LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – Lock Haven (4-4) kept the game close thanks to a tremendous effort from the defense, however a stagnant offense couldn’t get going as the Bald Eagles lost a heartbreaker against the Kutztown Golden Bears (6-2) 7-3.
Lock Haven’s defense had three sacks and forced three turnovers, but quarterback Danny Sanchez had three picks of his own and only 100-yards in the air on 26 attempts.
The first quarter was a slog, starting out with a turnover for each team. Star linebacker Cody Romano lit up Kutztown tight end Tyreek Husser on just the third play of the game to force a fumble. Then just two plays later Sanchez gave the ball right back as he was picked off by Kutztown linebacker Kam Wolfe. On the ensuing drive, Kutztown quarterback Judd Novak led an 11-play, 86-yard drive to score the first, and only touchdown of the game on an 11-yard touchdown pass to Sincere Thomas. Then after back-to-back punts the first quarter would end with the Golden Bears up 7-0.
Lock Haven had a good start to the second, completing a 12-play drive thanks to a 35-yard field goal by kicker Brett Zachman, closing the gap to 7-3. On their next drive, Kutztown drove all the way down to Lock Haven’s 24-yard line. However, not satisfied only being up seven, Kutztown head coach Jim Clements decided to go for it on fourth-down. Thankfully for the Bald Eagles Novak’s pass was incomplete, and Kutztown would walk away with nothing. After two more punts and a failed Kutztown Hail Mary, the score would remain 7-3 going into halftime.
In the second half both offenses would come to a screeching halt, as a mess of bad offensive drives, turnovers, and failed first downs led to neither team scoring. Running back Chris Collier was able to rush for 98-yards, but a visibly injured Sanchez was unable to command the offense and went on to throw two more interceptions in the second half.
While head coach Dan Mulrooney has to be proud of his defense the past few weeks, it is his offense that is the main concern. Sanchez is clearly still hurt thanks to the ankle injury he suffered against Shepherd, and without Collier the offense looks helpless. The Bald Eagles will need better offensive production if they wish to win out the rest of the year.
UP NEXT:
The Bald Eagles will look to defend the Jack, as they take on West Chester at home next Saturday, Oct. 28 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.
