| By Drew Moody
Glenville State College's Pioneers handed Shepherd University their first conference defeat since 2003, ending a 23 game (WVIAC) / 30 game regular season / winning streak. Many believed Glenville didn't stand a chance.
Saturday afternoon, at Ike and Sue Morris Stadium, Shepherd looked 'anything but' nationally ranked material.
Glenville successfully capitalized on two first-quarter interceptions jumping to an early lead.
The decisive win is evidence the team can hold its own in the conference, as they near the half-way mark of the season.
Following a convincing home opener win over Bowie State, the Pioneers suffered two back-to-back non-conference losses at the hands of two
other nationally ranked teams -- California University (PA) and Tiffin University.
Jerry Seymour literally runs over a would-be
tackler. As quick as he is powerful, Seymour netted
170 yards on 24 carries (Photos by Drew Moody)
What many fans may not be aware of is about two-thirds of the Pioneer squad are new to the program.
The challenge left head coach Alan Fiddler undaunted. Fiddler remained confident in the 'well of talent,' understanding
it would require time for players to come together as a team.
Pioneers Take Control
On Shepherd's first play - just 21 seconds into the game - senior Troy Cloud (#4) intercepted a Tyler Lazear pass, returning
to the 12 yard line before being forced out of bounds.
Troy Cloud (left) nailed a first-play
interception setting up GSC's first score
Two plays and two penalties later Glenville was back at the 46. Jerry Seymour (#1) regained the lost ground on a 39-yard run, and
Jared Dearing (#24) secured a first down at the one-yard line. Quarterback Dwayne Thompson (#9) scored with 12:35 left in the
first period. Alex Amick (#46) picked up the extra point.
On the next set of downs a 16-yard kick-off return gave Shepherd the ball at their 42-yard line.
Dylan Shaffer is as quick and agile as they come for a 6-foot, 3-inch 285-pound lineman. He had six tackles and helped make several
big plays. Here, he responds to a loud and enthusiastic crowd by responding in kind.
Two runs and a successful 17-yard pass completion earned two first downs in three plays with the ball on Glenville's 29-yard line. The Rams advanced to Glenville's 13 before getting whistled for illegal blocking, setting them back 10-yards to the 23.
Then Glenville's Dylan Shaffer (#91) and Ryan Jannak (#32) caught a Rams running back behind the line of scrimmage for a 1-yard loss.
The following play, Jacob Lilly (#31) and Terrell Parker (#22) sacked the quarterback 11 yard behind the line.
Lazear faced 3rd and 26 and looked down-field for a receiver.
Pioneer sophomore A.D. Hale (#5) intercepted the pass at the 8-yard line with just under eight minutes remaining in the quarter.
Glenville scored again near the end of the period on a 53-yard Seymour run, giving the Pioneers a 14-0 lead with 1:25 left in the quarter.
A.D. Hale (left) intercepted
a pass on the 8-yard line, setting
up Glenville's second touchdown.
Shepherd Finds Goal Line
Shepherd answered the Pioneers early scoring opportunities.
With 1:22 left in the 1st quarter the Rams took possession of the ball at the 44 after a 10-yard kick-off return.
Four plays and 70-yards later Dervon Wallace crossed the goal line on an 8-yard run.
Glenville's led by a touchdown; 14-7.
Scoring remained unchanged until midway through the 2nd period when Alex Amick connected with a field goal from 36-yards out. The score stood at 17-7 with just over five minutes left till the break.
After trading possessions, Glenville took over again at their 18-yard line.
The Pioneers defense "held the line" Saturday
Eleven plays later, with 10-seconds remaining in the half, Thompson connected with Donald Brown (#2) for a third Glenville touchdown.
Glenville held a comfortable 24-7 lead.
The Pioneers took advantage of two Ram turnovers gaining 303 yards total offense in the first half with Thompson hitting 11-of-14 passes for 154 yards. Seymour racked up 124 yards in 10 carries.
Glenville's Offense Silent in
Second Half - Defense Holds Line
With just under 12 minutes remaining in the third quarter Shepherd began a 13-play drive ending
with a Dervon Wallace touchdown.
The score stood at 24-13.
In the final quarter GSC was halted within 11 yards of the goal, missing a 29-yard field goal attempt.
Although Shepherd fumbled twice on their next possession recovering the ball, and was pressuring Glenville's goal line with just over 5 minutes remaining in the game.
Michael Harden (#90) and Dylan Shaffer (#91)sacked the Rams quarterback for a six yard loss. Lazear faced 4th and 15 from the 22. Lilly and Harden sacked Lazear for the second time in two plays, forcing a fumble Lilly recovered with just over 5-minutes remaining in the game.
The Shepherd offense fell apart in the final minutes with Lazear throwing a series of incomplete passes and repeatedly fumbling the ball.
Head coach Alan Fiddler said beating the Rams will be a big confidence-booster for the team. "We're definitely headed in the right direction."
Speaking to one of his assistant coaches, Fiddler commented, "That ought to help morale a little bit."
Fiddler praised the defense for a well-played game, adding the biggest improvements have been with quarterback Dwayne Thompson and all the receivers.
Head Coach Alan Fiddler (left)
signaling GSC has a first down.
Some Final Numbers
Leading the Pioneers offensively, quarterback Dwayne Thompson completed 16 of 20 pass attempts for 213 yards. He put Glenville on the scoreboard early in the first quarter on a 1-yard keeper.
Jerry Seymour netted 170 yards on 24 carries, nailing Glenville's second touchdown late in the first quarter on a 53-yard run.
Offensively the Pioneers netted 400 yards; the Pioneer defense held Shepherd to 265.
Defensively the Pioneers were aggressive and balanced.
Sophomore Terrell Parker had 12 tackles. He and senior Troy Cloud led solo tackles with 3 apiece. Credited with six tackles each were: Robert Harvey (#27), Andre Wright (#97), Ryan Jannak, Michael Harden, and Dylan Shaffer.
Michael Harden had 3 quarterback sacks; Jacob Lilly had 2.
Cloud and A.D. Hale each picked off passes for interceptions.
Wallace rushed 23 times for 138 yards for the Rams.
Junior quarterback Tyler Lazear (Bethesda, MD-Walt Whitman) completed 9-of-21 passes for 90 yards.
Shepherd falls to 2-1, 0-1 in WVIAC play, while Glenville State improves to 2-2, 1-0. The Pioneers are on the road Saturday, facing Seton Hill.
| 
