RADNOR, Pa. - Widener Football's defense held a high scoring Eastern offense to 17 points in a lowscoring loss just up 476.
The 17-0 loss moves the Pride to 2-4 in the regular season and 2-3 in conference play.
BY THE NUMBERS
HOW IT HAPPENED
Widener's defense established its presence early, forcing Eastern to punt on its opening possession after limiting the Eagles to a -1-yard drive. The Pride continued to battle as Eastern put together a lengthy drive into Widener territory that advanced to the 9-yard line before the Pride held the Eagles to a fourth down stop. On fourth down, Shimko and Dean Brown teamed up to stop Jeremiah Avrilien for a one-yard loss, turning the ball over to Widener at its own 10-yard line. The Pride's defense continued to apply pressure as the opening quarter came to a close, with Luke Shaeffer and Shimko combining on a tackle to help limit Eastern's progress. On offense the Pride would see a handful of Turner rushes as the first quarter closed scoreless.
The Eagles broke through at 13:58 of the second quarter with a 45-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead. Widener responded with a long drive as Turner broke loose for a 15-yard gain to move the Pride into Eastern territory. The Pride would punt the ball away however with 11:37 left before half. The Eagles extended their lead at 7:16 with the first touchdown of the game. Widener's defense continued to contest Eastern's passing game. Elijah Benton broke up a deep pass intended for Curtis Johnson, while Wilson broke up a short attempt and Miceli hurried Nabb on another possession. Eastern reached the red zone late in the half, but the Pride's special teams unit blocked a 29-yard field-goal attempt as time expired, keeping the score at 10-0 heading into halftime.
Widener looked to build momentum after the break, putting together an eight-play possession that moved the Pride from their own 22-yard line to the 40 before Eastern forced a punt. The defense continued to deliver, holding the Eagles to a -4 yard three and out. Stoltzfus remained active up front, while Shimko and Derek Namnun continued to lead the effort against the Eagles' rushing attack. Widener later moved into Eastern territory, advancing to the EAS38 before the drive ended on a turnover on downs. The Pride defense continued to hold as the score after three quarters of play was 10-0 Eastern.
Eastern added the game's final points on its opening possession of the fourth quarter on a 62-yard drive. Widener continued to compete, putting together a seven-play drive that advanced to the EAS26 before the Eagles forced a turnover on downs. The Pride defense responded with another stop on the next series to force a punt. After Eastern recovered a Widener fumble late in the fourth quarter, the Eagles threatened again inside the Pride's 10-yard line. Widener's defense refused to yield another score, stopping Eastern on downs at the 8-yard line with just over a minute remaining. Widener would come home scoreless after holding the number one team in the conference to 17 points.
UP NEXT
Widener heads to the 0-6 (0-5 MAC) Lebanon Valley Flying Dutchmen on Saturday, October 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Annville, Pa.
