Bucknell Football falls at VMI despite best efforts

Madison Rehak, Contributing Writer

The Orange and Blue fell short, 14–24, this past weekend at Virginia Military Institute.

The Bison did not put up any points in the first half of the game and were down by 21 points until quarterback Nick Semptimphelter ’24 entered the game. Semptimphelter came out on the pitch and energized the team to turn the game around. Semptimphelter capitalized on a 13-yard play to Rushawn Baker ’25, putting the Bison on the board to attempt their comeback in the game. The Bison did not complete the two-point conversion shortly afterward. 

Patrick Quinlivan ’25 helped assist a turnover for the Bison. After the turnover, Semptimphelter found Kyle Fontes ’25 and completed a touchdown for the Bison to continue the streak of getting on the board. The Bison gained the two-point conversion with Josh Gary ’26 catching the pass from the quarterback. 

The Orange and Blue’s defense caused several turnovers and a punt in the fourth quarter, but could not get past the 24–14 score set by VMI. 

Semptimphelter went nine for 18 passes, accumulating 95 yards, and quarterback Ethan Grady ’25 went 10 for 20 passes, accumulating 54 yards. VMI outgained the Bison, 326-178 in yards but the Bison won in turnovers, with Gavin Pringle ’23 starting the turnovers from an interception in the end of the 2nd quarter. 

The Bison will compete again this Saturday at 1 p.m. in a matchup against Central Michigan in Mount Pleasant, MI. 

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