YSU coach hails vets in adversity

The Penguins’ early big lead evaporated, but a late score won Saturday’s game.

By PETE MOLLICA

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State football coach Jon Heacock learned something about his team in last Saturday’s close call.

The Penguins faced adversity in the second half against South Dakota State and Heacock was pleased with the way the team handled it to produce a 23-17 victory.

“We were faced with some challenges,” Heacock said, “Our veterans came through big down that stretch.”

The Penguins (1-1) jumped out to a 17-0 lead, then allowed the Jackrabbits to tie the score early in the final period.

But senior quarterback Tom Zetts and junior wide receiver Ferlando Williams sparked the offense to a final scoring drive, then senior safety Vince Gliatta sealed the win with an interception.

“Our veterans realize when we are playing well and when we are not,” Heacock said. “We’ve had to use some newer players this season and although we are still nowhere near where we need to be, we still improved greatly from week one to week two.”

Stony Brook next

Saturday, the Penguins continue their four-game homestand against Stony Brook. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium.

The Seawolves (2-0) are in their first season in the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision. An independent this season, they will join the Big South Conference next year.

“They have 14 starters back and brought in a whole lot of transfer players,” Heacock said. “Their quarterback is a senior and a big, strong player who hasn’t thrown an interception in 40 passes over the first two games.”

Still, the Penguins are prohibitive favorites. Last season the Seawolves lost 48-7 to Massachusetts and 62-7 to New Hampshire.

Last week, the YSU offense showed signs of an early blowout against South Dakota State, jumping out to a 14-0 lead in the first 10 minutes. But the offense bogged down and twice failed to score in the red zone.

“We definitely need to be more consistent on offense,” Heacock said.

Improvement

The running game was improved, getting 180 yards, led by redshirt sophomore Jabari Scott with 89 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown. But the Penguins’ longest run from scrimmage was 21 yards and that was by Zetts.

Zetts’ passing improved from the opener as he hit 18-of-23 for 167 yards and an interception. He hasn’t thrown a touchdown this year.

The return of senior wide receiver Rory Berry was a big addition to the offense. Still not 100 percent recovered from a hamstring injury, Berry caught six passes for 49 yards.

The defense was strong against the run for the second straight week but allowed more than 200 yards passing. South Dakota State gained just 48 yards on the ground.

The Penguins’ special teams play was greatly improved, especially on punt returns. Junior Da’Angelo Wilson had three returns for 57 yards, including one of 39 yards and another of 16, the latter setting up the YSU touchdown drive.

The special teams also produced the Penguins’ second touchdown when senior Dorian Chenault blocked a punt and Gliatta ran it in.

“Those were veteran players who came up with big plays when we needed them,” Heacock said.

The kicking game is still not up to par. Junior punter Ben Nowicki is struggling. Junior placekicker Brian Palmer is 2-for-2 in field goals, but missed an extra point attempt Saturday.

“We’re getting better, but we still have a long way to go,” Heacock said. “And we better get it going this week or we could be in for another battle.”

mollica@vindy.com