RADNOR, Pa. - Eastern University Football opened its conference schedule on Saturday afternoon with a 27-13 loss to the Widener University Pride. The Eastern defense kept the game close throughout the afternoon, and a
Jason Bateman pick six on Widener's opening drive of the second half made it a 10-6 ballgame. The Pride, however, answered back with an 78-yard touchdown drive, which included a 40-yard completion, to take control of the contest for good.
Gashawn Moody led the Eastern defense with 16 tackles, eight of which were solo, while
Logan McGowan and
Andrew Campbell each recorded seven.
Despite an early turnover, Eastern's defense and special teams held firm in the first quarter, forcing a pair of fourth downs on Widener's first two drives. The second stop resulted in a Widener field goal attempt, which junior
Jamauri James blocked, to keep it a scoreless game.
Widener would score on its next drive after forcing an Eastern three-and-out. Pride quarterback Jeff Chaplin capped off a seven-play, 50-yard drive with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Kareem McCoy to put Widener ahead 7-0. The Pride would add on a 22-yard field goal from Ryan Pattison midway through the second quarter to make it 10-0 at the halftime break.
On the heels of a strong first half, Bateman made the play of the day early in the third quarter. On a third-and-14 from the Widener 42, the sophomore from Upper Darby perfectly read a Chaplin pass over the middle and raced all the way to the house for his first career touchdown. Bateman, who helped set a school record in the 4x200 relay this spring, showcased his speed all the way down the sideline for a 45-yard pick six.
The Pride were able to answer back on their next drive. Chaplin completed a crucial third-down pass to McCoy keep the drive alive, before unleashing a 40-yard strike to Malachi Holmes on the ensuing play to set up the Pride in the red zone. Five plays later, Bryce Casey scored his first of two touchdowns to put Widener back ahead 17-6.
Eastern's defense continued to play well early in the fourth quarter, as
Andrew Campbell forced a fumble that was recovered by Moody on Widener's first drive of the frame, but the Eastern offense failed to capitalize, turning the ball over on downs. Eastern forced another punt, but a second interception by the Widener defense set them up nicely inside the Eastern five. Casey scored on the next play to increase the Pride's lead to 24-6.
The Eagles were able to score a touchdown later in the frame on
Chris Rivera's first career touchdown reception, a 20-yard strike from
Brett Nabb, but the Eagles would not get any closer.
Nabb finished 9-for-11 for 104 yards and a touchdown pass, while
Jeremiah Avrilien led the rushing attack with 75 yards on 15 carries.
Elijah Knowles caught a pair of passes for 39 yards, while
Dan Foy finished with 31 yards on two receptions.
Eastern will play its third straight home game next Saturday against LVC. Kickoff is set for 12:00 noon.
