The Lock Haven Bald Eagles 2021 football team hit the road this past weekend to take on the Lincoln University Lions and came back looking impressive in a 20-0 win. The game was a battle of the defenses as both offenses struggled in this one here, with neither quarterback passing for over 120 yard and no rusher over 70 yards in this contest. Dante Graham, running back for the Bald Eagles opened the scoring on a 1-yard touchdown with 2:57 left in the first quarter after being given great field position.
They went on to score in the 2nd quarter with a beautiful pass from QB Ethan Persa to WR Justin white on a 40yd streak. Freshman rb Deandre Wakefield finished up the final points on the night with another 1-yard touchdown run. Overall Lock Haven played a good game posting a shutout for the first time since 2017.This could be a sign of good things to come for this young team that had finished bottom 5 in the country for total defense dating back to the 2019 football season. Great start to a new era with this being the first game and win for new head coach John Kelling.
After the game I caught up with junior linebacker Austin Barber who has started every game in his 3-year Lock Haven career and asked a few questions about the game.
Thomas: Congrats on the win Austin, how did it feel to be back on the gridiron after taking almost a 2-year break from contact football due to the global pandemic we are now facing?
Austin: It was a fun and good learning experience, being up here since early august we have only been hitting each other as teammates, so it was a great feeling to hit some other guys and not have to hold back against an opponent.
Thomas: Being a 3-year starter what is different about this year’s team and your favorite thing about the group of guys.
Austin: I love the energy the young guys are bringing this year; more people are stepping up and taking accountability for themselves. We are playing as a team and guys are on the same page and coaches are getting us prepared for opponents, we are closer as a unit them in previous years.
Thomas: This was the Bald Eagles first shutout since 2017, any comments on what this could mean going forward?
Austin: We for sure want to build off this momentum. We have some mistakes to clean up on film, but I was excited by the potential of this young defense. Flying around, making group tackles, and getting to the quarterback.
Thomas: Last question here, you guys are back on the road next weekend to face CALUPA a proven PSAC team year in and year out what’s the key to success for next week?
Austin: Starts with a great week of practice, we must execute plays, everyone keying in on their matchups and guys just doing their jobs. There is a lot of potential in this young team.
Watch the Bald Eagles (1-0) Take on CALUPA (1-0) on September 11th at 1pm EST.
