The Mountain Hawks were unable to stop Fordham University’s star running back Chase Edmonds from making big plays in a 59-42 loss Saturday at Jack Coffey Field.
A dominant 21-0 third quarter by the Rams played major part in their victory. Edmonds set a Patriot League record with 347 rushing yards in the game. His ability to break free for long gains led to a second half explosion in which he found the end zone four times.
Both offenses were able to consistently move the ball, but turnovers proved to be costly for the Mountain Hawks (3-4, 1-1 Patriot). With just one turnover of its own, Fordham (7-1, 3-0 Patriot) was able to score 24 points off of Lehigh giveaways. Replacement quarterback freshman Brad Mayes was responsible for the majority of the team’s five turnovers, throwing three interceptions in the second half.
Mayes was forced into action after junior quarterback Nick Shafnisky exited the game with a hip injury in the second quarter. Shafnisky’s injury occurred in the end zone, taking a helmet to the side as he ran in a two-point conversion that gave Lehigh a 21-14 lead.
Freshman running back Dominick Bragalone gained 149 yards and added a touchdown on 21 total carries, continuing his successful rookie campaign. The majority of his impact came in the opening 30 minutes, as Lehigh was left playing catch-up for most of the second half.
Mayes was forced to attempt 38 passes after entering the game in the second half. Lehigh trailed 38-21 entering the fourth quarter, but the team rallied back to make it 52-42 with 7:03 remaining.
Sophomore wide receivers Gatlin Casey and Sasha Kelsey were the biggest recipients of Mayes’ attention as Lehigh mounted its comeback. Casey caught six balls for 88 yards and a touchdown while Kelsey found the end zone twice on five catches for 65 yards.
Though Lehigh closed the gap to 10 points, they were unable to come any closer because freshman kicker Ed Mish’s 34 yard field goal attempt with 2:35 remaining bounced off the left upright and missed.
Lehigh’s next game will come during family weekend when it hosts Georgetown University next Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
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