YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Mercyhurst University (0-1) was defeated by Youngstown State University (1-0) with a final score of 43–10 on Thursday night at Arnold D. Stambaugh Stadium. The Lakers managed two red zone scores, including a 28-yard touchdown pass, but could not overcome Youngstown State's 484 total offensive yards.
Mercyhurst began the first quarter with a methodical drive initiated by Jameir Gamble's four-yard rush. A key play involved Alex Gevaudan's 17-yard completion to Camden Lewis, setting up further momentum. The offense advanced into the red zone, but a strong defensive stand by Youngstown State limited the Lakers to a 24-yard field goal by freshman Rocco Marcantonio, who not only scored the first points in the game but also the first points in all of Division 1 football this season, marking the first field goal of his career and giving them an early 3–0 lead.
Youngstown State responded with a sustained drive of its own. A five-yard touchdown run concluded the series, putting Youngstown State ahead 7–3 after a successful extra point. Youngstown State maintained control as the period ended, keeping the score at 7–3.
The second quarter began with a defensive highlight for the Lakers, as Teddy McDuffie Jr. sacked Youngstown State's quarterback for a 6-yard loss. Despite this momentum swing, Youngstown State capitalized on their drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass, extending its lead. Mercyhurst responded with a drive that reached Youngstown State's 27-yard line, highlighted by a 26-yard completion from Gevaudan to Amare Lattimore, but it ended with an interception by Youngstown State.
Youngstown State maintained possession and momentum, eventually scoring on a 24-yard touchdown run. The Lakers' subsequent drive was impeded by a penalty, and it ended with a punt. As the quarter closed, Youngstown State scored again with a 9-yard rushing touchdown, bringing the score to 29–3 in favor of the home team.
Mercyhurst began the third quarter by kicking off to Youngstown State, who advanced the ball to its own 23-yard line. Youngstown State then orchestrated a prolonged drive, culminating in a 27-yard touchdown pass, extending its lead to 36–3.
The Lakers responded with a promising drive, highlighted by a 28-yard pass from Gevaudan to Dylan Evans. However, the drive stalled, and they were forced to punt after a series of plays resulted in negative yardage.
Later in the period, Mercyhurst's defense provided a critical momentum shift when Jaiden Allos intercepted a pass at the Mercyhurst 18-yard line, marking the first interception of his career. Despite this defensive stand, the offense struggled to capitalize, and the period concluded with Mercyhurst trailing 36–3.
The fourth period began with Youngstown State solidifying its lead. They completed a successful drive ending with a touchdown pass at 9:52, extending the score to 43–3. The Lakers responded with determination. After a series of passing completions from Gevaudan, including a crucial 18-yard connection to Jason Woods, Mercyhurst reached the red zone. Gevaudan then connected with Sha'lik Hampton for a 2-yard touchdown, marking Hampton's first career receiving touchdown and narrowing the gap to 43–10 following Marcantonio's extra point.
Mercyhurst's defense stepped up late in the period, highlighted by Lucien Griffin's sack for a 4-yard loss and Kaleb Platz's blocked punt, providing the offense another opportunity. However, the subsequent drive ended on downs. The game concluded with Youngstown State maintaining possession and the final score at 43–10.
McDuffie led the Lakers' defensive effort with 7 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Braylon Beckwith was a key contributor on defense, recording 11 total tackles. Gevaudan completed 18 of 31 passes for 212 yards, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions. Allos added an interception to his two tackles, making a notable impact in the secondary.
