INDIANA, Pa. – Sophomore receiver
Duane Brown scored two touchdowns and IUP overcame four turnovers to post a 24-13 season-opening victory over visiting New Haven Saturday afternoon at George P. Miller Stadium.
Brown scored on a 47-yard pass play and a 2-yard rush and book-ended the IUP scoring on the afternoon. He also had a 44-yard punt return that was brought back after a penalty.
The Crimson Hawks threw three interceptions and lost a fumble, but used key defensive stops and forced turnovers down the stretch to stay in front.
IUP started hot as quarterback
Quinton Maxwell scrambled and found Brown on the deep touchdown pass on its second offensive play. After a New Haven three-and-out, Brown took the ensuing punt back 44 yards into Chargers territory but a penalty negated the long return.
Two drives later the Crimson Hawks took a 14-0 lead when junior back
Justice Evans went 20 yards untouched for a score.
IUP added one more score in the half with a 24-yard
Dillon Sarka field goal and took a 17-7 lead into the locker room.
Statistically New Haven dominated the second half, including a pair of third quarter interceptions of Maxwell. Despite good field position, the Chargers managed two field goals on their first two offensive drives in the second half after defensive stands by the Crimson Hawks.
Dajour Fisher came up with a huge third down sack early in the fourth with UNH inside the IUP 10, forcing a field goal as IUP held onto a 17-13 lead.
On IUP's next possession, Brown capped a 10-play drive with a 2-yard touchdown plunge as he took a handoff out of the I formation.
The Crimson Hawks ended New Haven's final threat as
Devin Castro picked off a fourth down pass in the end zone with four minutes to play. IUP ran the clock out and secured the early season non-conference win.
Notes
This was the fourth straight season-opening win for IUP … New Haven outgained the Crimson Hawks 345-272 and had 70 offensive plays compared to IUP's 56 … IUP had four sacks, including two from sophomore lineman
Raunya Mitchell … Senior linebacker
Damon Lloyd had 14 tackles, a TFL, fumble recovery and a sack … Junior transfer cornerback
Nazir Streater had a 30-yard interception return for a touchdown called back due to penalty … Streater made six tackles and broke up two more passes … Senior linebacker
Nick Amendola also had an interception … Brown was making his return to the field and debut as a wide receiver after missing all of 2018 and playing running back in 2017.
Up next
The Crimson Hawks are on the road next Saturday as they face Millersville (1-0). Kickoff is noon.
Follow
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