Editor’s note: This article has been modified to correct the program record for longest winning streak.
On a chilled Halloween weekend at Goodman Stadium, the Lehigh football team clinched its ninth-straight victory shutting out the Georgetown Hoyas 41-0. This marks Lehigh’s first recorded shutout since Oct. 10, 2009, when the team defeated the Hoyas 27-0.
The crowd, sporting Halloween costumes for the program’s annual Hawk-O-Ween celebration, watched as the Mountain Hawks controlled the game from kickoff.
Sophomore defensive back Mekhai Smith claimed the spotlight with seven tackles and a fumble recovery, while junior running back Luke Yoder rushed for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Hayden Johnson completed 14 of 21 passes for 178 yards.
Georgetown’s senior wide receiver Jimmy Kibble secured five receptions for 99 yards. Junior linebacker GianCarlo Rufo recorded five tackles for the Hoyas.
The Hoyas only mustered two trips inside the red zone and averaged 3.99 yards per play.
Smith said the Mountain Hawks’ success came from their preparation and commitment every day.
“We just needed one big play,” Smith said. “That’s us during down periods, just getting after it and running to the ball. Plays happen when everyone rallies together.”
The effort paid off early. With nine minutes on the clock in the opening quarter, sophomore running back Jaden Green rushed down the middle for 15 yards to the endzone, crafting an early lead for Lehigh.
The Mountain Hawks extended their lead in the ensuing quarter when Yoder broke through the right side for a six-yard touchdown.
Georgetown attempted to respond on their next possession, but on third down, senior quarterback Dez Thomas II was sacked for a four-yard loss by senior linebacker Brycen Edwards. Lehigh’s senior defensive back Nick Peltekian returned Josh Leff’s punt for 33 yards, giving Lehigh a strong position past midfield.
It didn’t take long for the Mountain Hawks to strike once again.
On the first play of the drive, Yoder rushed down the middle for a 41-yard score to continue the Mountain Hawks’ dominating 20-0 lead.
Senior kicker Nick Garrido attempted to kick the extra point but had his attempt blocked by Georgetown’s senior defensive lineman Andres Franquez.
Coach Kevin Cahill praised the team’s ability to stay grounded even as the scoreboard stayed in their favor.
“We talk all the time about our standard and the way we play,” Cahill said. “The challenge all week was, ‘Can we just focus on how we play and not worry about the scoreboard?’ I’m proud of how our guys did that today.”
Lehigh continued to build on that mindset in the second half. With 10 minutes left in the third quarter, junior defensive back Aidan Singleton intercepted Thomas II’s throw and returned it for a touchdown. With Garrido out with an injury, sophomore punter Connor Poole completed the extra point for a 27-0 lead.
“The offense took advantage of some things early, and then obviously Aidan Singleton’s interception for a touchdown was a big group effort,” Cahill said. “It was process-oriented football, and at the end of the game, it’s 41 to nothing because of that.”
One of Georgetown’s best scoring opportunities came late in the third, when Thomas II connected with sophomore wide receiver Hassan Mahasin for a 24-yard completion. Before Mahasin could cross the endzone, Smith punched the ball out and recovered the fumble for a touchback, preserving the shutout.
Lehigh’s offense controlled the fourth quarter. Johnson connected with senior wide receiver Geoffrey Jamiel for a touchdown, and first-year quarterback Derek Morgan added a nine-yard rushing score to secure the 41-0 victory.
In the final minute, senior defensive back C.J. Wood sealed the game with a sack for a nine-yard loss.
Cahill said he was most proud of how his players maintained intensity from start to finish.
“Our sideline was legitimately the loudest in the fourth quarter,” Cahill said. “They were proud that the standard doesn’t change no matter who’s on the field. That’s who we are.”
Senior linebacker Tyler Ochojski supported the charge, recording six tackles and three sacks.
“The Lehigh man is a humble man, and that doesn’t come from glory, it comes from hardship and adversity,” Ochojski said. “That’s what made this brotherhood so tight. We’ve been through it, and now we’re seeing the benefits of working really hard together.”
The Mountain Hawks will host for the final time this season against the College of the Holy Cross on Nov. 8 at Goodman Stadium.
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