Huskies Rally For Win

BLOOMSBURG-- Quarterback Dan Latorre's 26-yard touchdown run with 1:36 to play lifted Bloomsburg University (7-3) past Indiana, Pa. (IUP) in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) matchup on Saturday. During the game, Bloomsburg tailback Jamar Brittingham became the all-time leading rusher in PSAC history surpassing Wesley Cates of California.

Latorre's scramble for a touchdown capped a wild fourth period which saw the Crimson Hawks (8-2) rally from a 27-14 deficit to go in front 35-27 with 7:56 to play in the game before the Huskies put together a rally of its own.

Bloomsburg also got a 90-yard interception return for a touchdown from Jesse Cooper with 4:53 to go in the game that pulled the Huskies within 35-33.

Bloomsburg had gone in front 27-14 with 7:14 to go in the third on a 13-yard run by Josh Heck. On IUP's ensuing drive, Kareem Dutrieuille scored on a 15-yard run to make it 27-21 in favor of Bloomsburg. Later, the Crimson Hawks regained the lead for the first time since the first quarter on Mychal Skinner's 43-yard scoring pass from Andrew Krewatch early in the fourth period for 28-27 IUP lead.

After Bloomsburg went three and out on its next drive, Krewatch hit IUP's Dan Pickens with as six-yard scoring pass to make it 35-27 in favor of the visitors.

Bloomsburg, pinned deep in its own territory on its next possession, went three and out and was forced to punt. On the punt, the Huskies were called for holding giving IUP the ball at the Bloomsburg 30 yard line. On a third and seven play, Krewatch was intercepted by Jesse Cooper at the Bloomsburg 10-yard line. Cooper ran down the sidelines, then cut back across the field and went untouched into the endzone for a 90-yard return. The two-point run attempt to tie failed and the Crimson Hawks led 35-33 with 4:53 to play.

Bloomsburg then forced IUP to a three and out and took over at its over 24-yard line following the punt. Latorre hit Brahin Bilal for 23-yards to the Huskies' 47. Then, after a loss, went to Bilal again for 27-yards giving Bloomsburg the ball at the IUP 28. After a short gain by Brittingham, Latorre scrambled up the middle and went into the end zone for the go-ahead score. The Huskies made it 41-35 with the two-point pass from Latorre to Kyle Ream.

IUP had one last chance with 1:36 still to play and got a great kickoff return from Akwwasi Owusu-Ansah to the Bloomsburg 34 yards line. After a pickup of nine yards to the Bloomsburg 25, IUP was called for motion and pushed back five yards. Krewatch then hit Skinner for eight yards down to the Huskies 22. But, three straight incompletions, then a sack by Bloomsburg's Stevie Draper ended the IUP threat.

Bloomsburg opened the game with a 21-yard field goal by Jon Koenig on the opening drive which saw Brittingham begin his assault on the all-time PSAC rushing mark. On the drive Brittingham carried nine times for 49 yards.

IUP went in front on its first drive of the game when Skinner caught a 44-yard pass from Krewatch. Later, Bloomsburg regained the lead when Bilal picked up a fumble by Josh Heck and went 64 yards for a touchdown giving the Huskies a 10-7 after one period.

The Huskies made it 17-7 in the second period when Latorre scored on a 13-yard run to cap an 87-yard drive. IUP got one score back before the half when Krewatch scored from on a 10-yard run.

In the third period, the Huskies made it a 20-14 game when Koenig hit from 37-yards out after a botched punt attempt gave Bloomsburg the ball deep in IUP territory.

Then, following Heck's touchdown run, IUP began its rally.

In all Brittingham rushed 27 times for 120 yards and finishes his career as the all-time leader in PSAC history and 14th best in D-II history with 5,689 yards. Latorre was 13 of 21 for the day for 164 yards and two rushing touchdowns.

For IUP, Krewatch was 23 of 33 for 271 yards with three TD's and one interception. IUP will now await word on its NCAA playoff fate. The teams for the NCAA Division II championships will be announced on Sunday.