DIV 2
Preview: ESU Football at No. 15 Slippery Rock (NCAA First Round)
EAST STROUDSBURG – Following a thrilling 37-30 win over California (PA) to vault the East Stroudsburg University football team into the NCAA Playoffs, the Warriors learned during the NCAA Division II Selection Show that it will head to No. 15 Slippery Rock for its first NCAA Playoff Game since 2009.
The NCAA First Round matchup between the Warriors (9-2) and The Rock (10-1) will kickoff at 1:00 p.m. from Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.
How To Follow
Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance or use the mobile QR code for entry on game day. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE. Tickets range from $10-$15 for adults and #5
The contest is available to be watched via a $9.95 charge or a $19.95 charge with access to the first, second and quarterfinal round games. Fans can still access the game via the PSAC Sports Digital Network.
For the 58th consecutive season, all of ESU's regular-season and postseason contests are able to be heard for free on the radio waves on Bigfoot Country Poconos 96.7-97.3 FM, along with an online feed on bigfootpoconos.com. Chuck Seese and Bob Brittian will call the action from Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.
Live statistics are available on rockathletics.com.
Follow @ESUWarriors on Facebook, X, and Instagram for pregame, in-game and postgame updates.
Last Time Out
Trailing 10-7 at halftime, the East Stroudsburg University football team's offense caught fire and its defense made plays when it mattered in a 37-30 win over California (PA) on Saturday afternoon at Eiler-Martin Stadium. Tied at 27-27 with just over six minutes remaining, Charlie McKee connected on an 80-yard touchdown play to give the Warriors the lead for good. Both squads added late field goals, as the Warriors recovered the ensuing on-side kick with 10 seconds remaining and kneeled the final ticks of the clock away.
ESU QB Charlie McKee took over quarterback duties in the second half and the Warrior offense flourished, as the Oceanside, N.Y. native completed 7-11 passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns, while also finding the end zone on a four-yard rushing touchdown.
The Warrior offense compiled 295 yards of its 399 total offensive yards (74%) in the second half to keep pace with the high-power Cal offense that produced 430 yards. Cal QB Davis Black completed 31-46 passes for 364 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. His favorite targets were D'Avay Johnson (8 receptions for 136 yards) and Eric Willis III (9 rec.,84 yards, 1 TD)
The ESU defense bent but didn't break, producing four turnovers with three interceptions and a fumble recovery. On his senior day, Daryn Blackwell recovered a fumble and posted his first career interception after a deflection from Deshawn McCarthy. Khalil Scott also registered his first career interception, while Shavar Hussett nabbed his third interception this season and his second over the past two weeks. Full Recap.