ERIE, Pa. – After a strong outing in their first game of the season, Lock Haven football (1-1) went on the road to take on Mercyhurst (1-1) in their first Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) action of the season. The offense came alive late in the fourth quarter but could not complete the comeback as the Bald Eagles fell to the Lakers, 41-29.
Mercyhurst took control early, scoring on their first 3 drives of the game, burying the Bald Eagles in a 21-7 deficit. That lone LHU touchdown coming thanks to wide receiver T’air Young, who made a spectacular catch in the back corner of the endzone. Kicker Brett Zachman booted a 27-yard field goal to make the score 21-10 going into the half.
In the second half the Bald Eagles showed a resiliency not seen in recent years, scoring three TDs in the final 16 minutes. This offensive surge came in large part thanks to quarterback Danny Sanchez, who finished the game with 275 yards and three TDs. Bald Eagles running back Chris Collier also did his part, as he slashed through the Lakers defense, rushing for 84 yards and a TD.
Offensive coordinator Joe Battaglia had his offense humming late, as the Bald Eagles scored 19 points in the second half. Battaglia did a fantastic job calling run plays for Collier. His favorite of which seemed to be a very delayed halfback draw. The volume and success of that play showed how improved the LHU offensive line is from last year.
Mercyhurst quarterback Adam Urena looked unfazed by the Lock Haven defense, throwing for 313 yards and five touchdowns. Lock Haven seemed to have no answer for the Lakers, who were not forced to punt once in the first three quarters. This in large part due to many Lakers players making many contested catches in coverage.
This loss is Lock Haven’s ninth straight defeat at the hands of the Lakers. However, this is a much different Lock Haven team than in years past. Head coach Dan Mulrooney has done a fantastic job bringing in transfers to turn the program around. Sanchez (Stony Brook), Young (Millersville), and linebacker Cody Romano (Penn State) are just a few big impact players Mulrooney brought in.
With the win the Lakers improve to 1-1, as they look to take on Kutztown on the road Sept. 16.
WHAT’S NEXT:
Following the tough loss, the Bald Eagles will face off against Clarion in the second game of their road trip. Kickoff at Clarion will be at 1 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 16).
Ryan States is in his 3rd year at Lock Haven University, and his second with the Eagle Eye. He is a Journalism major with intentions to minor in Sports Management. With his never-ending passion for all things sports, he wishes to pursue a career as a sports writer for a major outlet. When not watching sports, he can be found playing video games, hanging out with friends at the REC. Or you can find him helping out in the booth during LHU sporting events. His biggest hope while at Lock Haven is to be able to positively contribute to LHU sports in any way he can.
