BY HERB SMITH
Times-Shamrock Writer
As the temperature cools, Susquehanna’s defense is heating up.
The Sabers forced six turnovers and picked up their second consecutive shutout in a 34-0 victory over Mid Valley on Saturday in a Lackawanna Football Conference Division III game.
Susquehanna has allowed just six points in its last three games.
“I think the guys have realized what we can do defensively and (defensive) Coach (Carl) Zukas gets us ready every week,” Saber quarterback/linebacker Austin White said. “Hours and hours of film. We haven’t been out of position. That was our problem earlier in the year. We’ve cleaned up a lot of that stuff.”
Mid Valley fumbled on its second play and Susquehanna recovered at the Spartans’ 23. Four plays later, Austin Felter scored a 2-yard run to give Susquehanna a 6-0 lead. The Sabers forced a three-and-out on the next possession and, after a six-play drive, White hit Brady Towner for a 24-yard touchdown.
In the second quarter, the Sabers put together a long drive, marching 72 yards in 11 plays. They converted three third downs and Brett Hepler scored on a 7-yard run to give Susquehanna a 20-0 lead.
“It’s been a struggle all season for us offensively,” Susquehanna coach Kyle Cook said. “We finally changed it up a little bit, went to a couple of different sets and it seemed to work well today. The linemen blocked harder. They want it more.”
Mid Valley’s next drive again ended with a turnover when Jarred Mills intercepted the pass at the Spartans’ 45. Felter scored on a 5-yard run to give Susquehanna a 27-0 halftime lead.
White capped the scoring on a 70-yard run midway through the fourth quarter.
“It was supposed to be to the left side but the defensive line crashed down and took it away and I just found a hole and just ran,” White said. “It hasn’t been a big play year. We’ve kind of grinded it out more but it’s nice to get one now and then.”
White finished with 119 yards rushing, 98 yards passing and two touchdowns. The Sabers defense held Mid Valley to 166 yards of total offense.
At 5-2, Susquehanna is ranked second in Division III, behind Old Forge (7-0). This week the Sabers face Lackawanna Trail at home on Saturday.
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