SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. -- Senior All-American free safety Dan Peters (Cresson, PA/Penn Cambria) had three interceptions to help lead Shepherd University to a 14-0 win over Shippensburg University in football action in the ninth annual Great Valley Classic at Seth Grove Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Shepherd took a 7-0 lead with 2:10 left in the first quarter when senior quarterback Dan Chlebowski (Greencastle, PA/Greencastle-Antrim) teamed with senior fullback John Hinton (Harpers Ferry, WV/Jefferson) on a six-yard scoring play that capped a six-play, 45-yard drive. An interception by Peters set up the score.
Shippensburg nearly had a golden opportunity to get on the board in the final moments of the first half when an errant snap sailed over the head of senior punter Ricky Schmitt (Virginia Beach, VA/Salem). Schmitt chased down the ball and managed to get a punt off which gave the Red Raiders possession at the Rams 39-yard line with seconds left. A Gabe Maiocco pass intended for Pat Ferguson fell incomplete to end the half.
The quagmire-like conditions and standout defensive play from both teams wreaked havoc on both offenses.
The Rams finally sealed the win with 7:35 left in the game when junior running back Dervon Wallace (Lusby, MD/Calvert) rambled 23 yards for a score after another interception by Peters gave the Rams the ball at the Shippensburg 40-yard line.
Wallace led all rushers with 88 yards on 24 carries. Aaron Dykes rushed 17 times for 77 yards to lead Shippensburg.
Chlebowski completed 15-of-23 passes for 94 yards. Gabe Maiocco connected on 6-of-14 passes for 50 yards to lead the Red Raider passing game.
Sophomore wide receiver Craig Tremel (Lilly, PA/Penn Cambria) led the Ram receivers with five receptions for 14 yards. Ferguson had five catches for 32 yards to pace Shippensburg.
Junior cornerback (Ayo Ijelu (Germantown, MD/Northwest) had 12 tackles (nine solo) and junior outside linebacker Joey Hooks (Montgomery Village, MD/Watkins Mill) added 11 (eight solo). Bill Morrison had a game-high 13 tackles for Shippensburg.
Shepherd improves to 2-0 on the year, while Shippensburg falls to 0-1. The Rams return to action on Sept. 16 when they host C.W. Post in the home opener in a noon contest at Ram Stadium.
Notes: Shepherd won its 20th consecutive regular season game with the win. The Rams gained a 5-4 series edge in the nine-game history of the Great Valley Classic.
