Kutztown defeats No. 17 California (Pa.), 24-19

Trailing by six early in the fourth quarter, Kutztown’s offense manufactured two long scoring drives when it needed it most.

The Golden Bears went 97 yards for a touchdown before marching 70 yards on their next possession for another touchdown, sealing a 24-19 victory over No. 17 California (Pa.) on Saturday at Andre Reed Stadium.

Down 13-7 early in the fourth, Kutztown (1-1) orchestrated a nearly six-minute, 11-play scoring drive to take its first lead of the second half. The drive was capped by a rushing touchdown from Darryl Davis-McNeil, which gave the Golden Bears a 14-13 lead following the extra point.

Davis-McNeil, a redshirt senior, finished with 99 yards rushing and one reception for 7 yards.

On its next possession, Kutztown wasted little time, as quarterback Donny Blaine connected with wide receiver Jerome Kapp, a Boyertown grad, for a 42-yard touchdown, which made it 21-13 following the extra point. The big splash capped a seven-play drive that lasted just over three minutes.

The victory was Kutztown’s first over a ranked opponent since defeating No. 18 New Haven in the second round of the 2021 NCAA playoffs and first in the regular season since beating No. 10 Shepherd last September.

Leading 21-13, the Golden Bears added some insurance with 1:07 left in the fourth quarter, as kicker Nick Coppolino made a 29yard field goal.

The Vulcans recorded their final touchdown as time expired in the fourth quarter, as quarterback Noah Mitchell found Cam Tarrant for a 4-yard score to make it 24-19. The point after was not attempted.

Kutztown opened the scoring early in the first quarter, as Blaine found receiver Tyreek Husser for a 14-yard touchdown. Blaine finished 10-for-19 passing for 153 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

California tied it 7-7 on its next possession, as Mitchell found JaQuae Jackson for a 21-yard touchdown. Mitchell finished 22for-38 passing for 235 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

The Vulcans (1-1) extended their lead to 10-7 with a 36-yard field goal from Anthony Beitko as time expired in the first half. Beitko made a 25-yard field goal in the third quarter to make it 13-7 before the Golden Bears came back.

One week after scoring no points and generating just 149 yards of offense, Kutztown generated 324 yards of total offense — 171 of which came on the ground — on Saturday. Kapp led the team with 42 yards receiving, all of which came on the one touchdown reception.*