Sports Editor John Enrietto takes a look into the dismissal of a Butler girls basketball coach.

When Slippery Rock University’s football team travels to California (Pa.) Saturday, it faces a big game in terms of the NCAA Division II playoff picture.

Of course, this game could mean just as much for the Vulcans in terms of the playoffs. They are not too far from being undefeated right now despite being saddled with a 4-3 record.

The three teams to defeat the Vulcans have a combined 13-2 record. Kutztown handed the team a 24-19 loss in the second week of the season. Shepherd and Indiana (Pa.) are both unbeaten and likely headed to their respective division titles in the PSAC East and West.

Shepherd hosted the Vulcans and needed overtime to come away with a 26-23 verdict. Indiana came away with a bizarre win on the road at Adamson Stadium two weeks ago. The Crimson Hawks defeated California, 22-21, as the Vulcans were denied a potential game-winning field goal attempt when they were flagged for being in the neutral zone in the closing seconds.

The penalty resulted in a 10-second run-off, taking the rest of the time off the clock and virtually ending the Vulcans’ playoff hopes.

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