LOCK HAVEN — Behind a strong start, the Lock Haven football team was looking for a statement win in the Bald Eagles’ 2025 PSAC Eastern Division opener, but in the end, visiting East Stroudsburg edged Lock Haven, 24-21, in a Week-4 thriller. 

Lock Haven’s defense played well throughout and the Bald Eagles strong start was powered by a dynamic two-quarterback system that sparked the offense.

The Bald Eagles racked up 244 yards of total offense in the first half and led 21-10 at the break. East Stroudsburg rallied for 14 second-half points and the Warriors defense held strong late as the visitors grinded out the divisional victory.

ESU’s Elijah Carroll returned the opening kick of the game 95 yards and the Warriors led 7-0 early. The Bald Eagles were quick to respond and tied the game at 7-7 with 9:03 left as scoring came quick. Mekhi Watson and quarterback Cole Transue connected on a four-yard play which capped an impressive 10-play drive that sent Lock Haven 82 yards down the field.

Transue got the start today at quarterback, but he was one of two quarterbacks to play for Lock Haven, as he and Rob Footman Jr. ignited the early offensive surge for Lock Haven with strong play.

With 2:31 left in the first half, Damir Green scored on a 31-yard catch-and-run play which came off a throw from Footman. The touchdown pushed the Lock Haven lead to 14-10.

Lock Haven stretched the lead to 21-10 after Watson hauled in a 13-yard pass from Transue with 1:26 left in the opening half. The TD was set up by a Bald Eagle defense that intercepted ESU quarterback Sean McTaggart.

Transue competed 13 of 17 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Footman finished 7 of 13 for 90 yards and a TD. Cureem Hathclock carried the ball nine times for 40 yards. Green finished with four catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. Watson’s two TD-receptions led the offense. Kuhron Walker and Markel Morgan each finished with seven tackles. Morgan and Troy Miller recorded interceptions to a lead defensive unit that kept Lock Haven in the game.

The Warriors scored on their opening drive of the second half and cut the Lock Haven lead to 21-17. ESU then scored with 1:47 left in the game and the 24-21 advantage held as East Stroudsburg’s defense stood strong and halted a late Lock Haven drive. 

The loss pushed Lock Haven to 1-3 overall (0-1 PSAC East) while East Stroudsburg improved to 3-1 overall (1-0 PSAC East).

The Bald Eagles will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 4 at Bloomsburg. The PSAC East clash will kick off at 2 p.m.

East Stroudsburg 24, Lock Haven 21

East Stroudsburg 7 3 7 7 — 24

Lock Haven 7 14 0 0 — 21

First quarter

ESU–Elijah Carroll 95 kickoff return (Ty Quintois kick), 14:46.

LHU–Mekhi Watson 4 pass from Cole Transue (Caden Bauer kick), 9:03.

Second quarter

ESU_Ty Quintois 37 field goal, 7:26.

LHU–Damir Green 31 pass from Robert Footman Jr. (Bauer kick), 2:31.

LHU–Mekhi Watson 13 pass from Transue (Bauer kick), 1:26.

Third quarter

ESU–Ajani Walker 1 run (Ty Quintois kick), 10:05.

Fourth quarter

ESU–Matt Frame 1 run (Quintois kick), 1:47.

TEAM STATISTICS

ESU LHU

First downs 12 18

Rushes-yards 30-93 34-137

Passing yards 177 212

C-A-I 13-20-2 20-30-1

Total yards 270 349

Fumbles-lost 0-0 1-0

Penalties-yards 12-117 4-40

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING–ESU, Ajani alker 12-49 TD, Matt Frame 7-19 TD, Sean mcTaggart 6-18, Randy Fizer 1-12, Susi Harrison 1-3, Cade Sawayer 1-0, Jaylen Andrews 1-(minus 4), TEAM 1-(minus 4). LHU, Cureem hathcock 9-40, Damir Green 11-34, Ezequiel Johnson 8-27, Justin Popovich 1-17, Cole Transue 1-10, Robert Footman Jr. 4-9.

PASSING–ESU, Sean McTaggart 13-20-2 177. LHU, Cole Transue 13-17-1 122 2 TDs, Robert Footman Jr. 7-13-0 90 TD.

RECEIVING–ESU, Jaylen Andrews 4-81, Beau Heyser 2-50, Randy Fizer 1-17, Cam Burti 1-13, Evan Roche 1-7, Matt Frame 3-5, Ajani Walker 1-4. LHU, Damir Green 4-48 TD, Mekhi Watson 4-40 2 TDs, Jake Roberts 2-37, Jaiden Huntington 3-33, Justin Popovich 3-26, Cureem Hathcock 2-18, Ezequiel Johnson 2-10.