The Marauders took to the field for their homecoming game last weekend against Shippensburg and came away with a victory, winning 17-14. The Marauders fell behind 14-7, but managed to come back thanks to strong efforts on both offense and defense.
Millersville started off hot, quickly scoring a touchdown on a 75-yard rush by Robert Footman, a freshman quarterback who has led the Marauders to a 3-1 record as the team’s primary quarterback. The quick score on the game’s opening drive would hold until the second quarter, where a two yard run by Khalid Dorsey capped off a 7-play, 83 yard drive by the Raiders that tied the game 7-7. Both defenses would continue to hold strong for the second quarter, and the score at halftime would remain 7-7.
But, in the third quarter, Shippensburg would take their first lead of the game on a four yard passing touchdown, caught by Redd Douglas and thrown by Evan Falco. The next couple drives resulted in no points for either side, until the Marauders were able to tie the game late in the third quarter on a one yard run by Marcus Pierce, tying the game at 14. The Marauder defense hunkered down in the fourth, allowing the Millersville offense to take advantage and kick a 29 yard field goal for the lead. That kick would be the difference in the game, the Marauder defense got one last stop as a 53 yard field goal attempt by Shippensburg fell short, allowing the offense to run the clock out and secure the victory.
Millersville quarterback Robert Footman has been able to lead the Marauders to a 3-1 record in his starts thanks to his ability to run the football and extend plays with his legs. That combined with his passing ability give the Marauders a threat at quarterback. And his development over the next couple of years will be exciting to watch, as Footman is only a freshman. The Millersville defense also played great this game, recording five total sacks, with linebacker Rafael Lozada leading the way with nine tackles, a tackle for a loss, and a half sack. Millersville also would’ve had an interception, but the call was reversed after a roughing the passer penalty.
The Marauders have now won three of their last four, and are sitting at a 3-5 record. There are only three games left in the season, but Millersville has an opportunity to win out, which would put them at a 6-5 record to end the year. Even losing just one game would put them at a 5-5 record, the teams first time ending at .500 since 2004. Millersville looks to stay hot against Kutztown at home next week for the senior game.
