Sat Nov 30 22:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Lehigh Football Upsets Richmond in FCS Playoff Thriller
**BETHLEHEM, PA** – In a hard-fought battle on the road, the Lehigh Mountain Hawks (8-3) defeated the Richmond Spiders (10-2) by a score of 20-16 in the first round of the FCS Playoffs. The victory marks Lehigh’s first playoff win since 2011 and sends them to the second round against Idaho.
Despite facing Richmond’s top-ranked conference scoring defense, Lehigh’s defense kept them in the game throughout. Richmond outgained Lehigh in total yards, but struggled in the red zone, settling for multiple field goals instead of touchdowns. Lehigh’s offense, meanwhile, faced early struggles with turnovers and a generally stagnant first half.
A key moment came in the second quarter when freshman wide receiver Matt D’Avino hauled in a 41-yard pass, setting up Lehigh’s first touchdown. The Mountain Hawks trailed 9-7 at halftime.
The second half saw a back-and-forth battle. A failed fake field goal attempt by Lehigh highlighted a third-quarter stalemate, but Richmond eventually extended their lead to 16-7 in the fourth. However, Lehigh responded with 13 unanswered points. A 65-yard touchdown run by Jaden Green and a spectacular 54-yard receiving touchdown by Geoffrey Jamiel, who led all receivers with 137 yards, propelled the Mountain Hawks to the victory.
A late fumble recovery sealed the win for Lehigh, who held on despite being double-digit underdogs. The Mountain Hawks now look ahead to their second-round matchup against Idaho on December 7th.
First Piper 