CALIFORNIA, Pa. – IUP football could not find its footing offensively Saturday night, falling to California (Pa.), 49-0, in the 17th edition of the Coal Bowl at Adamson Stadium.
The Crimson Hawks dropped to 5-3 overall and 2-3 in PSAC West play, while California improved to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in the conference.
The Vulcans jumped out to an early advantage, scoring on their opening possession on a 41-yard touchdown pass from Eric Gibson Jr. to Kenny Lewis IV. California added another touchdown midway through the opening quarter before scoring three times in the second to take a 35-0 advantage into halftime.
IUP's defense forced a pair of missed field goals in the opening half, but California capitalized on short fields and turnovers to build its advantage.
California added one touchdown in each of the final two quarters for the 49-0 final.
IUP was held to 89 yards of total offense, including 103 through the air. The Crimson Hawks were limited to six first downs and converted three of their 15 third-down opportunities.
Mason Maggs completed 14 of 25 passes for 97 yards. Gavin Harrold led IUP with five receptions for 31 yards, while Leon Parson caught four passes for 28 yards and added a team-high 23 rushing yards.
California quarterback Gibson completed 21 of 30 passes for 333 yards and four touchdowns. Lewis was his top target, hauling in seven passes for 173 yards and two scores.
The Vulcans finished with 484 yards of total offense, including 353 through the air. California also recorded seven sacks and forced three IUP turnovers.
Defensively, Devon Bertrand led the Crimson Hawks with 12 tackles. Noah Johnston and Tai-Don Strickland added eight tackles apiece, while Dinari Clacks finished with five tackles and a tackle for loss.
The loss marked IUP's third consecutive setback after opening the season with five straight victories.
