The LHU football team closes out the 2014 season Saturday, November 15 at California (Pa.) at 1 p.m.
 
Game Day Central:
Lock Haven (2-8, 2-7 PSAC) at California (Pa.) (7-3, 6-3 PSAC)
 
Audio/Radio - Bear Country Radio WQBR-99.9 FM | Live Stats
 
Depth Charts:
Lock Haven | California
 
*both teams deep depth charts are tentative and subject to change
 
Setting the stage:

• The Bald Eagles close the season on Saturday at California (Pa.).
• Lock Haven will look to close the season with its third win. A third win would match LHU's total from last season. Last year, Lock Haven was 3-8, marking the most wins since 2004.
• California is coming off a 59-49 loss to Mercyhurst last weekend.

Last time out (Week 10, 11/8/14 vs. No. 5 Bloomsburg)
The LHU football team dropped its final home game of the 2014 season to visiting and fifth-ranked Bloomsburg University, 40-3. FULL RECAP

Quick hits from Week 10:

• D Keeps Haven in it - The Bald Eagle defense forced turnover for the fourth straight game.
• Christas at it again – Sr. DB George Christas led another strong charge from the Bald Eagle defense. The Preseason All-American finished with a game-high 15 tackles, as he played in front of the home fans for the final time. It marked the fourth time this season that Christas has made 12 or more tackles in a single game.

 
Walton leads under center:
Redshirt-junior QB Caleb Walton is leading the way offensively for Lock Haven. He's started all 10 games and is aiming to become the Bald Eagles' first 2,000-yard passer since 1995. On Saturday, he passed for 154 yards today, giving him 1,891 on the season – just 103 yards away form 2,000. On the season, Walton is averaging 189.1 yards per game through the air.
 
Walton's 1,891 yards on the season already mark the sixth best single-season mark by a Lock Haven quarterback. In 21 career games, Walton has thrown for 3,047 yards, the eighth most in school history. Walton is aiming to become the first Lock Haven QB since 1995 to surpass 2,000 passing yards in a single season. It's only been done six times in school history.
 
Walton's TDs
2014: 12 passing TDs, 3 rushing TDs = 15 total
2013: 9 passing TDs
 
*Walton's 21 passing TDs are the sixth-most in school history.
*His 12 passing TDs this season are the fifth-most in school history
 
Christas putting up All-American numbers:
Senior defensive back George Christas is leading the Bald Eagles sensational defensive unit with 90 tackles (50 solo, 38 assist). His 90 tackles are the fourth-most in the PSAC this season his nine/game are the ninth-most in the PSAC.  He has three interceptions on the season and now has 12 for his career, the sixth-most in school history. For his career, Christas has 267 total tackles, 13 away from cracking the all-time top-10.

Defense leads at The Haven:
First-year defensive coordinator Randi Moore has given the Bald Eagles a new identity. The Bald Eagles have forced at least one turnover in all, but one game and are ranked fifth in the PSAC with 10 interceptions. Lock Haven's pass defense is ranked eighth in the PSAC. On the season, LHU has 69 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, 10 INTs and 35 pass breakups.
 
Spreading the wealth at WR:
A total of 15 different players have recorded a catch for Lock Haven this season and six players have made 14 or more. Leading the way is David Cook, who has 43 catches for 501 yards. Bernard Smack is right behind Cook with 41 catches for 455 yards. Smacks' 50.6 yards/game are the 24^th most in the PSAC. Beau Swales and Jeremy Cornelius both have over 20 catches on the season.
 
Swales leads LHU to pair of wins:
First-year starter running back Beau Swales gave Lock Haven's run-game a spark in their two recent wins with back-to-back career outings. Two weeks ago in the Homecoming win over Millersville, Swales rushed for over 100 yards for the second consecutive game. He finished with a career-high 118 yards. A week prior at Cheyney, he went over 100 yards rushing for the first time in his career.  He rushed for 116 yards on 24 carries in the win over Cheyney. Swales is averaging 64.9 yards/game and has two TDs.
 
Bid for three-straight comes up short at Kutztown:
Last Saturday's loss at Kutztown snapped a two-game win streak for the Bald Eagles. It marked Lock Haven's first two-game regular season winning streak since 2003. Lock Haven beat Millersville, 17-10 in Week 8 at home and shutout Cheyney three weeks ago, 28-0. The shutout over Cheyney was LHU's first shutout in 12 years. The Bald Eagles haven't won three straight since opening the 1981 season, 4-0.
 
The California matchup:
Lock Haven and California last met on October 13, 2012 with the Vulcans winning 30-0. Cal has won nine straight games over LHU. Lock Haven's last win over the Vulcans came in 2003 (30-25). LHU trails the all-time series 40-26-1.
 
Bald Eagles end skid:
LHU's win three weeks ago (10/18) at Cheyney marked the first win of the 2014 season. It also snapped a nine-game losing streak dating back to last season - Week 8 vs. Millersville.
 
Haven pitches shutout
The 28-0 victory over Cheyney marked Lock Haven's first shutout in 12 years. Prior to Saturday, the Bald Eagles last shutout came on October 4, 2002 vs. Cheyney. It was a 34-0 victory.
 
Defense carries LHU at Cheyney
The Bald Eagle defense has been strong all year and Saturday was no different as the Bald Eagles shutdown Cheyney. LHU limited the Wolves to 79 total yards of offense and just one first down in the entire second half. George Christas made his second interception of the season and Charles Balkcom made his first-career pick. Christas also recovered two fumbles.
 
Catch all the games live:
LHU Athletics recently partnered with Bear Country Radio WQBR-99.9 FM for the 2014-15 season and all Bald Eagle football games – home and away can be hard live, and locally on WQBR-99.9 FM and online.
 
Deep rookie class:
The Bald Eagles have added a number of new faces for the 2014 season, including 27 freshmen. Leading the way is a pair of offensive linemen, who are projected to start – Austin Heinbaugh (RG) and Chris Bonnk (RT).
 
Transfers:
LHU will also benefit from 10 transfers, including backup quarterback Shaun Jones. The redshirt-junior played in two games last season for Kentucky Christian University. He was 20-for-35 passing for 156 yards (78 yds./gm) and two touchdowns.
 
Week 9 (11/1/14 at Kutztown)
The LHU football team's bid for a third straight win came up short at Kutztown University Saturday in PSAC East action, as LHU lost 19-0. FULL RECAP -

Quick hits from Week 9:

• D Strong - The Bald Eagles defense once again kept them in the game. Mike Williams, George Christas and Daniel Strawbridge each recorded eight tackles.
• The Leader - Christas also had an interception, two pass breakups and two tackles-for-a-loss. Christas' interception marked Lock Haven's ninth of the season.
• Under Center - Quarterback Caleb Walton was 14-for-33 for 123 yards.

 
Week 8 (10/25/14 vs. Millersville)
The Bald Eagles defense played another sensational 60 minutes of football, the offense responded with the game on the line and the LHU football team dropped Millersville University 17-10 in a Homecoming thriller, much to the delight of a crowd of 3,104 strong. FULL RECAP -

Quick hits from Week 8:

• Swales over 100 – RB Beau Swales went over 100 yards rushing for the second straight week.
• FUMBLE! – The Bald Eagles recovered three fumbles in the win.

 
Week 7 (10/18/14 at Cheyney)
The Lock Haven University football team dominated Cheyney University in every facet of the game, as the Bald Eagles soared to their first win of the 2014 season and spoiled the Wolves Homecoming with a 28-0 victory. FULL RECAP -

 
Quick hits from Week 7:

• Swales over 100 – For the first time in his career, RB Beau Swales cracked 100 yards rushing.
• First TD catches – Jeff Dincher and Farrell Boyd both caught their first career TD catches in the win.
• First TD pass – Backup QB Shaun Jones passed for his first career TD.
• First pick – Carlos Baclkcom recorded his first career interception.
• 91 – LHU ran 91 offensive plays.

 
Week 6 (10/11/14 vs. Shippensburg)
The Bald Eagles rallied for 14 fourth-quarter points, but it wasn't enough as Shippensburg picked up a 42-24 win over Lock Haven last week. FULL RECAP –

Quick hits from Week 6:

• Christas makes major impact – DB George Christas had a monster game, finishing with 17 tackles, marking a career-high. 13 were solo stops. Christas has 6, 5, 13, 12, 8 and 17 tackles, respectively this season in his six games.
• Walton passes for a pair – QB Caleb Walton passed for 225 yards and two TDs. Walton has passed for over 200 yards in four of six games this season. He has at least one TD pass in all, but one game.

 
Week 5 (10/4/14 at No. 9 West Chester)
The LHU football team fell on the road at No. 9 West Chester, 41-16 in a PSAC East matchup.
FULL RECAP –

Quick hits from Week 5:

• Strawbridge strong – Sophomore Daniel Strawbridge had a huge game from his corner back spot at West Chester. He finished with a game-high nine tackles, including six solo stops.
• Picked off – DeRon Lee's (R-Jr., CB) first career interception marked the 19^th time in the last 21 games LHU has forced a turnover.

 
Week 4 Recap (9/27/14 at East Stroudsburg)
LHU opened PSAC East action with a 48-21 loss at East Stroudsburg University. FULL RECAP -

Quick hits from Week 4:

• Christas heard again – 2014 Preseason All-American selection George Christas (DB) had another huge game for the Bald Eagles defense. For the second straight game, Christas led all players with a game-high 12 stops (6 solo, 1 TFL, 2 pass breakups & 1 INT).
• Walton paces offense – QB Caleb Walton passed for a season-high three TDs, one way from tying his career-high of four set last year at ESU.
• Cook catching on – WR David Cook caught a TD pass for the third straight game.
• Defense playing well – For the second straight game LHU had two interceptions, marking the 18^th time in the last 20 games where LHU had forced a turnover.

 
Week 3 Recap (9/20/14 vs. IUP)
The Bald Eagles rallied for 13 second-half points and the LHU defense played gritty football for 60 minutes, but IUP edged Lock Haven, 21-16. FULL RECAP –

Quick hits from Week 3:

• Walton continues to shine – QB Caleb Walton passed for over 220 yards for third straight game and threw two touchdowns for the second straight week. He was 25-of-40 Saturday for 221 yards.
• Causing turnovers – The Bald Eagles picked off IUP twice, marking the 17^th time in the last 19 games, where LHU has forced a turnover.
• All-American performance – Preseason All-American George Christas (DB) had a huge outing and finished with a game/season-high 13 tackles.

 
Week 2 Recap (9/13/14 vs. Seton Hill)
The Bald Eagles dropped their 2014 home and PSAC-opener to visiting Seton Hill, 27-16. LHU led 10-7 at halftime, but Seton Hill rallied for 20 second-half points to escape Hubert Jack Stadium with the victory. FULL RECAP –

Quick hits from Week 2:

• Walton throws for 240 – QB Caleb Walton put up big yardage once again, throwing for 240 yards and two TDs. He's now averaging 247 yards/game.
• Cook has his day – Redshirt-junior WR David Cook had a huge day. He caught eight passes for 123-yards and a score. It marked Lock Haven's first 100-yard receiver since Week 7 of last season vs. West Chester.
• Ballon dominates – Junior LB Tony Ballon made a game-high nine tackles vs. Seton Hill.
• D-FENCE strong – The Bald Eagles made nine tackles for a loss and one interception in the loss.
• Christas comes up big – Senior DB & Preseason All-American George Christas was strong in Week 2, making five tackles to go along with three pass breakups.

 
Week 1 Recap (9/6/14 at West Virginia State)
Following a two hour and 27 minute weather delay, the Bald Eagles rallied for two touchdowns, but the comeback came up just short as LHU was edged 19-14 by host West Virginia State in the season-opener for both teams. FULL RECAP -

Quick hits from Week 1:

• Walton puts up strong numbers – QB Caleb Walton was solid in his 2014 debut, passing for 254 yards – just one yard away from tying his career-best (255 vs. ESU last season). Walton finished 22-for-42 with one TD and one interception.
• Harris makes a splash – Transfer Malyk Harris will never forget his first carry as a Bald Eagle after taking it 15-yards for a touchdown.
• Defense keeps Haven in game - The Bald Eagles defensive unit kept LHU in the game with four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, five sacks, 10 tackles for a loss and six pass breakups. Mike Williams finished with a game-high 14 tackles.
• Options on offense – seven different players caught passes for LHU, including tight end Matt Luebbers, who had six catches.

 
Building off 2013's success:
The Bald Eagles will look to build off their 2013 success. LHU finished 3-8 overall, marking its most wins since 2004. Following the season, the Bald Eagles had four players named to the All-PSAC team. Seniors Brandon Brader, James Wilbern, Anthony Herko and Tyrek Morgan were all named to the All-PSAC East Second Team. The four Bald Eagles earning All-Conference honors were the most since LHU had five players named All-PSAC in 2005. After it was all said and done, Brader finished his remarkable career with 2,704 career rushing yards, which is fourth-best mark in school history. It didn't end there as senior Kyle White was nominated for the Gene Upshaw Award, given annually to the top lineman in Division II football.
 
Allen's fourth year:
John Allen enters his fourth season as head coach at Lock Haven. Allen and his staff have worked hard to change the culture of the Bald Eagle program. The progress shows as Lock Haven football is back on the map. Allen entered the season 4-28 for his career (all at LHU).
 
Familiar in the East:
The Bald Eagles enter their second season as a member of the PSAC Eastern Division and they certainly made themselves at home quickly a year ago. LHU moved to the East after the July 2013 additions of Seton Hill and Pitt-Johnstown to the PSAC. Last year, LHU went 2-5 in PSAC East play with wins over Cheyney and Millersville. All PSAC games, including the three cross overs contests with teams from the Western Division (Seton Hill, IUP & California) count in the PSAC record/standings.
 
Christas, Preseason All-American:
Senior safety George Christas enters the season as a Preseason All-American. He was named to the 2014 Collegiate Development Football League (CDFL) Preseason Senior All-American team. Christas earned a spot on the Second Team defense. He started all 11 games last season, leading LHU with 84 tackles (63-solo, team-high & 21 assisted). Christas had 3.5 tackles for a loss and five interceptions. His five interceptions were tied for the second-most in the conference.
 
Following the 2013 season Christas was also nominated for the inaugural Cliff Harris Award, which was awarded to the top small college defensive player representing NCAA Division II, III and NAIA colleges and universities.
 
Boumerhi, One to Watch:
Junior Alex Boumerhi has been named to the 2014 Preseason Fred Mitchell "Outstanding Place-Kicker" Award Watch List.
 
Last season, Boumerhi quickly established himself as one of the best place-kickers in the PSAC. He was 9-for-15 on field goal attempts with a long of 48 yards in 2013. His nine field goals were the third-most in the PSAC and his long of 48-yards was the second longest made in the conference last year. His 60 percent accuracy rate on field goal attempts was No. 4 in the PSAC. Boumerhi was 19-of-23 on extra-point tries, leading the Bald Eagles in scoring with 46 points. He also averaged 56.9 yards on kickoffs.
 
Walton under center:
Redshirt-sophomore Caleb Walton will be the Bald Eagles No. 1 under center. In 2013, Walton played in all 11 games, while making five starts. He was 102-for-189 for 1,156 yards and nine touchdowns. He threw for 105.1 yards per game, while adding 305 yards on the ground, giving LHU an athletic and dual-threat quarterback.
 
Swales to carry the load:
Junior Beau Swales will be the Bald Eagles number-one ball carrier in 2014. He saw limited action out of the backfield last season, but made the most of his opportunities. Swales played in all 11 games, carrying the ball 29 times for 90 yards and a touchdown. He led LHU last season with 594 yards on kick returns, while averaging 22.8 per return.
 
2013 offense was clicking:
The Bald Eagles 2013 offense averaged 282.1 total yards per game and scored 24 touchdowns -  both are the most since '04. LHU averaged 105.8 yards per game on the ground and 176.3 in the air for the season.
 
Winning ways:
Lock Haven's three wins in 2013 were the most in a single season since 2004.
Lock Haven opened the season 2-1 and the Bald Eagles' win over Millersville on the road in Week 8 snapped a 30-game road-losing streak that dated back to the 2007 campaign. The Haven's season-opening win over West Virginia State gave Lock Haven two straight wins dating back to the 2012 season – the first time it had won two straight since 2002. The Bald Eagles Week 3 win over Cheyney also gave LHU three straight wins at home for the first time since '02.