River Hawks Top Eagles
HUNTINGDON, PA- The Juniata football team fell to the Susquehanna University Riverhawks at home on Saturday by a final score of 56-7.
The Riverhawks started strong with three touchdowns on their first three drives, while the Eagles were forced to punt on their first three drives. A 21-0 deficit put the Eagles down early at the end of the first quarter.
A forced fumble by Chidiire Nwokwu and recovery from Aaron Rothermel for the defense gave the Eagles a positive start to the second quarter, although the Susquehanna defense continued to stand tall and force the Eagles to punt. The Eagles punted thrice more in the quarter, while the Riverhawks added two more scores to their tally. The scoreboard read 35-0 at the half.
After receiving the second half kickoff, the Eagles had driven to the Susquehanna 42-yard line and reached a 4th & 4, but were unable to convert. Leaving the Riverhawks with good field position, the Eagles were unable to keep them out despite reaching a 3rd & 9. At 42-0, the Eagles started another drive. This one started well after a roughing the passer penalty and 25-yard rush from Talan Middleton took the Eagles to the Riverhawks 37-yard line. After halting their progress for a few plays, the Riverhawks left an opening for Joey Menke to run on a 22-yard completion on 4th & 8, putting the Eagles in the redzone. After converting another fourth down play, the Eagles rushed in from one yard out with Ivan Foreman to get their first points on the board.
After Susquehanna added one more score, the game reached the final quarter. The Riverhawks continued to run the clock down while the Eagles offense only saw nine plays in the quarter, resulting in three punts. The final score read 56-7, in favor of the Riverhawks.
Foreman's touchdown came alongside 88 yards rushing, highlighting the best of the Eagles offense. On defense, Dillon Wakefield led with 12 total tackles, Nwokwu and Rothermel contributing to a forced turnover.
Now 2-5, The Eagles will head into a bye week and look to regroup for their next match at noon on Saturday, November 1st at Wilkes University.