Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS Juniata's Javier Lopez runs for a gain as he is tackled by Susquenita's Andy Herrera.

MIFFLINTOWN – The Juniata football team delivered a resounding victory in their homecoming game, overwhelming Susquenita, 49-7, on Friday night in a Mid-Penn Capital contest.

The Indians’ offense, led by quarterback Wyatt Ehrenzeller and wide receiver Jasper Shepps, proved unstoppable, while their defense stifled the Blackhawks throughout the contest.

Juniata wasted no time asserting their dominance. A botched snap on Susquenita’s first punt attempt gave the Indians excellent field position at the Blackhawks’ 15-yard line. Ehrenzeller capitalized immediately, connecting with Shepps for a 20-yard touchdown pass, setting the tone for the evening.

Shepps emerged as the star of the night, putting on a performance for the ages. The senior wide receiver hauled in seven receptions for 145 yards and five touchdowns, all in the first half. His explosive plays included touchdown catches of 20, 7, 37, 28, and 31 yards, leaving the Susquenita defense scrambling for answers.

Ehrenzeller orchestrated the offense with precision, completing 12 of 15 passes for 221 yards and six touchdowns. The senior quarterback spread the ball effectively, finding five different receivers throughout the game.

The Indians’ defense matched the intensity of their offense, limiting Susquenita to just 138 total yards. The Blackhawks’ ground game was particularly ineffective, managing only 35 rushing yards on 25 attempts. Juniata’s defensive pressure forced Susquenita quarterback Rex Wilson into difficult situations, resulting in two interceptions.

One of those interceptions fell into the hands of the night’s standout, Shepps. As the second quarter clock expired, Shepps intercepted a Wilson pass and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown, capping off his extraordinary first-half performance and extending Juniata’s lead to 42-0 at halftime.

Juniata’s ground game complemented their aerial assault, accumulating 174 rushing yards. Javier Lopez led the team with 62 yards on six carries, while Ehrenzeller contributed 35 yards on three attempts.

The Indians’ dominance was evident in every facet of the game. They outgained Susquenita 395 yards to 138, secured 16 first downs to the Blackhawks’ 7, and maintained a balanced attack with 221 passing yards and 174 rushing yards.

Susquenita, which has struggled this season being outscored 203-36 prior to this game, showed resilience in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Rex Wilson connected with Andy Herrera for a 50-yard touchdown pass, preventing a shutout. Wilson finished the game 7-of-18 for 103 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Hererra finished with five receptions for 82 yards.

Juniata’s victory improves their record to 4-2 on the season and 4-1 in the Mid-Penn. The Indians’ performance showcased their offensive firepower and defensive prowess, sending a strong message to future opponents. The Blackhawks fell to 1-5 on the year and 1-3 in the Capital.

Juniata plays Newport next week.

Juniata 49, Susquenita 7

Susquenita 0 0 0 7 – 7

Juniata 21 21 7 0 – 49

SCORE BY QUARTERS

First Quarter

J-Jasper Shepps 20 pass from Wyatt Ehrenzeller (kick blocked), 9:48.\

J-Jasper Shepps 7 pass from Wyatt Ehrenzeller (Wyatt Ehrenzeller run), 4:25.

J-Jasper Shepps 37 pass from Wyatt Ehrenzeller (Andel Lopez kick), :48.

Second Quarter

J-Jasper Shepps 28 pass from Wyatt Ehrenzeller (Andel Lopez kick), 2:48

J-Jasper Shepps 31 pass from Ehrenzeller (Andel Lopez kick), 1:02.

J-Jasper Shepps 60 interception return (Andel Lopez kick), :00.

Third Quarter

J-Josh Nace 1 pass from Wyatt Ehrenzeller (Andel Lopez kick), 5:38.

Fourth Quarter

S-Andy Herrera 50 pass from Rex Wilson (Corey Warren kick), 3:04.

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING: JHS–Javier Lopez 6-62, Lane Peiper 4-12, Wyatt Ehrenzeller 3-35, Connor Boreman 1-(-2), Camden Bargo 1-0, Jack Condo 2-2, Gage Harlon 1-2, Isaac Ramirez 2-10, Ty Rowles 1-3, Ayden Dowling 2-8, Jasper Shepps 2-15, Cale Fike 2-9, Jeremiah Alonso 1-22. S–Jacon Brown 18-53, Rex Wilson 7-(-18).

PASSING: JHS–Wyatt Ehrenzeller 12-15-221-6-0, Jack Condo 0-0-0-0. S–Rex Wilson 7-18-103-1-2

RECEIVING: JHS–Connor Boreman 1-9, Jasper Shepps 7-145-5, Javier Lopez 1-13, Jadon Nealman 2-52, Jack Condo 1-2-1. S–Andy Herrera 5-82-1, Blaise Swancer 1-15, Athan Robinson 1-6.

TEAM STATISTICS JHS S

First downs 16 7

Rushes-yards 28-174 25-35

Passing (comp.-att.-int.) 12-15-0 7-18-2

Yards passing 221 103

Total yards 395 138

Fumbles-lost 0-0 0-0

Penalties-yards 10-80 3-25

Punts-avg. 2-40.0 4-34.3