By George Kopf (@GeorgeKopf19) & Matt Reynolds (@MattRey30)
Conference races are heating up on the gridiron, soccer pitch, and hardcourt. Nearing the end of October, Peak schools are finding success and setting up chances to play playoff competitions. Before you carve that jack-o-lantern, let's get you caught up on the action in vol. 9 of the Peak Sports Weekly Recap.
Lions Roar Mighty in Jacksonville, AL
In our weekly preview, we mentioned Southeastern Louisiana Lions were certainly capable of getting the win down in Jacksonville, AL. Boy, did they ever. The Lions scored first and held Jacksonville State scoreless in the second half, heading home with a 31-14 victory. SLU (4-3) adds this win to an impressive resume that includes a top-10 win over Incarnate Word. In front of a homecoming crowd, the Gamecocks' offense sputtered and failed to find a consistent rhythm. Jacksonville State (6-2) moves into an off week and will get set for their final three games at the FCS level. Meanwhile, Southeastern Louisiana leaves the Bayou State just once over their last four games, looking to close in on a Southland Conference title.
Crusaders Charge On
The Crusaders held on in Easton, PA, edging Lafayette 24-21 to remain unbeaten on the season and in Patriot League play. Holy Cross (7-0, 2-0) created havoc on the Leopards all day, as CB Devin Haskins pulled the reins in that category and was rewarded with Peak Athlete of the Week (see below). Offensively, the Crusaders struggled, but scored just enough and when it mattered most. Trailing with four minutes left, Crusaders QB Matthew Sluka once again showed the clutch gene and put his team up for good. The win sets up a home game for the Patriot League title on Saturday against top-20 Fordham.
Bulldogs Best the Catamounts
Entering the game as a 15-point underdog on the road, The Citadel were in search of that elusive first road win of the season. After a frustrating defeat last week against rival Wofford, they came out firing on all cylinders. The Bulldogs punched Western Carolina in the mouth early, put together a 24-0 halftime advantage, and never looked back en route to a 34-21 win. The Bulldogs (2-5, 2-3) rode the legs of QB Graeson Underwood who finished with three total touchdowns on 36 carries and bullied the Catamounts' defense for most of the day.
Avoiding Additional Setbacks
Coming off an emotional fourth quarter collapse last week in the Anchor-Bone Classic, Ferris State kept their playoff hopes alive in a 28-20 win over Michigan Tech. The Bulldogs (6-1, 2-1) dominated the game in the trenches, tallying up over 150 rushing yards while holding the Huskies to -26 rushing yards. Yes, you read that right. Down south, the Albany State Golden Rams also avenged a ranked defeat, and picked up a massive win on the road against Savannah State 31-20. This win keeps the Rams (6-2, 4-1) still one game behind first place in the SIAC East.
Undefeated, Unbeaten, Undeterred
Nationally ranked Pittsburg State did its job this week, hammering down a 28-16 Peak Bowl win over Missouri Western. The Griffons (3-5, 3-5) hung around early with the Gorillas, taking a 10-7 lead at the halftime break. However, it was all Pittsburg State (8-0, 8-0) from that point, using a 21-point third quarter to put the game out of reach. Three games remain in the regular season and the Gorillas can clinch at least a share of the MIAA Conference with a win on Saturday. Though, they hope it's the ticket to accomplishing even more in this spectacular season.
Colonels Comb the Cowboys
Nicholls has struggled to score in the red zone this season, but a 40-35 victory over the McNeese Cowboys may be a turning point for this squad. The Colonels (2-6, 2-1) gave up 22 points in the second quarter, but a huge 30-yard pick six swung the momentum and a dynamic second half passing attack propelled the Colonels to grab their second win on the season. Nicholls travels for their last road game to face a winless Lamar program, so a winning streak could be in the cards for the Colonels.
Kicking Off and Setting Up
Women's soccer squads kick off conference tournaments this week and two Peak schools have top-3 seeds in their respective postseason brackets. First, Portland State will play as the 3-seed in the Big Sky Tournament, the Lady Vikings' highest seed since 2014. In the Southland, the Northwestern State Demons have clinched the 2-seed with one game left against SLU. The Demons will be playing with some home field in the conference tourney, as they hold host duties for the event.
At the net, the volleyball ladies are setting up for the final regular season stretch. The Lady Vikings have their eyes on the Big Sky crown, sitting at 8-1 and atop the conference, following wins over teams at the top. Meanwhile in the SWAC, Peak remains supreme with both Alabama State (8-1) and Florida A&M (9-0) atop the SWAC, with the Hornets' only conference defeat to Florida A&M.
Scores from Peak Action
Howard 35, Delaware State 17
#7 Ferris State 28, Michigan Tech 20
South Carolina State 26, NC Central 24
The Citadel 34, Western Carolina 21
Southeastern Louisiana 31, Jacksonville State 14
#16 SEMO 51, Northwestern State 16
Lindenwood 33, Murray State 18
#17 Idaho 56, Portland State 21
Eastern Kentucky 56, North Alabama 53
#5 Pittsburg State 28, Missouri Western 16
#6 Holy Cross 24, Lafayette 21
Nicholls 40, McNeese 35
Western Oregon 46, Eastern New Mexico 7
Albany State 31, Savannah State 20
Midwestern State 24, UTPB 23
Sam Houston 18, Utah Tech 13
Peak Sports Athlete of the Week
Week 8: CB Devin Haskins, Holy Cross
When an offense is struggling, the defense must step up. Haskins, a Celina, TX native, led the Crusaders front, contributing four solo tackles, three pass-breakups, and making a game-saving interception. However, the senior's most impressive play was a punt block he returned 14 yards to the endzone. This has become regular for Haskins, who registered his fourth straight game with a punt block and second straight contest that he has scored. His touchdown was the difference in a 24-21 nailbiter over Lafayette, keeping Holy Cross undefeated.
