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YSU notebook
Injury update: Youngstown State lost freshman WR Andre Stubbs on the opening kickoff with an injury to his AC joint, the joint at the top of the shoulder. “It could be for the year,” YSU coach Eric Wolford said. “Obviously we won’t know until [later].” Also, sophomore CB Donald D’Alesio missed much of the game with a shoulder injury. “He’s had a shoulder issue [for awhile] so he’s always day to day,” Wolford said. True freshman Jimmy May Jr. (Warren Harding) replaced D’Alesio and played well. “He did some decent things for a freshman,” Wolford said. “He’s got a chance to be special. He can run and he needs to continue to get more physical, which he will. Some of that stuff comes with confidence. Sometimes it takes 1,000 reps. Unfortunately we haven’t had the chance to get him 1,000 reps yet but we’re trying.”
Big crowd: YSU had an announced crowd of 18,543 — the biggest crowd since the Penguins drew 18,978 against Liberty in 2008. “We needed a shot in the arm and the community showed up in force,” Wolford said. “It was loud on third down. You could hear them and that’s a difference in the ballgame. The community was behind us and we appreciate them. This win was for them.”
This and that: YSU safety Josh Garner had 11 tackles and Obinna Ekweremuba had 1.5 tackles for loss, both game-highs. ... Penguin QB Kurt Hess was sacked for the first time this season. ... After going more than a game and a half without an attempt, YSU punter Nick Liste (Niles) averaged 40 yards on four second-half kicks, with three inside the 20. “He’s a weapon, no question,” Wolford said of Liste. ... WR Andre Barboza set career highs in catches (three), yards (74) and TDs (two) and Kevin Watts had career-highs in catches (five) and yards (68).