LOCK HAVEN, Pa – The Bald Eagles struggled to pull together a win for the students and alumni who came back to The Haven for the annual Homecoming Game.
The game started off in Clarion’s favor, as the Bald Eagles fumbled the opening drive. Clarion quarterback Zach Benedek was able to complete the one-yard rush for a touchdown. Clarion then went on to score another touchdown, five minutes later, when Benedek threw a 53-yard pass to wide receiver Andy Martin, earning themselves the 13-0 lead.
Lock Haven was able to respond almost immediately during their next possession. Quarterback Easton Turner was able to throw a 30-yard pass to Marquon Williams. The score was now 13-7 in favor of Clarion.
With only a six-point deficit going into the second quarter, the Bald Eagles could’ve turned the game in their favor, but failed to do so. Early on in the quarter, Clarion kicker Trent McDowell kicked a 23-yard field goal, bringing their lead to 16-7. McDowell landed a kick to wide receiver Corahn Alleyne, scoring the last touchdown of the quarter. Clarion was now even more in the lead, 23-7.
On a positive note, the 2020, 2021, and 2022 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees were celebrated during half-time. The LHU Marching Band performed this year’s half-time show, Cirque du Soleil.
The Bald Eagles returned to the field looking fired up for the final half of the game, but unfortunately they still couldn’t make a comeback. Clarion once again ended up with the short-field advantage, and running back Kahlil Owens took a short 1-yard run to score another touchdown for Clarion. Wide receiver Zack Kindel proceeded to score another touchdown six minutes later. Clarion ended the third quarter 37-7.
As the game entered the final quarter, there was frustration on the Lock Haven bench, and Clarion was cheering themselves on, as the game seemed set in stone, marking their first win of their season. They sealed the deal with an impressive defensive game, and Alleyne scored another touchdown, giving the game a final score of 44-7.
UP NEXT:
Lock Haven hits the road to East Stroudsburg on Sept. 24 for a 1:05 p.m. kickoff.
