Lock Haven, Pa. - Mercyhurst football continues its dominance over Lock Haven as they improve their record against the Bald Eagles to 8-0 all-time in their win Saturday night. The Lakers used a terrific second half to secure the big win, outscoring Lock Haven 43-0 over the final 30 minutes in the 49-7 win.

How it Happened

The Bald Eagles fired the opening salvo with them able to score in the first few minutes of the game. After a solid start to their first drive, Lock Haven had their momentum brought to a halt thanks to Jacob Holl who recorded his first interception of the year. The pick came deep in enemy territory, though, and the Laker's first possession ended up concluding with a blocked punt that put the Bald Eagles just two yards from the goal line. Lock Haven made good on the great field position on their next play with a two-yard run by the quarterback to make it a 7-0 game with just under 12 minutes remaining in the first period.

The Lakers responded with some stout defense and a pair of field goals to help them enter the half down just one point. John Allen provided a big spark on special teams for Mercyhurst with a blocked field goal in the early portion of the second period to help give the Lakers some momentum as they drove down the field after the block for their first score of the game. 

Brian Alsobrooks made the first of his two field goals of the second quarter after the blocked field goal on the other end. After Mercyhurst drove down the field 49 yards on a dozen plays, the graduate kicker put one through the uprights with 6:22 to go in the first half to make it 7-3. He then helped the Lakers inch a little closer a few minutes later, hitting a 39-yarder to move Mercyhurst within one with under two minutes until the halftime break.

The Lakers came out of the halftime break as the aggressors, scoring on their opening drive of the third period to help them take the lead. A 10-play, 69-yard drive was capped off with Dustin Shoaf finding the end zone on a nine-yard run up the middle. His run was followed by a Michael Lowery to Diondre Cooper connection on the successful two-point conversion, giving Mercyhurst a 14-7 lead at the 11:32 mark of the third quarter.

Coach Riemedio's crew wasn't satisfied with one score coming out of the half, registering four TDs in the third period. After his first score of the night, Dustin Shoaf recorded his second score on a five-yard run to make it a 21-7 score. He was followed up by Trevon Tate who hauled in a 24-yard pass from Lowery to extend the Laker's lead to 28-7 with 1:57 to go in the third. Dillon Ferretti then got in on the action with a score of his own on defense. The junior linebacker got the pick six before the third period came to an end to move Mercyhurst out in front 35-7 going into the final stanza.

The final period was one that continued to see the Lakers dominate as they scored a pair of touchdowns. Both ended up coming on the ground as Jaylen Butera got his first career score on a five-yard rush up the middle early in the fourth to make it 42-7. He was followed by Ayron Rodriguez who added another touchdown to the board late in the quarter. Rodriguez's score came from nine yards out, scoring the final TD of the game, giving the Lakers a 49-7 lead.

By the Numbers

Head Coach Ryan Riemedio becomes just the second coach in Mercyhurst's history to win his first two career games and the first ever to have both of those victories come on the road. The 94 points scored in those two wins is the most points scored by the Lakers to begin a season in their first two contests, making Riemedio's wins that much sweeter. 

The ground game proved to be the difference in the second half with 208 of the team's 245 rushing yards coming in the third and fourth periods. It was a total team effort as David Alize, Dustin Shoaf, and Ayron Rodriguez each had double-digit carries while accruing 60 or more yards each. 

Defense proved huge as well with them allowing just six first downs in the second half. The Lakers were as stingy as possible in the third quarter, allowing just one first down and a total of 24 yards while adding two interceptions to their ledger. The 24 yards allowed by Mercyhurst in the third is the fewest they have ever allowed in one period, giving the Lakers one of the more dominant defense efforts ever.

What's Next

The Lakers will be in their friendly confines next Saturday as they are set to host Kutztown in their home opener of the 2022 season. Mercyhurst will host the Golden Bears on Saturday, September 17th, with kick-off set for 12:00 p.m.