The LHU football team is set for its final home game of 2014. The Bald Eagles host No. 5 Bloomsburg on Saturday (November 8) at 1 p.m.
 
Game Day Central:
Lock Haven (2-7, 2-6 PSAC East) vs. No. 5 Bloomsburg (9-0, 8-0 PSAC East)
 
SENIOR DAY / VETERAN'S APPRECIATION DAY
 
Audio/Radio: Bear Country Radio WQBR-99.9 FM | Live Stats

Ticket Information:
Please note - there will be no advanced ticket sales for 2014 LHU home football games. All tickets can be purchased at the ticket gate outside the stadium on game day.
Prices -
Adult $10
Children (6 & under) Free
Youth (7 to High School Sr.) $2
LHU Student – Free
Student w/o LHU ID $2
Senior Citizens $5
Faculty & Staff $8
Faculty & Staff with LHU Athletics Ticket Pass – Free
 
Setting the stage:

• The Bald Eagles return home for their fifth and final home of the 2014 season.
• Lock Haven will honor 12 seniors, who will play in front of the home faithful for the final time.
• Bloomsburg is ranked No. 5 in the latest American Football Coaches' Association (AFCA) Division II Poll. Last week, the Huskies beat East Stroudsburg, 34-13.

Walton leads under center:
Redshirt-junior QB Caleb Walton is leading the way offensively for Lock Haven. He's started all nine games and is aiming to become the Bald Eagles' first 2,000-yard passer since 1995. Walton has already passed for 1,737 yards this season. He's 165-for-314 and averaging 193 yards per game, the 12^th most in the PSAC. So far, Walton's passed for 12 TDs, the fifth-most in a single season at LHU.
 
Christas putting up All-American numbers:
Senior defensive back George Christas is leading the Bald Eagles sensational defensive unit with 75 tackles (43 solo, 32 assist). His 75 total tackles are the eighth-most in the PSAC this season. 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 252 total tackles, 28 away from cracking the all-time top-10.
 
Walton passing into record books:
Walton's 1,737 passing yards this season are already the seventh-most in school history for a single season. He's just 126 yards from the No. 6 spot. Combined with 1,156 passing yards last season, Walton now has 2,893 passing yards in 20 games, which are the ninth-most in school history. His 21 career TD passes are the eighth most in school history. A Haven QB has surpassed 2,000 yards in a single-season just six times.
 
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 nine interceptions. Lock Haven's pass defense is ranked 10^th in the PSAC.
 
Spreading the wealth at WR:
A total of 15 different players have caught a pass for the Bald Eagles this season, including David Cook, who leads LHU with 41 catches for 486 yards (11.9/catch; 54/game) and four TDs. Bernard Smack has three TD catches.
 
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 Bloomsburg matchup:
Last season (September 28, 2013), Bloomsburg, ranked No. 11 at the time, beat Lock Haven 56-10. It was Bloomsburg's 41^st win over Lock Haven in a series that dates back to 1908. Bloom leads 41-39-3 all-time. Lock Haven's last win over Bloomsburg in 2003.
 
Depth Charts:
Lock Haven | Bloomsburg
 
*both teams deep depth charts are tentative and subject to change
 
Last time out (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:

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

 
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 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 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.
 
Up next:
Lock Haven closes out the 2014 season on Saturday, November 15 at California (Pa.)/Flex at 1 p.m.