SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. (WKBN) — No. 11 Slippery Rock football held off New Haven for a 14-7 victory in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Division II Football Championship.
The Rock jumped out in front when former Farrell star Kylon Wilson scored a four-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter. Wilson finished with 4 receptions for 50 yards and a rushing TD.
In the second half, Slippery Rock quarterback Brayden Long connected with Carson Heckathron on a 19-yard touchdown to double the lead.
New Haven finally broke through in the third quarter when Daelen Menard found Mikey Cainez for a 19-yard touchdown of their own to cut it to a 14-7 deficit.
The possible play of the game would then come late in the third quarter when the Chargers appeared to have a 60-yard touchdown before Hickory graduate Michael Henwood tracked down the receiver and punched the ball out of the back of the end zone.
He saved the potential game-tying touchdown with the forced fumble and The Rock took over possession.
With the win, Slippery Rock improves to 10-1 overall and will travel to No. 3 Kutztown in round two at noon Saturday, Nov. 30.
