WVU and Shepherd lose weekend football games | News, sports, jobs

Martinsburg High School graduate Hudson Clement looks to gain distance after a catch against Iowa State University on Saturday. David Pennock

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Interceptions played a major role in West Virginia University and Shepherd University’s football losses last week.

The Mountaineers earned a morale-boosting victory at Oklahoma State University, but quickly fell behind undefeated Iowa State University after their quarterback Garrett Greene was intercepted twice before halftime.

The three-time beaten Mountaineers struggled to claw back a 14-0 deficit and ultimately lost 28-16, dropping their record to 3-3. The Cyclones went 6-0 and shared the lead in the Big 12 Conference with unbeaten league mates Brigham Young University and Texas Tech.

Rocco Becht, son of former WVU Athletic Hall of Famer Anthony Becht, threw a Cyclone TD and running back Carson Hansen had three short-yard scoring runs.

WVU had cut Iowa State’s early lead by points and trailed just 14-10 before Hansen’s second short-scoring run.

Mountaineer running back CJ Donaldson, Jr. breaks the finish line in Saturday’s league matchup against Iowa State University at Milan Puskar Stadium. David Pennock

A third Cyclone interception led to Hansen’s final TD run, giving him a 28-10 lead before the Mountaineers’ final score brought the score to 28-16.

After racking up nearly 400 rushing yards in a win over Oklahoma State the week before, the Mountaineers managed just 148 ground yards in a loss to the Cyclones, who were off to their best start since 1938.

Contributing to WVU’s disjointed problems were several high snaps against quarterback Greene, who was several yards out in his backfield. These crazy running games have all lost mileage.

The Mountaineers will face once-beaten Kansas State (5-1) tomorrow in Morgantown.

Shepherd’s offense had four interceptions in a 35-14 loss to West Chester. Shepherd came into the game with a record of 4-1 and West Chester only had a record of 1-4.

The ball is just out of reach as West Virginia University wide receiver Traylon Ray stretches out a play on Saturday at Milan’s Puskar Stadium. David Pennock

The dominant Golden Rams led 21-7 at halftime and secured their second win with 206 rushing yards.

West Chester quarterback Cooper Jordan rushed for 131 yards and a ground score while passing for two more touchdowns.

Shepherd’s two touchdowns came from Jordan Barnett on a three-yard run and Malakai Brown on a six-yard run.

Powell actually completed 24 of 39 passes, but the four interceptions seemed to negate those accomplishments. Brown (seven receptions) and Cam Dorner (six catches) paced Shepherd’s receivers.

The Rams had 10 tackles from Brett Kwola and eight more from Harold O’Neal.

One of Shepherd’s two scores was set up by a 77-yard kickoff return by Thad Standfield.

With an overall score of 4-2, the Rams are at home tomorrow and will host winless Millersville University (0-6) at noon.