DOYLESTOWN, Pa. – Delaware Valley football fell to vote-receiving Eastern University, 21-7, on a rainy Saturday afternoon.
The Eagles picked up two consecutive first downs to start the game before being stifled by the Aggies' defense. Eastern went for it on fourth-and-three at the DVU 23, but Wyatt Younes and Basil Walter teamed up for the stop and a turnover on downs. On the Aggies' first play, Mike Galasso connected with Joel Perez for a 40-yard gain, but a penalty eventually left DelVal facing fourth-and-29, forcing a punt. The Aggies quickly got the ball back when Younes forced a fumble that was recovered by Thomas Arcaroli. DelVal moved into Eastern territory and reached third-and-seven, where Sean Mackinder hauled in a pass for a 32-yard gain. Later, facing another third down, Galasso found Perez in the flat, and Perez took it into the end zone to give the Aggies a 7-0 lead with 4:39 remaining in the first quarter.
Eastern responded by driving to the DVU 21 to start the second quarter, but CJ Partridge jumped a pass and returned it four yards to give the Aggies possession. DelVal reached midfield but was unable to advance further and punted. After the punt, Avrilien broke off a 50-yard run. He and Nabb continued to pick up short gains before Nabb ran it in from four yards out to tie the game at 7-7. A facemask penalty gave DelVal a first down on its next possession, but the Aggies were again forced to punt. Eastern then moved into DelVal territory, where Kimir Stephenson appeared to make an interception. However, the play was called back due to a roughing-the-passer penalty on the Aggies. The Eagles took advantage, scoring from four yards out to take a 14-7 lead into halftime.
Both teams traded three-and-outs to start the third quarter before Eastern gained momentum on its second possession. At midfield, Nabb broke free for a 14-yard gain and then completed a deep pass to D. Johnson for 41 yards, but the play was brought back due to a holding penalty. Aziyah Garland recorded back-to-back tackles for loss, forcing another Eastern punt. The Aggies went three-and-out, and the Eagles drove to the DVU 8 before the quarter expired, highlighted by a 35-yard run from Nabb and a 16-yard completion to Rivera.
Two penalties pushed Eastern back, but Nabb found Wyche in the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown to extend the Eagles' lead to 21-7. After the ensuing punt, Galasso had a pass batted into the air and intercepted. The DelVal defense responded by forcing a three-and-out, capped by a four-yard sack from Garland. Both teams had another possession but were unable to make significant progress. Eastern got the ball back with 9:30 remaining and used a series of short runs to run down the clock. Facing fourth-and-five, the Eagles faked a punt and gained 22 yards to seal the victory.
Following the loss, the Aggies fall to 2-2 overall and 2-1 in MAC play. DelVal will return from its bye week on Saturday, October 10, when it hosts FDU-Florham.
