CLARION, Pa. – Lock Haven football (2-1) ended their two-game road trip with a last second win versus the Clarion Golden Eagles (1-2).
Clarion got off to a hot start scoring 10 points in the first quarter and holding the Bald Eagles scoreless until midway through the second quarter. That lone first half score coming thanks to wide receiver Chase Holmes who took a Danny Sanchez pass 23-yards to the house. Clarion quarterback Anthony Guercio looked good but could not finish drives in points, scoring only 13 in the half.
In the second half the Bald Eagles defense stepped up and waited for the offense to catch up. Neither team scored in the third quarter as both offenses moved the ball down the field, but could not finish off drives. Lock Haven took one drive into Clarion territory, but kicker Brett Zachman missed a 35-yard field goal attempt. Then on the ensuing drive the Golden Eagles drove all the way down to the LHU one-yard line. However, an outstanding goal line stand and a failed fourth-down conversion held them scoreless. At the end of the third Lock Haven still trailed 13-7
The fourth quarter started out rough as Sanchez was intercepted by Clarion cornerback Che Trevena. Then, on the very next drive, wide receiver Trenten Smith hauled in a 21-yard touchdown to give Clarion the 20-7 lead.
In any other year this would be where Lock Haven folds, however this is not any other year. Even while they were down in the fourth, The Haven looked like they had all the confidence in the world. Running back Chris Collier showed out, rumbling for a 62-yard touchdown on the very next drive. Then, after a few punts and a turnover on downs, Lock Haven got the ball with 1:42 to go on their own 42.
The Bald Eagles moved downfield but found themselves at fourth and ten on the Clarion 31-yard line. With all hope seemingly lost, the Bald Eagles needed a miracle. Trailing 20-14 with seconds ticking off the clock, Sanchez got the ball on a flea flicker, then threw a Hail Mary down field to tight end Chris Hicks for a touchdown and the win.
Out of a MOVIE … @LHU_Football wins it❗️
— Haven Athletics 🦅 (@HavenAthletics) September 16, 2023
Danny Sanchez calls GAME‼️
Hail Mary✔️
Flea Flicker✔️
Comeback on the road (21-20)✔️
🦅Bald Eagles are 2-1 for the first time in 10 years❗️🏈@ESPNAssignDesk | @SportsCenter | #sctop10 pic.twitter.com/wUAS3GKLD5
Collier was named offensive MVP, as he rushed for 169 yards and a TD. For Clarion their best player was undoubtedly Guercio, who totaled for 285 yards and two touchdowns.
Not only was this a miracle win for the Bald Eagles, but it is also the first time they will have a record over .500 in 11 years! There is no doubt about it, this is a program defining win for head coach Dan Mulrooney and the Bald Eagles
UP NEXT:
Lock Haven will look to return home for Homecoming against East Stroudsburg on Sept. 23. Kick-off will be at 1 p.m.
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.
