DOYLESTOWN, Pa. – The Lebanon Valley football team earned a statement victory on Saturday afternoon with a big 21-18 win at Delaware Valley University. The win was the first over the Aggies in 10 meetings spanning 12 years.
The Dutchmen (3-1, 3-0 Middle Atlantic Conference) have been one play away from knocking off the Aggies (2-2, 2-1 MAC) in each of the past two years. This year, LVC rode a strong defensive performance with three interceptions to hold DVU to their lowest point total in the series since 2006 when the Aggies won a 19-18 game in Annville during Homecoming.
LVC got the ball to begin the game and went three-and-out on their first drive. It only took them three plays to get the ball back as Carter Foust picked off a pass at the DVU 45 and returned it 11 yards. The Dutchmen started their drive at the 19 after a penalty. LVC was unable to capitalize on the excellent field position as the Aggies intercepted a pass at the 12. Delaware Valley put together a long drive down the field that had an interception by LVC and a touchdown by DVU called back for penalties. The drive ended with a 15-yard field goal for the first points of the game.
LVC answered with a long drive of their own as they moved the ball down the field using over eight minutes, going 43 yards over 16 plays. The drive stalled out at the DVU as a fourth-down pass over the middle fell incomplete. The defense didn't wait long to record its second interception of the game as Ryan Sisko picked off a third-down pass at the LVC 35 and returned it 10 yards. The Dutchmen used the momentum with a strong rushing attack ending with a Dion Bryant five-yard touchdown run up the middle. Brian Dym converted the extra point to put the Dutchmen up 7-3 with 1:18 left in the half.
The Aggies got the ball to start the second half. They scored on a 61-yard run three plays into the half to take a 10-7 advantage. The Dutchmen responded right back as Logan Klitsch hit Tommy Delgado for a long 44-yard pass to put the ball at the DVU 7. Bryant scored on the next play with his second rushing touchdown. The Aggies' next possession resulted in another turnover as Luke Pollock recovered a fumble forced by Foust a the LVC 40. The Aggies forced a three-and-out to get the ball back. They had the ball for three plays before Foust came up with another interception and took it back 31 yards to the DVU 29 with 2:47 left in the quarter.
The Dutchmen ran the ball six times, and on the first play of the fourth quarter, Avrey Grimm scored from one yard out to make it 20-10. Dym then converted the extra point. DVU answered with a long 10-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 28-yard touchdown pass. The Aggies went for two, and a pass was successful to make it a three-point game. That was the last time the Aggies would touch the ball as LVC held the ball for the final 8:39 with a 14-play, 46-yard drive. The Dutchmen ran the ball 14 times, including a pair of kneel-downs in the final minute. They converted a big fourth and 1 early in the drive as Bryant gained four yards up the middle.
Inside the Box
- Bryant finished with 87 rushing yards on 18 carries with two touchdowns. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry.
- Foust was the star defensively with two interceptions for 42 yards, a forced fumble, a pass breakup, and eight tackles.
- Klitsch threw for 100 yards and rushed for 45. He completed 11 of 17 passes and had 16 rushing attempts.
- Grimm had 17 yards on 10 carries with one touchdown.
- Delgado led the receivers with 63 yards on four receptions.
- J.D. McCallion had a team-high 10 tackles and a pass breakup.
- Pollock recorded seven tackles and a fumble recovery.
- Sisko had three tackles and an interception.
- LVC has intercepted at least two passes in all three wins this season.
- The victory over Delaware Valley was the first for the Dutchmen since a 34-31 overtime win on November 2, 2013, the last time LVC won a conference title.
Up Next
LVC heads into the conference-wide bye week in a three-team tie atop the conference standings at 3-0. They will face one of those teams they are tied with in their next game as they host Misericordia University for Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 1 p.m.
Stay Connected
Be sure to follow @lvcathletics on Instagram, X, and Facebook for the most in-depth coverage of LVC Athletics.