Erie, PA – The Mercyhurst Lakers returned home to Saxon Stadium for their first home game of the season, facing off against the undefeated Frostburg State Bobcats. Despite a valiant effort, the Lakers narrowly fell 25-24 in a thrilling contest on a rainy Saturday afternoon.
The Bobcats started strong, jumping to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Quarterback Myles Fulton connected with Jordan Marcucci for a 4-yard touchdown and later hit Amari N'namdi-Hall on a 25-yard pass to extend Frostburg's lead.
Mercyhurst responded in the second quarter with a 10-play, 85-yard drive, capped by
Ayron Rodriguez's 10-yard touchdown reception from
Adam Urena. After a Frostburg field goal,
Rylan Davison added a 1-yard touchdown run to pull Mercyhurst within five points at halftime, 17-12.
The Lakers took their first lead of the game in the third quarter when
Brian Trobel punched in a 1-yard touchdown to make it 18-17. However, Frostburg regained the lead with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Fulton to Jeremiah Gibson, followed by a successful two-point conversion, pushing the score to 25-18.
With 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Urena connected with Trobel on a 35-yard touchdown pass, closing the gap to 25-24. Despite a strong defensive stand and several offensive drives, Mercyhurst was unable to complete the comeback, missing on their final possession.
Urena finished the game with 228 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Trobel led the Lakers' ground game with 41 rushing yards and a touchdown. Trobel also caught a tocuhdown. Defensively,
Zach Hill anchored the Lakers with 10 tackles, while
Tyler Buterbaugh added a critical interception return for 30 yards.
The Lakers will look to bounce back on Homecoming Weekend, when they host Buffalo State at Saxon Stadium next Saturday, October 5, at 1:00 p.m.
Notes:
- Mercyhurst is 6-6 all-time. Last game 9-16-95; lost 21-7
- Haven't played since 1995; both were D-III
- Before today, all home games were played at Veterans Stadium in Erie; Tullio Field/Saxon
Stadium didn't open until 1986
