Brandon Strausser sparks Kutztown University with Pick-Six

By Mike Drago Last updated Oct 26, 2024

Brandon Strausser returns an interception for a TD Saturday for Kutztown University. (Kutztown University photo)

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Gov. Mifflin grad Brandon Strausser made a game-high eight tackles and had a Pick Six as Kutztown University’s impenetrable defense stood up to yet another test on Saturday in a 24-0 Homecoming win over Shepherd.

The fourth-ranked Golden Bears (5-0, 8-0) forced five turnovers and added five sacks as they recorded their third shutout — the first time that’s happened since the 1964 squad blanked four opponents.
The dynamic defensive effort was needed on a day when Kutztown was held to 224 yards of total offense by the Rams (2-2, 5-3).
KU’s best drive of the afternoon came late in the first quarter with the game still scoreless. Judd Novak (Manheim Central) hit Lenniek Preston with a 10-yard pass and Mekhi Gibson with a 20-yarder on consecutive plays to put the Bears at the Shepherd 35-yard line. Novak then found Luke Szabo in the back right corner of the end zone for an 18-yard touchdown on the second play of the second quarter to cap a 12-play, 78-yard drive for a 7-0 lead.
On Shepherd’s second play of its ensuing drive, Strausser picked off Powell and took it to the house for a momentum-shifting interception, doubling Kutztown’s advantage to 14-0.

Gov. Mifflin grad Eden Johnson had six tackles for the Golden Bears.