Eagles Honor Seniors Against River Hawks in Goalpost Night Game
HUNTINGDON, Pa.- The Juniata football team hosted the Susquehanna River Hawks on Saturday night for both teams' last regular Centennial Conference game of the season, and the River Hawks walked away with a 65-0 win and the Goalpost Trophy. The Eagles honored all 18 of their seniors before kickoff at 5:00 pm in the first night game ever for the Eagles.
Juniata's defense showed up to the game early as JR Harrison (Windsor Mill, Md. / Dulaney HS) intercepted a ball off of a River Hawk hand at the 50-yard line, running it back 14-yards to stop the first River Hawk drive.
JR Harrison with the interception! Let's go!!! @JuniataFootball #WingsUp #TakingFlight #GoEagles pic.twitter.com/oHgByxZV6H
— Juniata Athletics (@JuniataEagles) November 13, 2021
Susquehanna answered with two touchdowns. The first, a 65-yard drive ending with a 15-yard run into the endzone for a touchdown that put them up 7-0 with two and half minutes to spare in the first quarter. That momentum took them early into the second quarter as Eagles defense found themselves battling to hold the River Hawks back. After an 11-yard rushing touchdown, the River Hawks doubled their lead to 14-0 with 12:31 to go.
The Eagle's defense held Susquehanna back after a pass for 53-yards and managed to deny SU from finding the endzone again. They missed the ensuing field goal so JC took over on downs but the joy was short-lived as an errant Eagle pass was intercepted.
Again, the defense stood tall, this time in 4th & 3 situation. Susquehanna looking to pass but senior Nathan Barron(Somerset, Pa. / Somerset Area Senior H.S.) made a huge tackle on the Susquehanna wide receiver, forcing the referees to bring out the chains. After an official review, no first down was given for the River Hawks, and the Eagles gained possession back on the Susquehanna 17.
The second to last Juniata drive of the half ended with another punt. Susquehanna slid in one more touchdown after a 36-yard touchdown pass putting 21-0 on the scoreboard at 1:30 left in the half. Juniata's offense had to punt again, and SU looked to score with 42 seconds to go in the half. Susquehanna got within field goal range, and after a five-yard penalty made it a 30-yard kick, they converted, making the score 24-0 to at the half.
Susquehanna broke it open in the second half with six touchdowns, including four in the third quarter, making the final score 65-0.
The Juniata Eagles end their season 1-9 and 1-8 in the conference.
