On Saturday, Oct. 26, the California Vulcans overcame the IUP Crimson Hawks in overtime 16-13. The 15th Coal Bowl matchup between the two teams marks history as the Vulcans became the first to win the back-to-back games. A thriller from start to finish, this game makes California’s record 7-1 overall, and 5-0 in conference play. The Vulcans are now ranked 22nd nationally.
The Crimson Hawks gave their all and showed how little rankings can mean. Both IUP and California held their opposing offenses under 300 total yds. The Crimson Hawks average 317 yds a game and the Vulcans 397 yds. The defensive front from both sides slowed any offensive production.
The QB battle between Davis Black and Hunter Karst—while not record-breaking—provided an entertaining and competitive matchup. Black went 13-20 for 142 yds, 1 TD, while being sacked 4 times. Hunter had 12 completions for 100 yds, 1 interception, while being sacked twice. In the backfield California’s McKan III and Boyd Jr. rushed for 61 and 48 yards, respectively. Younger and Houser had 72 and 27 yards respectively. The only touchdown pass of the game was caught by Willis III, who had 88 receiving yards. The excitement and jitters shown by both teams were made evident from the start of the game, as both teams played with energy not previously seen this season.
Davis Black led the Vulcans throughout the game, capping it off with a QB scramble to end the game in overtime. This performance earned him the Coal Bowl MVP.
“This team is good—when we play complementary football, this team is special,” Black said. “Shout out to the defense, honestly, I think they deserved the MVP as well.”
California, now first in the PSAC West, has a lot on its plate for future games.
“I’m not worried about those teams in the playoffs—I’m worried about Edinboro,” said Black. “I’m worried about the health and mental state of our guys.”
For the last game of the regular season, the Vulcans take on the Fighting Scots of Edinboro. The game will take place on Nov. 9 at noon.
