LOCK HAVEN — After a long two-week road trip, the Lock Haven Bald Eagles made their return to Hubert Jack Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 27. However, it would not be an easy homecoming game, as they faced off against the (2-1) East Stroudsburg Warriors.

A back-and-forth affair found Lock Haven holding a 21-10 lead going into the half, but ESU would score 14 unanswered points through the third and fourth to steal a 24-21 win. Here are my five takeaways from the game.

TWO NEW QBS MAKE DEBUT

It was a pair of new signal callers for the Bald Eagles in Saturday’s game, as normal starting quarterback Jackson Ostrowsky was ruled out due to an injury he suffered in the game against California (Pa.). That meant it was QBs Cole Transue and Rob Footman Jr. who would have to bare the burden, with each player trading drives throughout the game.

Both Footman and Transue played well in their Bald Eagle debuts, combining for 212 passing yards and three touchdowns. It was not an easy decision to go with the two-QB system, but coach Joe Battaglia said after the game that both played their way to staying on the field.

“The plan was we were going to give each one an opportunity to play and ride the hot hand. The only issue was they both had hot hands. So we just decided to keep rolling with it.”

It is expected that Ostrowsky will return next week against Bloomsburg. But if not, Lock Haven will be in good hands.

RUN GAME GOT OFF TO GOOD START, FALTERED DUE TO INJURY

It was a hot start for the Bald Eagle ground attack, with backs Damir Green, Ezequiel Johnson and Cureem Hathcock combining to rush for over 110 yards in the first half. Green also made an impact in the passing game, catching four passes for 48 yards and one score.

In the second half, however, things began to deteriorate quickly. ESU made adjustments along the line, sending heavy blitzes to shut down the run game. Pile on injuries to both Green and Johnson, and that rushing attacked ground to a halt.

After the game, Coach Battaglia said Green and Johnson were in good spirits. But time will tell if either is able to go next Saturday.

STILL YET TO FIND

SECOND-HALF SCORE

Through four games this season, Lock Haven has been held scoreless in the third and fourth quarter, with those fortunes remaining unchanged on Saturday. After taking a 21-10 lead into the half the Bald Eagles could not find another score, with many drives stalling out in their own territory.

The last time Lock Haven made the second half scoreboard change in their favor dates all the way back to last year’s season finale versus Gannon.

DEFENSE STOOD TALL

The Bald Eagles defense deserves a lot of credit for making Saturday’s outing a close contest. They had the herculean task of trying to hinder a Warrior offense that just a week ago had put up 69 points on Gannon University.

Defensive coordinator Michael Derasmo had his group ready to play, as they were able to force multiple stops and three-and-outs in the second half, doing their best to hold onto the lead.

It should also be noted that the Haven secondary, who has struggled so far this season, turned in by far their best performance of the year. ESU quarterback Sean McTaggart was held to 177 yards and two interceptions, due in large part to the stellar play of the Bald Eagle defensive backs.

A YOUNG TEAM STILL LEARNING HOW TO WIN

In what feels like a repeat of the last three years for Lock Haven Football, the Bald Eagles once again found themselves in a close one-score game that you could argue they deserved to win before coming up just short. Across the last three seasons, Lock Haven is 4-7 in one-score games, and finding ways to close out victories has been a real struggle.

“We still need to learn how to win football games,” said Battaglia after the game when asked about the second half. “Over the last couple of years, we have been close, eventually that close is going to turn into wins. We still have to learn how to win, we are a young group and that’s all going to come in time.”

Looking at the box score shows that Lock Haven outplayed their opponents Saturday, with the Warriors doing everything they could to help the Haven win.

The Bald Eagles outgained ESU 349-270 yardage-wise while also winning both the turnover and penalty battles in convincing fashion. In total, East Stroudsburg had 117 penalty yards and also only converted on 30-percent of their third-down attempts.

Take that all into consideration, and it is certainly a game that Lock Haven will be frustrated they let get away from them.

NEXT UP

Lock Haven will get right back on the travel buses next week, making the short one-hour drive to Bloomsburg to take on the (1-3) Huskies. Kickoff for that game is scheduled for 2 p.m.