Quarterback Scott Knudson is one of the most remarkable success stories of Shippensburg football. Knudson was the third-string quarterback his sophomore season in 1976. When the first two quarterbacks were injured within a week, Knudson was called upon to start in the home opener against Bloomsburg.
Undaunted by the pressure, he completed eight of 12 passes helping the Red Raiders win the game 21-12. Shippensburg won seven of its next eight games, the PSAC Western Division and went to the annual State Game. Shippensburg and PSAC Eastern Division champion East Stroudsburg played to a 14-14 tie and were declared co-champions. The Red Raiders had their first conference championship in 19 years. Knudson finished the season with 74 completions in 137 attempts for 1,030 yards and five touchdowns.
The following season Knudson shared duties with Nelson. He completed 58 passes in 132 attempts for 588 yards and five TDs.
Knudson had his best season in 1978 as he guided the Red Raiders to a 7-3 overall record. He led the conference in passing yardage. He was named to the All-PSAC first team and voted Most Valuable Player by conference coaches. Knudson also received honorable mention in the All-America balloting.
In 1978 Knudson completed 140 passes in 260 attempts for 1,906 yards and 13 touchdowns. He set school single season records for pass attempts, completions, yards and touchdown passes. He also set the career record for passing yards with 3, 524 yards. Though those records have since been broken, Knudson is still listed among the passing leaders at Shippensburg.
After graduation, Knudson was a senior financial analyst with the Federal Reserve Board. He later became manager with the TRW corporation while living in Alexandria, Va. The Lewistown native graduated from Lewistown High School in 1975.
