Sept. 27, 2003

Slippery Rock, Pa. - Mike Ceroli scored on a one-yard run with 3:26 left in the game to give Bloomsburg University a 19-16 win over hosting Slippery Rock University in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference interdivisional football game on Bob DiSpirito Field at N. Kerr Thompson Stadium.

The winning touchdown was set up by a fumble recovery at The Rock 8-yard line. Ceroli's TD came on the second play after the fumble recovery by Ben Cohick.

The win improved Bloomsburg's record to 2-2, while The Rock dropped to 1-3 for the first time since 1990.

The Rock outgained Bloomsburg by a 235-169 margin behind a balanced attack that saw SRU rush for 112 yards and pass for 123. Bloomsburg had only 69 yards rushing and 106 yards passing.

The Rock's Josh Kniess (Butler/Slippery Rock HS) was the leading rusher in the game with 69 yards on 20 carries. Ceroli led the Huskies with 46 yards on 19 carries. Kniess and Ceroli each scored one TD.

SRU's John Benca (Allison Park/Hampton HS) caught eight passes for 81 yards. Donny Patrick had 51 yards on three receptions for Bloomsburg.

Bloomsburg's Jack Lydic completed 9 of 19 passes for 106 yards and two TDs and threw one interception.

The Rock's Luke McCaffrey (Prospect/Slippery Rock HS) was 14 of 28 passing for 123 yards and one TD and had a pair of passes intercepted.

The Rock opens its PSAC-Western Division schedule next Saturday, Oct. 4, at California U. of Pa. (7 p.m. kickoff), while Bloomsburg opens PSAC-East play at East Stroudsburg.