Erie, PA- The Mercyhurst Lakers concluded their 2024 football season with a nail-biting 21-20 victory over Saint Francis University at Saxon Stadium. This historic win marked the program's first-ever Division I and Northeast Conference (NEC) triumph, highlighted by a bold hook-and-ladder two-point conversion and a game-sealing strip sack in the closing seconds. The victory not only showcased the Lakers' resilience but also cemented their emergence as a competitive force in their first season at the Division I level.
 
How It Happened
Saint Francis opened the game strong, establishing a 13-0 lead by halftime. Their dominance in the first half was powered by a 46-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Nick Whitfield Jr. to receiver Gavin Thomson, along with two field goals from kicker Mac Plummer. The Mercyhurst offense struggled to find its rhythm in the first two quarters, but the Lakers' defense kept them within striking distance by limiting Saint Francis to field goals on two red-zone opportunities.
 
The second half marked a dramatic shift in momentum. The Lakers came out of the locker room determined to rally, and their comeback began with a 24-yard field goal by kicker Nathan Nagucki in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 13-3. As the rain-soaked crowd grew louder, Mercyhurst's offense started to click.
 
Early in the fourth quarter, quarterback Adam Urena connected with star wide receiver Cameron Barmore for a 10-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 13-13 and injecting life into the Lakers' sideline. However, Saint Francis quickly responded with another highlight-reel play, as Whitfield Jr. found Thomson for a 45-yard touchdown, reclaiming the lead at 20-13 midway through the fourth quarter.
 
With just under six minutes remaining, Urena led the Lakers on a season-defining drive. The offense methodically marched down the field, converting crucial third downs and managing the clock effectively. The drive culminated with a 29-yard touchdown pass from Urena to Barmore, bringing Mercyhurst within one point at 20-19 with just 42 seconds remaining.
 
Rather than settle for the extra point to tie the game, Mercyhurst made a gutsy decision to go for two. The Lakers dialed up a perfectly executed hook-and-ladder play: Barmore caught a short pass near the goal line and lateraled to Ryan Welch, who stumbled into the endzone, giving the Lakers a dramatic 21-20 lead.
 
The drama didn't end there. Saint Francis, with just seconds left, began a desperate drive to retake the lead. On a critical third down, Mercyhurst's defensive lineman Camden White broke through the line for a strip sack on Whitfield Jr., recovering the ball himself to secure the victory. The crowd erupted as the Lakers celebrated their first Division I and NEC win in thrilling fashion.
 
Key Performances

• Adam Urena: The senior quarterback delivered in the clutch, completing 21 of 33 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning drive.
• Cameron Barmore: A key playmaker throughout the season, Barmore shined in this game with eight receptions for 129 yards and two touchdowns, including his crucial role in the hook-and-ladder two-point conversion.
• Ryan Welch: Sealed the two-point conversion with his sprint into the end zone, showcasing the team's creativity and execution under pressure.
• Camden White: Anchored the defense with the game-clinching strip sack, a fitting finale for a standout defensive effort.
• Nathan Nagucki: Added six points with two field goals, keeping Mercyhurst within striking distance.

Season Highlights
The win over Saint Francis capped a challenging yet promising 2024 season for the Lakers, who finished with a 4-7 record. Despite moving up to Division I, Mercyhurst displayed a competitive spirit, with several close games against strong opponents.

• Offense: Mercyhurst's passing game was a strength throughout the season, led by quarterback Adam Urena, who threw for 2,773 yards and 31 touchdowns. Cameron Barmore emerged as a top target, finishing the year with 71 receptions, 913 yards, and 13 touchdowns.
• Defense: The Lakers' defense was opportunistic, forcing 11 interceptions and key turnovers in critical moments. Camden White and Tyler Buterbaugh were among the standout performers, consistently disrupting opposing offenses.

 
Game-by-Game Growth
The season featured highlights such as a dominant 66-0 victory over Lincoln University and a 55-0 win against Buffalo State. Despite setbacks on the road, the Lakers showed resilience, particularly in their one-point home losses to Frostburg State and Duquesne. The team's ability to close out the season with back-to-back wins demonstrated their growth and adaptability.
 
Looking Ahead
The Lakers' historic first NEC win provides a strong foundation as the team prepares for the 2025 season. The late-season momentum, combined with key returning players, positions Mercyhurst to continue building its identity as a competitive program in Division I football.
 
This season finale will be remembered not only as a milestone victory but also as a testament to the team's character, determination, and belief in their ability to rise to the occasion. The thrilling conclusion against Saint Francis serves as a beacon for the future of Lakers football.
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