Philadelphia, Pa. (Sept. 9, 2023) – Eastern University (1-1) scored a go-ahead touchdown with 2:17 to play to take a 30-23 win over Alvernia University (0-2) on Saturday night in MAC football action at Franklin Field in Philadelphia.
 
Following a 90 minute weather delay, the game got underway and saw back-and-forth action all the way through. The Eagles led 16-13 at the half before Alvernia tied the game on a Joe Fragale field goal and then took the lead on a touchdown from Colin Payne to Ryan Matyas. But, Eastern scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter for the tie and go-ahead lead.
 
Alvernia had an opportunity to tie the game on its final drive, and stayed alive on a scramble by Payne that resulted in a 36-yard completion to Zachary Van Horn to keep the drive alive. But, the effort stalled in the Eastern red zone and the Eagles were able to run out the clock and take their first win in program history.
 
Both teams traded early punts, but an interception by Jamel Fleming for Alvernia deep in Eastern territory setup a touchdown run for Ryan Matyas. Alvernia missed the extra point, but took the 6-0 lead.
 
Following a six-yard rushing touchdown by the Eagles to take the 7-6 lead, Alvernia retook the lead on an eight-yard pass from Payne to Jacob Montalto in the second quarter to cap off a nearly 80-yard drive.
 
But, a safety on a high snap off the punt with Alvernia's backs up against a wall, and an Eastern touchdown in the second quarter gave the Eagles a 16-13 lead at the half.
 
Coming out of the break, Alvernia was forced to punt the ball away. But, the Eagle's couldn't control the ball and Alvernia recovered it on the Eastern 21 yard line. The Golden Wolves went a quick 3-and-out and sent Fragale and the field goal team out on the field. Fragale's attempt went through the uprights as Alvernia tied it up at 16-16.
 
After the Golden Wolves forced an Eastern punt, Alvernia again took over and Payne completed four passes to keep Alvernia moving downfield. Payne then found Matyas for a six yard reception with about seven minutes remaining in the third quarter to give Alvernia the 23-16 lead.
 
That would turn out to be Alvernia's final scoring pay of the game as Eastern scored it's 60-yard touchdown to tie it up and a short rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to take the 30-23 lead.
 
Payne went 22-for-46 with 281 yards passing. He connected with Dachan Thompson for 139 of those yards to set a new single game receiving yard record for Thompson, who surpassed the previous record of 117 yards held by Neeko Scurlock from 2019. Payne also connected with Joseph Perkins seven times for 73 yards.
 
On the defensive side of the ball, Elijah Carr led Alvernia with ten tackles, including a half a sack. Jamel Fleming had a forced fumble and an interception for two takeaways for the Golden Wolves.
 
Alvernia is back in action on Saturday, September 16th for its home opener against Widener.