Bloomsburg VS Lock Haven Football

The Bloomsburg Football team easily handled the Lock Haven Bald Eagles this past Saturday at Redman Stadium winning by a score of 34-3. The game was also Senior Day, where all the outgoing seniors were honored with pre-game ceremonies. The actual game was marked by a ravenous rushing attack for the Huskies who piled up 331 yards as a team. The majority of these yards were split between sophomores Eddie Mateo, and Franklyn Quiteh. Mateo carried the ball 12 times amassing 136 yards and a touchdown, while Quiteh carried the rock 16 times recording 120 yards.

Quarterback Pat Carey celebrated his Senior Day by throwing for 104 yards with a rushing and passing touchdown. Defensively the Huskies had a field day only allowing 232 total yards, and surrendering a measly three points, their lowest amount of the season. Defensively Sophomore Linebacker Dylan Spangler led the charge, he recorded a team high six tackles, and also had a quarterback sack to top off his day. Jarrett Pidgeon, Vince Browning, Ryan Olaf, and Jonathan Patrick all chipped in with five tackles a piece.

The huskies came charging out of the gates, truly showing that they meant business. A 43-yard Dan Fisher field goal gave the huskies an early 3-0 lead after their first drive. On Blooms next drive Eddie Mateo carried the ball with attitude setting up a 1-yard touchdown run from Quarterback Pat Carey that gave the Huskies a 10-0 lead at the 7:04 mark in the quarter. The defense came out strong as well not allowing any points in the frame and making it extremely difficult for the Bald Eagles to even muster a first down. The quarter ended with Bloom holding a 10-0 advantage.

The Huskies kept their foot on the pedal in the second quarter, as they raced to 17 unanswered points in the frame. The scoring started with a 34-yard Dan Fisher field goal; this was followed by a 46-yard run from Junior Receiver Kyle Fisher only two minutes later. These scores provided the huskies with a 20-0 lead at the 3:04 mark. The Huskies would end the quarter with an 11-yard Touchdown pass from Pat Carey to Junior Wide Receiver Matt Marchioni with only three seconds left in the half. This score sent the Huskies to the dressing room with a commanding 27-0 lead.

The second half had a much slower pace to it, as the Huskies already had a comfortable lead, and were attempting to get as many people playing time as possible. Eddie Mateo recorded his first touchdown of the game on a 15-yard run at the 11:27 mark in third quarter. Mateo’s run would cap the scoring on the day for the Huskies. After a 21-yard field goal from Lock Haven Kicker Noah Heimer the score stood at 34-3 and it would not change for the rest of the game.

Running Back Eddie Mateo had a solid day on the ground leading the huskies to a solid win. Lock Haven had the worst record in the PSAC coming into the game. When asked how his team avoided a letdown Mateo replied. “We knew if we lost the game we wouldn’t have any shot at making the playoffs. So that was really our drive. Also it could have been the seniors last game, we wanted to send them out with a win.” Mateo lead the huskies in rushing yards this year and was tied for the team lead in rushing touchdowns with Franklyn Quiteh.

When asked how he was able to achieve these feats he replied, “First I want to thank god because he gives me all of my abilities. Second my mom, for always being on my back; and third my coach, he drives us (Mateo and Quiteh) every day to be the best backs in the country.” Mateo will be back next year as a junior. When asked how his team and he can get better this offseason he replied. “I need to work on my breakaway speed and my balance. As a team we need to work on finishing every play like it is our last.”

One of the team Leaders on Defense this year was Senior Cornerback Vince Browning. Last Saturday was the last game for him and his fellow seniors. Coming into the game they had many points they wanted to prove, when asked how his class wanted to go out he replied. “Coming into Senior Day the rest of the seniors and I just wanted to end our legacy on a positive note with a win. All year we would ask each other how we wanted to be remembered and that pushed us to work hard every day.”

Bloomsburg’s defense was one of the best in the PSAC throughout the year. They allowed few yards and even less points. When asked about the defensive approach throughout the year he replied, “I’m proud of what we did on defense all year. We played hard-nosed, physical football all year and made some great plays. I don’t like to think I contributed much except my leadership and my desire to win and be the best. Other than that it’s all a team effort.” Browning has been a two-year starter and has much experience playing for Bloom. When asked about some his favorite memories playing for Bloom he replied, “I’ve had a great 4 years playing football here at Bloomsburg and the things I’ll remember most are the family environment, John “Nitro” Pettine’s full blown mullet, and coach Hale’s “Oh Yeah” after every win.”