LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Bald Eagles started the game with a tremendous defensive effort on a goal-line stand and for three quarters it was a grudge fest, but the Lock Haven University football team (0-4, 0-2 PSAC West) dropped its Homecoming game to Mercyhurst College (3-2, 2-0 PSAC West) 19-7.

Much like it had in the previous three games this season the Bald Eagles defense kept LHU in game early.

Both teams struggled to move the ball in a game that was accompanied a steady drizzle throughout.

The Lakers quickly moved in Lock Haven territory on their opening drive and set up first and goal opportunity from LHU’s four-yard line.

In the Bald Eagles first big test of the day, they showed they came to play on Homecoming and the defense steadied, as MC turned over the ball on downs.

With 1:46 on the clock in the opening quarter, Meryhurst went up 3-0 after a 37-yard field goal by Robert Giambra. Giambra’s kick capped off a six-play, 15 yard drive that took 3:25.

On the Lakers fourth possession, Mercyhurst was driving in Haven territory, but Wes Plummer (Altoona, Pa./Altoona) picked off MC’s Joe Laffey and returned it 59 yards into the redzone, looking to help set up Lock Haven’s offensive attack.

Plummer was sensational for Lock Haven on the defensive side of the ball. He finished the game with the 59-yard interception return and a game-high 10 tackles. Plummer made seven solo stops and two tackles for a loss.

Despite the good field position, LHU couldn’t muster up any points and Mercyhurst held a 3-0 lead after the first half.

The second half continued to be a defensive battle with the Lakers up 6-0 heading into the fourth quarter.

Mercyhurt’s offense finally got it together and tacked two fourth-quarter touchdowns to take a 19-0 lead.

With just 27 seconds left in the game, Lock Haven finally got on the board, as Jarryd Burkett (Altoona, Pa./Altoona) completed his first pass of the game to Ibrahim Smith (New Bloomfield, Pa./West Perry) for a 30-yard TD reception.

Burkett came in on Lock Haven’s final possession of the game after Jarret Kratzer (Reedsville, Pa./Indian Valley) started under center and went 18-for-40 passing.

Along with Plummer, The Haven got a number of notable performances on defense.

Luke Ellison (McElhattan, Pa./Montoursville) and Shane Barie (Export, Pa/ Franklin Regional) were all over the field for Lock Haven and made nine and eight tackles, respectively.

With the loss The Haven falls to 0-4 overall and 0-2 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West action. MC improves to 3-2 overall and 2-0 in West action.

The Laker offense out gained LHU 327-187 and held a 16-12 advantage in first downs.

The Bald Eagles hit the road again next weekend (Saturday, October 3) at 2 p.m. when they travel to Edinboro for PSAC West action.