Susquehanna University Football: Charting a Course for a Storied Future
The Susquehanna University football program stands on the precipice of another exciting chapter, building upon a legacy of remarkable achievements and setting its sights on continued success. The recently unveiled 2025 schedule offers a compelling roadmap, presenting fans with a dynamic blend of familiar rivalries and fresh challenges. With six home games and four away contests, the Susquehanna faithful will have ample opportunity to rally behind their River Hawks, who are poised to make another significant impact on the NCAA Division III landscape. This upcoming season is not merely a continuation, but a deliberate step forward, weaving together historical connections with the pursuit of new triumphs.
A Season of Rekindled Rivalries and New Frontiers
The 2025 campaign kicks off with a significant homecoming, as Susquehanna hosts Union on Saturday, September 6th, for Ring of Honor Day. This matchup marks a return to a familiar adversary from the River Hawks' tenure in the Liberty League between 2007 and 2009, evoking memories of past gridiron battles. This opening contest initiates a crucial three-game homestand to commence the season. Following Union, the River Hawks will welcome Bridgewater to Doug Arthur Stadium on Saturday, September 13th, during the university's Family Weekend festivities. This tradition of community engagement underscores the strong bond between the team and its supporters.
The following week, on Saturday, September 20th, Susquehanna engages in another significant reunion, facing Johns Hopkins. This game holds particular historical weight as it pits two titans from the Centennial Conference era (2010-2022) against each other, and notably, features a rematch of last year's NCAA Division III national semifinalists. This contest promises to be a high-stakes affair, showcasing the caliber of talent and competitive spirit that has come to define both programs. The non-conference portion of the schedule concludes with a road trip to Newport News, Virginia, where Susquehanna will face Christopher Newport on Saturday, September 27th. This away game provides a different environment for the team to demonstrate its resilience and adaptability.
The River Hawks will then observe their bye week on Saturday, October 4th, coinciding with the commencement of the Landmark Conference season. This period of rest and strategic preparation will be vital as they transition into conference play. The resumption of action on Saturday, October 11th, sees Susquehanna hosting Lycoming, a matchup that is sure to ignite passionate support from the home crowd. The subsequent week, on Saturday, October 18th, the team travels to face Juniata, continuing the robust schedule of regional contests. A highlight of the early conference slate arrives on Saturday, October 25th, when Susquehanna hosts Catholic for Homecoming, a celebrated event that brings alumni and current students together in a vibrant display of university pride.
A new chapter in Landmark Conference history unfolds this fall with the introduction of Western Connecticut State as a conference opponent. Susquehanna will make its inaugural journey to Danbury, Connecticut, to confront the Wolves on Saturday, November 1st. This new addition to the conference schedule promises to introduce fresh dynamics and competitive narratives. The River Hawks will conclude their home schedule on Saturday, November 8th, by hosting Wilkes, a fitting send-off for the dedicated home fans. The regular season culminates with a road trip to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where Susquehanna will face Moravian on Saturday, November 15th, in what is anticipated to be a fiercely contested finale.
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A Historic Campaign: The 2024 Season's Unprecedented Success
The 2024 season stands as a monumental achievement in the annals of Susquehanna University football history. The River Hawks accomplished one of the greatest seasons in program history, amassing a record 12 victories, a testament to their sustained excellence and unwavering determination. This remarkable season culminated in their second consecutive Landmark Conference championship and an unprecedented appearance in the NCAA Division III Semifinals. The team's journey through the postseason was nothing short of extraordinary, as they secured three NCAA playoff victories, another program record, with the distinction of hosting two of these pivotal games on their home turf.
The path to the national semifinals was paved with grit and determination. After receiving a first-round bye, Susquehanna faced Hobart in the Second Round, emerging victorious with a hard-fought 42-35 win. The momentum carried them to Collegeville, Minnesota, for a thrilling encounter against Saint John's University. In a dramatic turn of events, the River Hawks stunned the home crowd with a walk-off field goal, clinching a nail-biting 41-38 victory. The extraordinary postseason run continued as Susquehanna returned home to host Bethel in the national quarterfinals. In a defensive masterclass, they triumphed 24-21, dethroning the Royals and securing their first national semifinals berth since 1991. Their quest for a national championship ultimately led them to face the eventual national champions, North Central.
Individual Excellence and Coaching Acclaim
The historic success of the 2024 season was underscored by a remarkable display of individual talent and coaching prowess. The River Hawks garnered an impressive 20 All-Landmark selections, a clear indication of the depth and quality of the team's roster. Furthermore, the program celebrated three major individual award winners. Senior linebacker Garrett Carter was deservedly named Defensive Player of the Year, anchoring a formidable defensive unit. Junior quarterback Josh Ehrlich earned Offensive Player of the Year honors, showcasing his exceptional leadership and playmaking ability. The future of the program was also on full display with first-year running back/returner Rahshan La Mons being recognized as Rookie of the Year, demonstrating his immediate impact and immense potential.
The accolades extended beyond conference recognition. Carter, Ehrlich, and La Mons were also honored with D3football.com All-Region 2 selections, alongside senior wide receiver/returner Kyle Howes, senior left tackle Nick Gonzalez, and junior defensive lineman Brian Layton. This collective recognition highlights the significant contributions of these student-athletes to the team's success. The coaching staff, under the astute leadership of Coach Perkovich, was also recognized for their exceptional guidance and strategic acumen, earning the region's Coaching Staff of the Year award. This prestigious honor is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and innovative strategies employed by the entire coaching unit.
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