB 2010
A great athlete with good speed and excellent coverage. Only 1 solo tackle today, with no kick returns - Ship did a great job keeping the ball away from him. Size is all that prevents him from playing at the next level. He is elusive (very shifty on returns) and has break-away speed - someone might want to consider him as a return specialist, but overall diminutive stature limits his value.
GRADE: NEUTRAL
Stefan Adams 12 5' 10.0" 230 4.60 FB 2010
A strong runner with good blocking skills - had no carries today, but paved the way for Price (20 for 109 and 1 TD) and Domzalski (10 for 121 and 2 TDs with a big 77-yarder). Good in pass protection and picking up blitzes. Caught 2 out of the backfield for 31 yards. Might merit an invitation to a team camp.
GRADE: POSITIVE
Dan LaTorre 10 6' 0.0" 207 4.80 QB 2010:
Likes to throw on the run and is comfortable there - very poised (a 4-year starter) and doesn't make mistakes. Great team leader and 'field-general' who finds a way to win - unable to get it done today (the Red Raiders did a good job 'corralling him' and denying the roll out with pressure) with modest numbers (11-20 for 145 and 0 TDs, 7 carries for -2 with 3 sacks). Size, overall arm strength, and general 'physicality' are question marks - excellent practice player or even CFL because of his ability to put his team in position to win.
GRADE: SLIGHTLY POSITIVE
Justin Presley 40 6' 2.2" 243 4.85 DE 2010
Would expect to see him at OLB at the next level, but not sure he could make the transition. Athletic and quick pass rusher, but was handled pretty well today (only 1 tackle and a 0.5 TFL) especially against the run. Not able to go 'mano-a-mano' with NFL offensive lineman at this point. Practice squad player at best.
GRADE: NEUTRAL
College: Shippensburg State Conference: PSAC Division II Columnist: Jay Horn
Mike Harris 84 6' 1.2 192 4.55 WR 2010
Harris has been named a regional finalist for the Harlon Hill (D-2 equivalent of the Heisman) award and is perhaps the real pro prospect on the field today. He showed great 'grit,' playing through a partially separated shoulder sustained in the first half to catch 9 for 147 yards and a TD. In the final drive, he had a tremendous diving grab for 21 yards on 4th and 13 to keep the drive alive. He has good size, and makes good hands catches. He has great body control and puts himself in the best position to make the reception as he showed on the fade he caught for his TD. Good downfield blocker who sustains blocks and physically dominates opposing backs. Definitely someone who belongs in camp and can make an NFL roster.
GRADE: VERY POSITIVE
Dave Fremont 53 6' 3.0 277 5.00 OG 2010
Fremont had good footwork and upper body strength in pass protection (BU led the PSAC in sacks coming into the game, but only got 2 on the day). Drove his man off the ball consistently in running situations. Probably slower than 5.00, but decent mass and height for guard. Would like to see a little quicker off the ball. Perhaps worth an invitation to camp.
GRADE: SLIGHTLY POSITIVE
GAME NOTES:
Harris now has 187 career receptions to lead Shipp in career receptions ... the Red Raiders converted two fourth-down conversions on the final drive with passes and one by penalty, while Bloomsburg had held opponents to 1-of-16 on fourth down this season entering the contest ... BU MLB Anthony Smith led the Huskies with 14 tackles (5 solo) and a TFL in the loss.