Bethlehem, PA - October 26, 2024: Lehigh University rushed for a total of 246 yards, which included two rushing touchdowns by Palmerton High School graduate Matt Machalik, to defeat visiting Patriot League foe Fordham University 33-19 on a beautiful fall Saturday afternoon at Goodman Stadium. Lehigh improved to 4-3 overall with the win.
After both teams stalled on offensive during their first few possessions, Fordham eventually moved the ball enough down field to attempt a 44 yard field goal which put them ahead for the first and only time, 3-0.
Lehigh then answered quickly with a touchdown when first year running back Jaden Green (0) took off up the middle on a 44-yard run which put Lehigh up 7-3. Lehigh then took control of the game in the second quarter as their offensive moved the ball at will and their defensive made big stops. Junior kicker Nick Garrido (49) hit a 41-yard field goal to put Lehigh up 10-3, and after sophomore defensive back DJ Brown (20) intercepted a Fordham pass, Lehigh scored on their next three possessions before the half. First year running back Machalik (7) scored twice, both from 2 yards out, while taking the snap in the Bearcat formation. First year receiver Matt D’Avino (80) caught a 33-yard pass with under a minute to go in the half, Lehigh up 31-3.
Lehigh added a safety in the 3rd quarter and Fordham added two touchdowns, and two 2-point conversions, in the 4th quarter as the game ended 33-19. Lehigh had one turnover, a fumble. Green, a 5’9” and 175 pound RB from San Francisco, was the workhorse for Lehigh as he carried the ball seventeen times for 147 yards and had the big jaunt of 44 yards.
On defense, graduate student linebacker Mike DeNucci (41) and junior Brycen Edwards (26) both had 11 tackles to lead Lehigh. DeNucci had 3 of Lehigh's 6 big sacks for the Mountain Hawks.
Lehigh is next at Georgetown University on November 2nd.
The below photo shows Lehigh's Jaden Green (0) on his touchdown run.
