SELINSGROVE, (Pa.) – Susquehanna University senior defensive end Denny Bowers (Westminster, Md./Westminster H.S.) is the Middle Atlantic Conference Defensive Player of the Week. He led a Crusader defense which held conference offensive leader Juniata to just seven yards rushing in 20 attempts, and 26 points below its season scoring average in Susquehanna's 27-7 win in Huntingdon Saturday.
While Bowers copped conference honors, the starting Crusader offensive line is the team's Gus Weber Crusader Players of the Week, sponsored by the Golden Corral Family Restaurant in Shamokin Dam. The group consists of senior guards Anthony DeSantis (Old Forge/Bishop O'Hara H.S.) and Todd Werley (Allentown/Allentown Central Catholic H.S.); juniors Randy Hayes (Fogelsville/Parkland H.S.) and Randy Zook (Belleville/Indian Valley H.S.) at tackles, and Dave Wonderlick (Shenandoah/Shenandoah Valley H.S.) at center; and freshman John Smith (Orland Park/Providence Catholic H.S.) at tight end. That group led a punishing Susquehanna Delaware Wing-T attack which rolled up 285 yards rushing, 28 first downs and didn't allow a sack, while keeping the ball for 37:28 against a Juniata defense which was ranked 11th in NCAA Division III against the rush (61.8 yards per game)
The 6-2, 235-pound Bowers was credited with just four tackles (three solo), but three of them were for losses of 16 yards -- including two sacks. He also pressured Eagle senior quarterback Joe Montrella into hurrying several throws as the Crusader defense held him to just 18 completions in 40 attempts. Bowers did this while going against his sophomore younger brother Matt Bowers -- the starting Juniata tight end -- for much of the day.
"Denny was all over the field Saturday. We feel he's one of the best, if not the best defensive lineman in the conference," said 10th-year Crusader head coach Steve Briggs.
Bowers continues to lead the team in tackles for loss with 10 for 55 yards, and quarterback sacks with five – tallying 18 total tackles (13 solo) this season. He also has two blocked kicks and a fumble recovery.
Bowers is a mathematics major and the son of Dennis and Pamela Bowers.
The O-line particularly took over in the second half with Susquehanna leading just 14-7 at halftime. The Crusaders kept the ball for 23:03 over the final 30 minutes, rolling up 15 second half first downs and the game's final 13 points. The pass protection was also key as freshman quarterback Mike Bowman (Northumberland/Shikellamy H.S.) was not sacked while making his first collegiate start.
The recipient of the team's Gus Weber Player of the Week has a check of $100 from Golden Corral donated to the charity of his choice. Members of the offensive line will announce their choice at the team's weekly Quarterback Club Luncheon Friday at noon.
Susquehanna is now 4-1 overall, 3-1 in the MAC and 1-0 in the Commonwealth League, and needs just one more win to secure the program's 14th-straight non-losing season. The Crusaders shared the league title last season with Widener, which will also bring a 4-1 record to Selinsgrove for this Saturday's Community Day game at Amos Alonzo Stagg Field. The Pioneers are also 4-1 in the MAC, and 2-0 in the Commonwealth League.
Saturday's game will offer free admission to all community groups wearing clothing identifiable with their group. Adults not affiliated with any groups will also be admitted for $3, instead of the regular $4 price.
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