Eastern University Football welcomes the Alvernia University Golden Wolves to Radnor Street Road for the MAC opener for both teams.

The Eagles have beaten Alvernia in each of the last two years. On a rainy night in September of 2023, Eastern picked up the program's first varsity win with a 30-23 nail-biter at Franklin Field in Philadelphia. The Eagles scored a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns and got an interception in the endzone on the final play of the game to secure the win. Last year, the Eagles picked up a 22-14 win in Reading despite only scoring one offensive touchdown. Dru Beckford returned a fumble for a TD and John Nolek converted three field goals. Alvernia scored a touchdown on the final play of the game.

Eastern returns home this weekend riding the momentum of a decisive opening-day victory, eager to build on its early success against MAC Commonwealth rival Alvernia. The Eagles opened their season with a commanding 46-7 win over Anna Maria, showing balance, explosiveness, and a relentless defensive front.

The star of that performance, junior running back Jeremiah Avrilien, earned MAC Offensive Player of the Week honors after piling up 113 yards on just eight carries and finding the end zone three times. His burst and vision powered an Eastern rushing attack that rolled up 315 yards at 7.5 yards per carry. Quarterback Brett Nabb gained 144 yards on 17 attempts, and he complemented that ground game with 130 passing yards and a touchdown toss to Justin Nikolopolous, giving the Eagles 445 yards of total offense.

Defensively, Eastern clamped down, holding Anna Maria to only 49 rushing yards and a 1-for-12 mark on third down. Sophomore defensive back Dru Beckford added a pick-six, highlighting a defense that forced turnovers and set the tone physically.

Alvernia enters the match-up at 0-1 following a 41-17 setback at Ursinus. The Golden Wolves showed flashes on the ground, led by Dante Viccharelli, who rushed for 117 yards, including a 56-yard breakaway touchdown. Dual-threat quarterback Jaden Randall added both a rushing score and 108 passing yards but also threw two interceptions, part of Alvernia's three giveaways on the night.

Statistically, Alvernia generated 367 yards of total offense but allowed 41 points as Ursinus capitalized on turnovers and short fields. The Golden Wolves surrendered 195 yards through the air and three passing touchdowns. That match-up points to a key storyline this week: Eastern's efficient pass attack, led by receivers Justin Nikolopoulos and Eddie Swinton, will look to exploit opportunities downfield while Avrilien and Nabb continue to punish defenses on the ground.

Eastern also brings a decisive special teams advantage. Chris Rivera averaged 36.5 yards per kickoff return, and kicker John Nolek drilled a 40-yard field goal in the opener. Just as importantly, punter John Westfield flipped the field with a booming 43.5-yard average, including a 67-yarder and two punts pinned inside the 20. In a match-up where field position could be critical, his consistency gives Eastern another weapon.

The game is slated for a noon start. Eastern will recognize the 2025 Hall of Honor class at halftime. 

Tickets will be available at the gate. Those not able to attend will be able to follow the action on MAC TV or listen live to the call at the links on Eastern's schedule page. MACTV can be viewed on a computer or phone, but it is also fully integrated with AppleTV or Roku.