INDIANA, Pa. – The IUP football team entered its annual Homecoming game with a 5-0 record, its best start since the Crimson Hawks opened the 2022 season 7-0 on their way to a PSAC championship.
Lock Haven came into George P. Miller Stadium on Saturday afternoon with a 3-2 record and a 2-0 mark in PSAC West play. The Bald Eagles used a quick passing attack, quarterback mobility and timely turnovers to hand No. 10 IUP its first defeat of the season, spoiling the Crimson Hawks' Homecoming festivities with a 35-20 victory.
Turnovers plagued IUP throughout the afternoon, with the Crimson Hawks giving the ball away five times on two fumbles and three interceptions.
The first came on IUP's opening offensive snap. Quarterback Mason Maggs and center Jim Hudren struggled with the exchange, giving Lock Haven possession inside the IUP 30-yard line. The Bald Eagles took advantage of the short field, going 26 yards in six plays to grab an early 7-0 lead.
Six of the seven first-half possessions between the two teams resulted in points, with the lone exception coming on IUP's opening turnover. Lock Haven scored touchdowns on three of its four possessions, with its final drive ending at halftime. IUP countered with a touchdown and two field goals to enter the break trailing 21-13.
Neither team scored in the third quarter. Lock Haven had a pair of opportunities to extend its advantage, but missed two field goals, including one blocked by defensive back Shane Strayhorn. It marked Strayhorn's second blocked field goal through the first six games of the season.
Turnovers again proved costly for the Crimson Hawks in the fourth quarter, providing Lock Haven with a pair of short fields that ended in touchdowns.
The Bald Eagles opened the fourth with a four-play, 30-yard touchdown drive following a Maggs interception. Later in the quarter, a tipped IUP screen pass landed in the hands of a Lock Haven linebacker, giving the Bald Eagles possession just four yards from the end zone. Lock Haven scored on the ensuing play to help put the game away.
Maggs attempted a season-high 42 passes in the loss, while Gavin Harrold turned in the best receiving performance of his career. Harrold hauled in nine passes for 95 yards and a touchdown.
IUP also received a boost from its kickoff return unit. Zach Boyd recorded three returns for 89 yards, averaging nearly 30 yards per return.
The Crimson Hawks now turn their attention to a pair of rivalry games over the next two weeks. IUP will first face Slippery Rock before traveling to California (Pa.) for the Coal Bowl.
Kickoff against Slippery Rock is set for 2 p.m. at George P. Miller Stadium.
