BLOOMSBURG, Pa. - Millersville took a two-point lead into halftime, but Bloomsburg erupted for 20 points in the third quarter, leading to a 35-27 come-from-behind win for the homestanding Huskies.
Explosive pass plays were key for the Huskies as quarterback K.J. Riley found Jerry Griffen-Batchler for touchdowns of 59 and 68 yards. The 68-yarder came at the end of the third quarter and proved to be the back-breaker for the Marauders. Griffen-Batchler finished with 209 yards on six catches, and Riley threw for 321 yards despite completing just 13 passes. Riley also led Bloomsburg with
Turnovers by the Marauders also played a role. The Huskies first drive started after an interception at the Bloomsburg 38. Then, after the Huskies scored on the first drive of the third quarter to take a 21-16 lead, Millersville elected to go for a conversion on fourth-and-one from the Millersville 43.
Jaheim Morris was stopped short of the line to gain, and Bloomsburg capitalized on the short field. Riley completed a nine-play drive by plunging in from a yard out, giving the Huskies a 28-16 lead. That was followed by a Millersville three-and-out and the Riley to Griffen-Batchler bomb.
After falling behind 14-0, Millersville rallied with 16 points in the second quarter.
Ryan Zeltt tossed two touchdown passes to tight end
Brady Russell, and
Trent McDowell drilled a 45-yard field goal just before the half. Millersville dominated the second quarter, totaling 12 first downs to Bloomsburg's one, and out-gaining the Huskies 191 to 59. But that production did not carry over into the third quarter as Millersville rushed four times for minus-two yards while Bloomsburg piled up 176 yards of offense.
Millersville's second-half possessions resulted in three punts, a turnover on downs and a field goal before closing with an 85-yard drive resulting in a Zeltt to
Steven Graves III 21-yard touchdown connection. Zeltt hit Russell for a successful two-point conversion, leaving 10 seconds for an onside kick . Bloomsburg recovered Griffin Mitstifer's bouncing kick, and a kneel down ended the game.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Hakim Melvin totaled a 130 yards receiving on a career-high nine catches. It was the most yards by a Marauder since Melvin totaled 151 on Sept. 25, 2021.
- Zeltt completed a career-high 32-of-48 for 285 yards. He also tossed a career-high three TD passes. It was the third time in six games that he's thrown at least two TD passes.
- Jaheim Morris rushed 18 times for 77 yards. He moved fourth place all-time in career carries with 492, passing hall of famer Scott Highley (1986-89). He enters his final career game 29 yards shy of 10th all-time.
- Damir Williams-Bey recorded his first career interception.
- Jabriel Rhodes-Nelson notched his first sack of the season.
UP NEXT
- Millersville closes its season at Edinboro on Saturday, Nov. 16.
