LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – Behind a strong start, the Lock Haven football team was looking for a statement win in the Bald Eagles' 2025 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division opener, but in the end, visiting East Stroudsburg edged The Haven, 24-21, in a Week-4 thriller today (Saturday, Sept. 27).
Lock Haven's defense played well throughout and the Bald Eagles strong start was powered by a dynamic two-quarterback system that sparked the offense.
The Bald Eagles racked up 244 yards of total offense in the first half and led 21-10 at the break. East Stroudsburg rallied for 14 second-half points and the Warriors defense held strong late as the visitors grinded out the divisional victory.
ESU's Elijah Carroll returned the opening kick of the game 95 yards and the Warriors led 7-0 early. The Bald Eagles were quick to respond and tied the game at 7-7 with 9:03 left as scoring came quick.
Mekhi Watson and quarterback
Cole Transue connected on a four-yard play which capped an impressive 10-play drive that sent The Haven 82 yards down the field.
Transue got the start today at quarterback, but he was one of two quarterbacks to play for Lock Haven, as he and
Rob Footman Jr. ignited the early offensive surge for The Haven with strong play.
With 2:31 left in the first half,
Damir Green scored on a 31-yard catch-and-run play which came off a throw from Footman. The touchdown pushed the Lock Haven lead to 14-10.
Lock Haven stretched the lead to 21-10 after Watson hauled in a 13-yard pass from Transue with 1:26 left in the opening half. The TD was set up by a Bald Eagle defense that intercepted ESU quarterback Sean McTaggart.
Transue competed 13 of 17 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Footman finished 7 of 13 for 90 yards and a TD.
Cureem Hathcock carried the ball nine times for 40 yards. Green finished with four catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. Watson's two TD-receptions led the offense.
Kuhron Walker and
Markel Morgan each finished with seven tackles. Morgan and
Troy Miller recorded interceptions to a lead defensive unit that kept Lock Haven in the game.
The Warriors scored on their opening drive of the second half and cut the Lock Haven lead to 21-17. ESU then scored with 1:47 left in the game and the 24-21 advantage held as East Stroudsburg's defense stood strong and halted a late Lock Haven drive.
The loss pushed Lock Haven to 1-3 overall (0-1 PSAC East) while East Stroudsburg improved to 3-1 overall (1-0 PSAC East).
Up Next for Lock Haven:
The Bald Eagles will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 4 at Bloomsburg. The PSAC East clash will kick off at 2 p.m.
