Jerry Kapp catches TD pass as Kutztown U locks up spot in PSAC championship

Kutztown clinched a return trip to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championship game with a 30-7 win over Millersville Saturday in front of a Homecoming crowd of 4,125 at Andre Reed Stadium.

Boyertown’s Jerry Kapp caught a 6-yard touchdown that extended the Golden Bears’ lead to 23-0 in the third quarter.

Kutztown, ranked second in the first Super Region 1 rankings released earlier this week, moved to 8-1 overall and 6-0 in PSAC East play. It can complete its second straight unbeaten conference slate with a victory at West Chester next Saturday.

The Golden Bears are guaranteed a spot in the “State Game” by virtue of their 37-29 win at Shepherd on Sept. 25 regardless of next week’s result. KU will play in consecutive PSAC championship games for the first time.

The Golden Bears rushed for 216 yards –their third consecutive game with at least 200 yards on the ground– and got another terrific showing from its defense, which allowed just 32 rushing yards and scored twice on a first-quarter safety and fourth-quarter Pick-Six by Antaun Lloyd.

Millersville falls to 1-5 in the league, 2-7 overall.

Kutztown quarterback Eric Nickel (Bridgewater, N.J./Bridgewater-Raritan) attempted just 13 passes, the fewest by the Golden Bears since throwing 11 times in a 32-6 win over Cheyney on Nov. 5, 2016. The Bridgewater, N.J., native completed 7-of-13 throws for 46 yards.

As expected, the Golden Bears yielded very little the other way. Millersville came in averaging just 37.0 rushing yards per game –worst in the PSAC– while Kutztown ranked seventh in the nation in rushing defense at 74.8 yards allowed per game. The Marauders could only manage 32 yards on 26 carries, though their only score came on a 1-yard Timmy Smith leap over the pile with 2:21 remaining to break up the shutout.

Kutztown, which has now won 14 in a row over PSAC East opponents, can win the division outright next Saturday at West Chester. Kickoff is at noon.