The first two drives from each team were unsuccessful, resulting in punts. After GVSU was able to cross midfield, they pinned Roosevelt back with a deep punt. Roosevelt started on their own five-yard line, but was still forcing the ball downfield.

This didn’t bode well for Roosevelt, as sophomore Jason Hardy was able to pick off the Roosevelt quarterback on the 38-yard line. GVSU’s offense took over in enemy territory and didn’t waste the opportunity.

GVSU ran the ball seven straight times, switching between quarterback Avery Moore and running back Khalil Eichelberger. They were finally able to complete a touchdown with Eichelberger, and go up 7-0 after the turnover. This would be the one and only score of the first quarter. 

However, as the first quarter ended, GVSU put together a fantastic drive. When the second quarter opened up, they were at Roosevelt’s three-yard line and within scoring range. 

Roosevelt was able to force a field goal attempt, but on the snap, they picked up a personal foul, which gave GVSU an automatic first down. GVSU capitalized on their bonus chance to score. On third down, Moore was able to find senior Kyle Nott for a touchdown. 

GVSU continued to shut down any scoring attempts from Roosevelt. After forcing yet another punt from Roosevelt, GVSU added another field goal, making the game 17-0. The scoreboard was entirely GVSU so far, but Roosevelt was still pushing forward.

Just before halftime, GVSU brought in backup quarterback Vinnie Meschi. It is unknown exactly why Moore left the game, but he had previously dealt with several injuries throughout the season.

At this point, Roosevelt forced their first turnover of the game on a fumble recovery. The takeaway happened at GVSU’s 35-yard line. With such a good starting position, Roosevelt was able to score with just seconds remaining before the half. There was new life for Roosevelt, but they still trailed 17-7 to GVSU at halftime. 

Out of the half, GVSU’s defense came out flying. Roosevelt was forced to go backwards after a penalty, and could never gain their yardage back. 

GVSU once again forced a punt deep into Roosevelt territory, and started their drive at midfield. Another quarterback change was made– Ike Udengwu was given command of offense. 

On his first drive, Udengwu completed a 35-yard throw to redshirt freshman Jaylen Johnson, which left GVSU at the one-yard line. Udengwu was not done making an impact yet. He dropped back and found the six-foot-two-inch Harrison Unger for the touchdown pass. This extended the team’s lead to 17 points.

“Whenever your number gets called, just go out there and make a play,” said Udengwu.

Roosevelt was able to answer with a drive of their own, but GVSU’s defense held strong again. Roosevelt was forced to turn over after a failed fourth down attempt. GVSU was able to gain three more points after a field goal, and went up 27-7 going into the final frame of the game. It was clear at this point, GVSU owned the third quarter. 

Roosevelt’s chances were slim, as they needed 20 unanswered points against a GVSU defense that had controlled the game. The final nail in the coffin came from junior defensive tackle Thomas Jolly in what was arguably the most exciting play of the game. Jolly was able to catch an interception and sprint for a 55-yard return to earn GVSU their final touchdown of the game. The score was now 34-7 and Roosevelt’s chances of catching up were extremely low.

While Roosevelt was able to get a few more points on the scoreboard, it was no match for the lead that GVSU had already created for themselves. GVSU escaped with a solid 34-21 victory, ending their season with a 10-1 record. 

“I thought our defense played a great game,” said senior Grant Hart. “(We) executed the game plan at a fast level.”

Up next for GVSU is the playoffs, where they will try to win their fifth national championship. Udengwu noted that going into the playoffs provides a clean slate for the team, and that they’re ready to start playing again.

“It’s a new season, everyone 0-0,” said Udengwu, “We got our heads down.”

A big aspect coming into this game was the return of starting quarterback Avery Moore, who was previously out due to concussion protocol. He was able to return to the field and take back command of the Lakers’ offense. 

The game started a bit stagnant, as both teams were unable to get a real rhythm on the offensive side of the ball. The crowd saw five straight drives end in a punt before the first points of the game were scored.

The first score belonged to the Lakers. After leaning on junior running back Syone Usman-Harper for the early stages of the drive, the Lakers turned to sophomore Khalil Eichelberger to capitalize on it. Eichelberger powered his way in from the one-yard line and gave GVSU a 7-0 lead. 

The Huskies got the ball back, but weren’t able to do much with the drive. A large part of this was due to the fact that GVSU senior Ian Kennelly had three solo tackles in a row. This completely stalled the MTU drive, and forced a punt.

Moore showed up big during this drive, making plays on the ground and through the air. The only issue was that halftime was approaching rapidly. After several runs from both Eichelberger and Usman-Harper, the Lakers found themselves within scoring range.

At this point in the game, Moore was able to find senior Kyle Nott for a 14-yard touchdown pass. GVSU was now up 14-0 with just 25 seconds remaining. This was the score going into the half. 

Out of the half, GVSU opened up with an impressive drive from their offense. The Lakers were able to drive the ball all the way down to the Huskies’ five-yard line. Once there, MTU was able to force GVSU into a fourth down situation.

GVSU coach Scott Wooster elected to go for the touchdown on fourth down and sent his offense back onto the field. Unfortunately for the Lakers, they were unable to convert. However, the aggressive play calling should not go unnoticed, as GVSU was playing to win. 

Many times when a head coach goes for it on the fourth down, it says more about their trust in defense than anything else. The Lakers’ defense knew that and went out strong on the field. Michigan Tech had the ball for not even a minute, and was forced to punt the ball back after a quick three and out. 

This felt like the turning point in the game. After getting a short field to work with, the Lakers’ offense took full advantage of the gift their defense gave them. They went eight plays down the field and scored on a quarterback scramble by Moore. The point after was missed, and the score was now 20-0. This was the only score of the third quarter and the last score of the game. 

The final score remained 20-0– the first time GVSU shutout MTU since the 1980s.

“We love this trip (to Michigan Tech),” said Moore. “Getting the win means the world.”

The Lakers have stayed perfect in the month of November, and Wooster was pleased with his team’s efforts.

“(It was) a ‘we all we got’ win,” said Wooster, making an allusion to the team’s phrase “We All We Got.” “This (was) a brotherhood trip.”

 GVSU football will travel to Illinois to take on Roosevelt University for their final regular season game on Saturday, Nov. 16.

Before the kickoff, 20 GVSU seniors were honored, including starting quarterback Avery Moore, who was still out due to concussion protocol. This meant that sophomore Vinnie Meschi started, which garnered praise from head coach Scott Wooster.

“(I’m) extremely proud of him (Meschi),” said Wooster. “I thought he did a fantastic job getting the ball out quick, and moving around in the pocket.”

GVSU’s first drive was steady, gaining solid plays with their ground game. Then, on the fourth down, the Lakers elected to go for it. Meschi dropped back and completed a 14-yard pass to senior Darrell Johnson. This play led to a field goal that gave GVSU a three-point lead. 

Wayne State had a promising drive to the Lakers’ 42-yard line, but they were eventually forced to punt. Just a few plays later, senior Kyle Nott showed his speed. Nott caught a 20-yard pass and took it 56 yards after the catch for a 76-yard touchdown. This was certainly a special moment on Senior Day for the wide receiver. 

At this point in the game, the Lakers were on a roll. After the defense forced the Warriors’ offense back off the field, Meschi dropped a 37-yard pass to sophomore Kellen Reed. Two plays later, junior Syone Usma-Harper was able to get a touchdown, increasing the Lakers’ lead to 17-0 at the end of the first quarter. 

In the second quarter, a bad start for Wayne State turned disastrous. After going three and out, their punt was blocked and returned by senior Damonte McCurdy for a touchdown. The Lakers were now sitting on a 24-point lead. 

“It was my last home game,” said McCurdy. “(This game) was one of my bucket list checks.”

The Lakers tagged on another passing touchdown and two field goals. This put GVSU up 37-0 at the half. 

Coming out of the half, GVSU decided to change quarterbacks, giving sophomore Alex Thole a chance. On his opening drive, he made a few solid plays, and ended by throwing a 20-yard touchdown pass to senior Cody Tierney. GVSU kept their lead rolling, now 44-0. 

However, Wayne State responded with a 61-yard touchdown– this was their biggest play and first points of the game, making the score 44-7. With around 10 minutes left to play in the third, the Warriors were finally able to chip away at the Lakers’ lead.

Despite the touchdown from Wayne State, the Lakers seemed confident. They went scoreless for the rest of the third quarter, while the Warriors were able to complete a second touchdown. The score going into the fourth quarter was 44-14. 

The Lakers then put out freshman quarterback Andrew Schuster, giving some playing time to the future of the GVSU football program. Just from warm-ups alone, it is clear that Schuster has great potential moving forward.

Wayne State continued to whittle away GVSU’s big lead. The Warriors were able to secure a third touchdown at 12:34 in the fourth quarter. 

However, GVSU finally scored a point after not having scored since their opening second half drive. Sophomore Derrick Woods Jr. was able to rush it in, making the score 51-21.

With little time left in the quarter, Wayne State was able to score another touchdown. However, this was not enough to compete with the Lakers’ decisive lead. 

“It’s a great feeling when all three phases (defense, offense and special teams) are going,” said Wooster. “That’s who we are.”

The Lakers will end the season with two away games, the first of which will be Saturday, Nov. 9 at Northern Michigan University.

From the very beginning, many fans could feel the energy in the air– there was something off about this game. Students waited in line for hours just to get inside, the cheerleaders showed up late and even the players themselves had a delayed arrival.

This game being against Ferris only added to the chaotic atmosphere. If there was any question as to whether these schools truly despise each other, look no further than GVSU players gesturing that the Bulldogs stunk while running out of the tunnel. While funny in the moment, this overconfidence came to bite the Lakers later on.

Ferris got the opening kickoff and after a big hit by the Lakers’ special teams, head coach Scott Wooster was visibly fired up for his players. 

The Bulldogs established their run game early, picking up several big gains on the ground. GVSU, while running back on their heels, held strong and forced Ferris to kick a field goal. 

The Lakers were able to answer this with what seemed like a solid drive of their own, but it soon turned disastrous. After a false start and a fumbled snap, the Lakers’ offense was extremely backed up. Then, a sack made what looked like a promising drive turn into a long, missed field goal. Ferris was up 3-0 with a lot of energy. 

Ferris took over at roughly the 40-yard line and continued to run the ball well. After several rushes, they were able to get across midfield before the Lakers forced them to punt. 

Following this, GVSU was able to put themselves into a good field position again, however their streak of bad luck continued. After receiving a blow from Ferris, senior quarterback Avery Moore had to step out of the game due concussion protocol and the Lakers ended up turning the ball over on a fourth down. 

The Lakers’ defense remained strong and forced a quick three-and-out to get their offense the ball back, but after a punt from Ferris State’s Mitchell Middleton, GVSU was pinned at the 10-yard line. 

The Lakers just couldn’t seem to stop shooting themselves in the feet. They managed to get past midfield, but then fumbled the ball to the Bulldogs. This meant the Lakers’ defense was thrown back out on the field to stop a momentum-filled Ferris offense. Ferris State was held to another field goal. It was clear to everyone at this point: the GVSU defense was bailing out their struggling offense.

The Lakers got the ball back, but the offense continued to fail. On the first play of the drive, Moore was intercepted around the 40-yard line. This time, the defense was unable to hold off the Bulldogs’ offense. They allowed a 30-yard rushing touchdown to Ferris quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. The score now extended to a two-possession lead, with GVSU down 13-0 at the half. 

Out of the half, the Lakers made a change in their quarterback to Eastern Michigan transfer, Ike Udengwu. This seemingly worked, as GVSU would go 75 yards and score on the opening drive of the half with the help of Cody Tierney. The senior wide receiver took a hand-off 45 yards to the end zone. The score was now 13-7 and the Lakers had a lifeline. 

The crowd was alive again and rocking, until Ferris returned the kickoff 70 yards and scored just five plays later. Bulldogs’ quarterback, Chambliss, scored his second rushing touchdown of the game and put the lead back at 13 points ahead of the Lakers. 

After this, things did not improve for GVSU. After a three-and-out by the Lakers, their punt was blocked by Ferris. This gave the Bulldogs extremely good field position and they were able to score on a quarterback draw. The Lakers were now down 27-7, their biggest deficit of the season. 

The Lakers would not score again for the rest of the game, ultimately falling to Ferris. This was the largest loss in the regular season in the last 20 years for GVSU. 

“Tip of the hat, they were better than us,” said Wooster. “Let’s get to work tomorrow and get rolling (on the rest of the season).”

Although this was a big loss, senior defensive back Ian Kennelly remained optimistic in his perspective of the game.

“You only lose if you don’t learn from the loss,” said Kennelly. “This (the learning opportunity) could be the best thing for this team.”

GVSU will look to bounce back next week against Wayne State University in their Nov. 2 homecoming game at Lubbers Stadium.

Our small, midwestern newspapers get to say that we cover the Anchor Bone Classic. It’s built into the DNA of Bulldogs and Lakers to have the date of the Grand Valley and Ferris game circled, either mentally or physically. 

Every fall, the Lanthorn releases an article about the Grand Valley versus Ferris game– an article that encapsulates the antagonism and excitement that repeats with unfaltering intensity. With a corresponding photo on the newspaper’s cover, the yearly edition arguably represents school spirit and what it means to “be a Laker” better than any of our editions.

In pages divided up between the latest news, club features and individual Lakers’ columns, pride for Grand Valley normally takes many forms. But when it comes to the edition highlighting the rivalry game, devotion to school spirit is in one substantial place, taking the form of a two-page blue, black, and white compilation.

Putting the spotlight on the rivalry game allows Grand Valley students to represent the University and its football team with passion. Even if someone standing in the student section isn’t devoted to the complexities of football, it doesn’t matter; representing Grand Valley and giving a voice to the University as a whole is what does. 

Leading up to a Grand Valley and Ferris game, the anonymous chat platform YikYak is flooded with posts underlining the eagerness that surrounds the game. While the majority of chatter around the opposition is comical, and a little slanderous of our Michigan college counterpart, the discussion entices students to defend their university wholeheartedly.

The Torch’s coverage of the rivalry is an intimate one. The privilege to be at the heart of one of the best rivalries, if not the best rivalry in DII football, is tremendous.

Its importance to the student body is clear. This year, like any other year, droves of opposing students will make a pilgrimage to their arch rival’s territory. Those droves have one goal: cheer on their team and believe that they can win. Even those who aren’t incredibly football-inclined will make the travel. That’s how much it means. 

It’s because of this that the Torch hopes and aims to reflect the feelings of the student body. The rivalry means as much to us as it does to Ferris. The triumphs and defeats of the rivalry are way too big to ignore, not that we would ever want to. 

The Torch celebrates this yearly battle like any student does. For us, there’s no better way for us to highlight and emphasize the 52nd annual showdown between the universities than a dedication to what this rivalry means to us, the school and even our adversaries in Allendale. 

The Anchor Bone Trophy will continue to swap hands for years, just as it has since 2003. For every euphoric win or gutting loss, the Torch and the Lanthorn will continue to cover, celebrate and highlight this unique battle. 

Despite our impartiality, each of our publications and its staff bleed either crimson and gold or blue, black and white. It’s unsurprising where our allegiances lie in the Anchor Bone Classic. 

Regardless of the outcome, the words “Grand Valley” and “Ferris” will repeatedly be printed in ink on the pages that are clutched in your hands, as readers.

The Lakers opened up the scoring abruptly when sophomore Kellen Reed returned a 96-yard touchdown on the opening kickoff. 

“It’s been five weeks, we’ve been waiting and working on that (the play) like crazy,” said head coach Scott Wooster. “I love that, (when) everybody’s contributing and starts (to) feed off each other.”

This seemed to really fire up the defense on the second play of the drive for Northern Michigan, as the Lakers forced a fumble that was recovered by junior linebacker Anthony Cardamone.

GVSU wasted little time to capitalize on this opportunity. On third and long, quarterback Avery Moore executed a perfectly designed draw play and juked the remaining safety to score. This extended the Lakers’ lead to 14-0, which remained the score to close out the first quarter.

If there is one thing that has been consistent for GVSU, it’s been that the team has started with all gas no breaks this season. The Lakers’ mighty defense has still not allowed a first quarter point all season long. 

“It’s great preparation,” said Wooster. “The detail that (the scout team) prepared our defense with, we were executing all week long with that.”

The Wildcats were able to put together a solid drive and get to the Lakers’ 14-yard line. However, even though the GVSU defense bent, it did not break. GVSU was able to hold Northern Michigan to a field goal, bringing the score to 14-3.

Unfortunately for the Wildcats, the Lakers had two methodical scoring drives back-to-back. Between the two drives, the Lakers ran the ball 15 straight times, a true testament to the team’s ability, even in the rainy weather. 

GVSU was dominant in every facet of the game and the score reflected this. At halftime, the Lakers led 28-3. 

Over halftime, the rainy conditions only got worse. Before the second half kicked off, the student section was entirely rained out. 

On the opening kickoff of the second half, senior Grant Hart recovered a Northern Michigan fumble on the return, and set up the Lakers on the Wildcats’ 13-yard line.

With the way GVSU was imposing the run, it came as no surprise they were able to punch it in with redshirt freshman Kenneth Jones. The Lakers were now up a staggering 35-3. 

With just a minute left in the third quarter, Northern Michigan had their biggest play of the game. Wildcat Vince Martin scored a 70-yard rushing touchdown. This cut the Lakers’ lead down to 25 going into the fourth quarter. 

Not even a minute into the fourth quarter, GVSU once again scored by running the ball. This made five different rushing scorers for the Lakers. 

Just seconds later, freshman Isaiah Johnson stole the ball from the Wildcats’ quarterback, Aidan Hoard, and returned it for a touchdown. 

“It’s great to see our defensive guys score,” said senior defensive back Kobe Hayward. 

With the final score being 49-17, the Lakers would improve to 6-0 on the season. 

The Lakers have a massive rivalry game next week on the road against Saginaw State University. Dubbed the “Battle of the Valleys,” the anticipated game will be on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Heading into the matchup, the Lakers’ rush offense ranked third in the country, while also boasting the second-ranked rush defense.

Head coach Scott Wooster, a former collegiate offensive lineman himself, expressed the importance of controlling the run game on either side of the ball.

“Dominating the line of scrimmage is very important to us,” Wooster said. “We are seeing the right to rush the passer on defense, and we are creating a balance on offense with a powerful run game that opens up passing.”

Sophomore lineman Jaylin Caldwell added that maintaining dominance “breaks the spirit” of the opposing team.

“If you set up the run, it builds the foundation of who will dominate the game,” Caldwell said. “Our offensive line is working hard, and that makes everyone else work hard. The big guys up front push each other to be the best.”

Davenport opened up the game with a run of 32 yards, but following a sack by senior defensive tackle Jack Gilchrist and a couple of incomplete passes, the Panthers would turn the ball over on downs. The Lakers responded by handing the ball off to sophomore running back Khalil Eichelberger, who pushed the Lakers into the red zone with a 52-yard run. However, the Panther’s defense held Grand Valley short of the goal line, resulting in a 22-yard field goal by senior kicker Kollin Kralapp.

GVSU’s defense would hold up the following drive with an endzone interception by junior cornerback Terez Reid.

In all five games the Lakers have played this season, they have scored on every opening drive, while not allowing any first quarter points. GVSU has outscored opponents in the first quarter 52-0 through five games.

A swing pass to redshirt freshman Kenneth Jones for 25 yards would set up the Lakers in the red zone to start the second quarter. Jones would immediately follow that up with a 27-yard rushing touchdown, putting the Lakers up 10-0.

After a three-and-out by Davenport, senior quarterback Avery Moore would find junior wide receiver Jordon Johnson deep for 45 yards. Shortly after, Moore was able to connect with Eichelberger in the flats for a quick 5-yard touchdown pass.

Davenport went on to string together an offensive drive, marching 66 yards down the field and scoring points of their own. The Lakers responded with an 89-yard drive, which ended similarly to their previous drive with a touchdown pass in the flats from Moore to Eichelberger.

Leading 24-7 at the half, GVSU received the kickoff heading into the third quarter. Although two more quarters of football were set to be played, neither team was able to find their way into the endzone. Repeated punts and turnover on downs persisted throughout the remaining minutes of the game.

With little to be shown score-wise in the second half, the team’s offense was still productive.

“The first half was dominant offensively, and we can’t have much of a better start,” said Wooster. “We threw better today and created a balance with the run game. Although the score doesn’t show it, (we) were able to move the football in the second half. We just failed to reach the endzone. We gave up some yards in the first half, but our second-half adjustments on defense made us dominate. We are still searching for that complete football game. We have had these moments of dominance, but nothing competes. We are a long way away from what we can be.”

Although the Lakers allowed more rushing yards than in this season’s past games, the defense was still confident in their ability to shut down opposing rushers.

“Stopping the run is what we pride ourselves on,” said Gilchrist. “We didn’t execute early in the game, but we came out with some adjustments and stopped the run well that second half. We will continue to practice hard and do what we know how to do.”

The Lakers will return home to Lubbers Stadium for their military appreciation game, and face off against Northern Michigan University (0-5) on Saturday, Oct. 12.

The Lakers started the game with dominance. Their opening drive was on the shoulders of running back Khalil Eichelberger, who got five touches for 52 yards. Once the Lakers got within scoring range, they turned to Eichelberger, who would then punch it in to give GVSU a 7-0 lead. 

In all four games this season, GVSU has scored on every one of their first drives. At the same time, the Lakers have not allowed a first quarter point this season. The Lakers have outscored opposing teams 49-0 throughout the four games’ opening quarters. 

“After these fast starts, (we’ve) got to keep pouring it on,” said head coach Scott Wooster. “(We’re) super proud of our start this year, and especially today.”

After the quick start and a rapid drive to score, the game stalled significantly. Both teams’ defenses were getting in the backfield and shutting down plays. Following the GVSU touchdown, the crowd saw eight straight punts, and no points for either side. 

Then, a game changing play was made by West Florida when GVSU fumbled the ball, and as a result, the Argonauts scored a touchdown. The crowd was dead silent, as many were confused by what had happened. The Lakers were knotted up 7-7. 

However, championship level teams know how to respond when adversity hits, and that’s exactly what GVSU did. After the offensive struggles, and giving up a defensive score, the Lakers marched down the field on the very next possession. This drive was in large part due to the 30-yard pass from Avery Moore to Kyle Nott. 

The drive ended with a Moore rushing score, and the Lakers took back the lead 14-7. This ended up being the score going into halftime after a late drive by West Florida was abruptly ended by an interception from Jason Hardy. 

The second half started much like the first ended, with Moore being effective on the ground. The first play from scrimmage was a 37-yard scramble from the senior quarterback. Once the Lakers were in the red zone, they called his number again. On a quarterback run, Moore scored to extend his team’s lead to 14. 

West Florida responded with a 48-yard drive, and got into GVSU territory late in the third. While driving, the Argonauts would be met with a fourth down decision, which they elected to go for. However, the Lakers pass rush was too strong and, like many drop backs, there was a black jersey in the backfield.

GVSU was just one sack away from tying their record in a single game. They finished with nine sacks behind the brilliant play of Niles King, who finished with six total tackles and two assisted sacks. 

“We started smelling blood in the water,” said King.

Then, on the second play following the turnover on downs, Nott would make a 32-yard one-handed snag, eerily similar to the one he made during the game against Ferris State University a season ago. 

At this point, the Lakers were in control of the game. The nail in the coffin would come in the fourth quarter when, once again, Eichelberger made a 50-yard touchdown. The final score was 31-7, extending the Lakers’ winning streak to 4-0. 

On Oct. 5, GVSU will take the short trip to Davenport to take on the Panthers for the University’s second away game of the season.

Starting quarterback Avery Moore was out this game, due to an injury he obtained late in last week’s road game against Colorado State University Pueblo. Going into the game, the plan was to give the first half to Ike Udengwu, the transfer from Eastern Michigan, and the second half to sophomore Vincenzo Meschi.

After stopping UWL on their opening drive, the Lakers wasted no time getting on the board. Senior Kyle Nott paved the way to the red zone for GVSU with the two biggest plays of the drive: a 16-yard run and 21-yard reception. Then, running back Khalil Eichelberg capped off the drive with an effortless one yard rush to take the lead 7-0, ending the first quarter.

The Eagles opened up the scoring early in the second quarter. After a rapid five play drive, the Lakers were knotted up 7-7. GVSU then took possession of the football for a long, methodical drive. The 12 play, six minute march down the field resulted in a field goal by kicker Matthew Bacik. The Lakers took the lead 10-7 with just over five minutes in the first half.

After the defense forced UWL into a three and out, they once again triumphed down the field on the shoulders of redshirt freshman Kenneth Jones. Jones rushed the ball six straight times, and made it seven in a row when he barreled into the end zone. This closed out the game’s first half and took the teams into halftime, the Lakers leading 17-7. 

GVSU would receive the second half kick and look to extend their lead, this time behind Meschi calling the shots as quarterback. The Lakers were able to move the ball and get into scoring range twice under Meschi, however both times he would throw an interception.

“We cannot turn the ball over there, we got to reserve the right to kick,” said head coach Scott Wooster. “Matt Bacik, he’s got a huge leg and he can get that thing through.”

Undengwu came back in, seemingly winning the battle, but had to leave the game early after cramping. This meant that sophomore quarterback Alex Thole would get a chance during the fourth quarter, in a very close and competitive battle. 

The entire first half of the fourth quarter was all defense, both sides making huge plays and getting the opposing offenses off the field. 

GVSU was eventually able to put a solid drive together that would conclude with Bacik knocking a field goal through the uprights. This gave the Lakers a bit more of a cushion and a 10 point lead. However, the Eagles were not done showing some fight. They would get down the field in a flash, but after the drive was derailed by a huge sack by Laker defensive linemen Khamani Potts, UWL would settle for three. 

With the clock sitting at four minutes in a 20-13 game, the Lakers weren’t able to get anything going on offense. After Thole was sacked, GVSU would have to punt and give the Eagles a chance to tie the game. The defense was more than awake for the challenge, and for every UWL drop back, it seemed like there was a blue jersey in the backfield. 

The Lakers held and got a gritty win, with the final score being 20-13. 

Wooster described that early season games such as these benefit players later on.

“Conditioning and game shape wise, we’re going to be in these football games,” said Wooster. “Getting a game like this, and making plays when it matters, (it’ll) pay big dividends down the road.”

For the next game, the Lakers will take on West Florida at home for a “black out” themed game on Sept. 28. 

Coming off a largely successful home opener win against Central State University 58-0, the Lakers returned their vintage blue uniforms for their white jerseys, hoping to build off their start-of-season momentum against the Thunderwolves.

Both teams were undefeated coming into the matchup, with the Lakers having won against Central and the Thunderwolves having won two games against the South Dakota Mines 35-6 and the University of Texas Permian Basin 40-23. The winning streak of both teams was at stake during the game.

The last time the Lakers competed against the Thunderwolves was September 2023 during a home game. The game was competitive, lasting over three and a half hours, and going into double overtime. The matchup concluded in a 57-49 win for the Lakers. Since GVSU had played CSU Pueblo in their last season, the Lakers were aware of the Thunderwolves’ aggressive, passing playing style, and were able to prepare for the game accordingly.

The Lakers dominated the entire first half of Saturday’s game. The team locked down CSU Pueblo and was able to capitalize on any mistakes their opponent made.

Immediately after CSU Pueblo’s first possession, GVSU went on a 78-yard drive, which ended in the first touchdown of the game. 47 of these yards were headed by sophomore running back Khalil Eichelberger.

The Lakers followed this up with another impressive drive that ended in a 24-yard pass to sophomore wide receiver Kellen Reed. 

After closing out both touchdowns with successful point-after attempts by freshman redshirt kicker Matthew Bacik, the Lakers ended the first quarter with a 14-0 lead.

In the beginning of the second quarter, Bacik continued his success with a 41-yard field goal, giving the Lakers a total of 17 points on the scoreboard. The first half ended in a 17-0 lead for GVSU.

Khalil Eichelberger shared that offensive’s strategy for the game’s first half was to dominate in specific aspects of the matchup.

“(The strategy was to) be the more physical team,” Eichelberger said. “Dominate up front, in the back field and in the pass game, since they played a lot of man-to-man coverage.”

The GVSU offense wasn’t the only success story on the field. The defensive line was also able to shut down any rushing yards from CSU Pueblo. At the end of the game, the Thunderwolves were only able to get 68 rushing yards, compared to the Lakers’ whopping 239 rushing yards.

This accomplishment on the defensive line was what allowed GVSU’s offense to earn a 17-point lead in the first half.

Eichelberger noted that the defensive line’s contributions allow the rest of the team to have confidence in their ability to win.

“The defensive line did amazing per usual,” Eichelberger said. “It’s one of those things where we can sit back and relax because we know they (the defensive line) will win.”

Despite the Lakers’ tremendous success in the first half, CSU Pueblo was able to close in on the 17-point lead in the second half. In the third quarter, the Thunderwolves completed one successful touchdown, closing the gap 17-7.

However, the Lakers were able to follow this up with their own touchdown, bringing the score to 24-7 by the end of the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Thunderwolves were able to take control of the field, scoring another two touchdowns and ending the fourth quarter with 14 points added, resulting in a 24-21 score. Despite their attempts in the final quarter of the game, the Thunderwolves’ offensive strategy was no match for the strong lead that the Lakers were able to establish in the first quarter. The game ended in a second straight win for GVSU, and first away-game win of the season 24-21, ending the Thunderwolves winning streak.

Despite the win, Eichelberger observed that the team wasn’t up to its usual standard. Looking to use the experience as a boost forward, he emphasized his excitement for the season’s coming games. 

“I thought we played a solid game, nowhere near our best brand of Grand Valley football,” said Eichelberger. “We have so much left in store and (we’re) just looking forward to keep building on that and preparing for the next game.”

The Lakers will be looking to continue their winning streak in their second home game of the season at Lubbers Stadium. The matchup will be on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. against the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.