Lafayette at Lehigh (yes even year but we get next 2 home) #160

[Pards Rule]

This will be my 45th game straight since frosh year 1980. I looked up milestone games and in 1984 we upset Hawks on this very day, 28-7. Pard frosh QB Jimmy Johnson in only his third start got MVP. I recall very early in first qtr I believe two consecutive drives by LU. First series was 1 and goal at 2. FOUR straight stands. Next LU again on doorstep and on 3rd or 4th down Stan Kwitnetski intercepted in end zone for Pards. That set the tone and there you go. 35 years ago TOMORROW already is the first game of the rivalry at Goodman. I recall the snow squalls at half and early 3rd that game.

[CHIP72]

A note for people who don't follow the L-L rivalry or what goes on at Lafayette - Lafayette was founded in 1826 and will be celebrating its 200th anniversary as a school during the 2025-26 school year. It wanted to have the L-L game played at Lafayette that season (2025). To accommodate that, Lafayette and Lehigh agreed to flip-flop the sites for this year's game (was Lafayette, now Lehigh) and next year's game (was Lehigh, now Lafayette).

[crusader11]

Let's go, Lafayette!

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

With a win Lehigh stays ahead of Holy Cross in terms of most Patriot League Championships; 13 to 12.

I'm actually confident about next week given how well prepared Lehigh has been week in and week out. Plus, the memory of Lafayette celebrating their PL Championship at Goodman last year certainly adds to the motivation. The only potential fly in the ointment imo would be if the Perri/Johnson dynamic causes the offense to be out of sync. That said, given how well the staff has handled the numerous variables that come along during the course of a season, I have faith the SR/FR QB decision shouldn't sink the Mountain Hawks like it did in the 2013 game. Obviously, injuries and/or the turnover bug can strike at any time.

[Pards Rule]

If we win back to back losses at their home. Correct me but I dont think ever has been done??

[ngineer]

This will be my 54th Game, in person, having only missed one game in 1976 due to being in Detroit, my third year in law school, and couldn't risk not being able to get back in time for a Monday morning court hearing, due to an impending snow storm along the mountains of I-80. However, I did 'attend' the game by way of Lee Iacocca's country club being the site for the game to be seen closed circuit for regional alums. Both schools' alumni organizations host gatherings to watch/listen to the game, together, world wide. A pretty cool tradition among many. My Class of '74 will be hosting our usual turkey menu with all the trimmings. We typically dress 15, 15 pound birds that are then fried in pressure cookers, four at a time.
The football alums from my era gather after the "Beat Laughyette" Luncheon, Friday afternoon, and begin cleaning and dressing the birds, as well prepping all the "trimmings". It's a great time of reconnecting and swapping stories and remembering our brothers who are no longer with us. Look for us in the parking lot near the traffic circle--our flag with the "Kings of Tailgates" crest will be flying. We generally have 200-300 people and do take a modest contribution that goes to the Roger McFillin/Daniel Mulholland Memorial football fund. GO LEHIGH!!!

[ngineer]

If we win back to back losses at their home. Correct me but I dont think ever has been done??

Don't know if 'back in the day', i.e. late 19th century or early 20th century if any games were held consecutively at one of the schools.

[Pards Rule]

Don't know if 'back in the day', i.e. late 19th century or early 20th century if any games were held consecutively at one of the schools.

Thats the only thing I did think of, hence my qualifier. Hope to see your tailgate. Can you post the King of Tailgates crest picture? You can DM me it too. BTW that 1976 CC video was quite unusual back then!! Folks, for those who dont know, Lee was a Lehigh grad. My dad in 1980 took a risk on buying a new Chrysler LeBaron station wagon because of Lee's commercials AND a great warranty that exceeded others as Chrysler needed to differentiate. At Lafayette in spring 1983 I authored a 25 page term paper in Public Finance which supported the governmment guarantee of the Chrysler loans. At that point Chrysler was still in the balance but quickly was turning it around. My conservative prof Peter Parker gave it an A and announced I had changed his mind on the subject.

[Pards Rule]

Is Perri out for last game?

[Lehigh Football Nation]

This may seem like an odd request, but - for the longest time on here someone had the Jonathan Hurt Hail Mary catch picture on here. Do one of you Lafayette fans have that picture somewhere? Or a really good version of the Catch picture somewhere?

It's a really big part of Rivalry history, has a lot of meaning for this week's game in particular, and it doesn't seem to be in the interwebs anywhere at the moment. Lafayette used to have a photo gallery of the game, but it's not there. I checked the Morning Call on Newspapers.com, but it's not there. I looked at my I-AA.org recap of the game, but it's not there.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Is Perri out for last game?

Perri dressed and held for FG and XP but did not play at QB. He's likely to be active but it's not clear whether he will start or play QB.

[Pards Rule]

This may seem like an odd request, but - for the longest time on here someone had the Jonathan Hurt Hail Mary catch picture on here. Do one of you Lafayette fans have that picture somewhere? Or a really good version of the Catch picture somewhere?

It's a really big part of Rivalry history, has a lot of meaning for this week's game in particular, and it doesn't seem to be in the interwebs anywhere at the moment. Lafayette used to have a photo gallery of the game, but it's not there. I checked the Morning Call on Newspapers.com, but it's not there. I looked at my I-AA.org recap of the game, but it's not there.

Was it Pard4Life? Weird but I did search for it and couldnt find. You would think that iconic moment would have an easily findable picture

[ngineer]

Not that I am aware. He dressed this past Saturday and held on the XPs and FG. Since Johnson started last week, I suspect Cahill will stay with him at this point. For a freshman, he's a heady guy. As a 5th year senior, I am sure Perri will see some game time...You might see all three QBs in there at one timexsmiley_wix

[ngineer]

Forecast is looking good for Saturday. Low 40's and partly cloudy at kickoff with temp getting close to 50 by mid afternoon. Hopefully, we don't have the gale-force winds we've experienced the last couple weeks. Rain on Thursday should soften the turf a bit.

[Pards Rule]

Forecast is looking good for Saturday. Low 40's and partly cloudy at kickoff with temp getting close to 50 by mid afternoon. Hopefully, we don't have the gale-force winds we've experienced the last couple weeks. Rain on Thursday should soften the turf a bit.

Good - hardly any rain during game in my 44 years as I recall. Sent you DM sir

[bonarae]

Any inaccuracies in telling the history of The Rivalry below?

https://fbschedules.com/series-spotlight-a-brief-history-of-the-rivalry-lafayette-vs-lehigh/

[ngineer]

Any inaccuracies in telling the history of The Rivalry below?

https://fbschedules.com/series-spotlight-a-brief-history-of-the-rivalry-lafayette-vs-lehigh/

a couple minor errors, from my understanding. But, a very good synopsis. Game announced as a full sell out of all 16,000 seats. Lehigh awaiting weather forecast for Saturday as of Friday a.m. to determine if tickets will be sold SRO for the grass horseshoe behind the south end one, which could be about room for 4,000 more people.

[ngineer]

Forecast for Saturday in Bethlehem, PA is partly cloudy with a high of 48F. Raining NOW in the Lehigh Valley and supposed to continue into Friday.

[ngineer]

Good - hardly any rain during game in my 44 years as I recall. Sent you DM sir

Got it. I sent you text with map and sketch of tailgate area.

[UNHWildcat18]

Game that holds all the marbles. Can't believe I am saying this, but after seeing their years of misery, I hope Lehigh pulls it off and wins the PL. Been a great turn around year for them.

Who knows maybe if UNH is fortunate(I'm Scared AF) to win @ Maine, Lehigh might be in Durham for a 1st round game. (I could see Villanova hosting Duquesne)

[Pards Rule]

Got it. I sent you text with map and sketch of tailgate area.


Yes thanks. I will have the stuffed leopard with me at all times.

[ElCid]

A note for people who don't follow the L-L rivalry or what goes on at Lafayette - Lafayette was founded in 1826 and will be celebrating its 200th anniversary as a school during the 2025-26 school year. It wanted to have the L-L game played at Lafayette that season (2025). To accommodate that, Lafayette and Lehigh agreed to flip-flop the sites for this year's game (was Lafayette, now Lehigh) and next year's game (was Lehigh, now Lafayette).

That really cool that they switched. Good on them both. These types of rivalries are the best!

[Doc QB]

Was it Pard4Life? Weird but I did search for it and couldnt find. You would think that iconic moment would have an easily findable picture
It was Pard4 Life indeed.
#33 thread in the other PL thread, pic still at bottom LFN.
See you in booth, I have the radio color call for Fox Sports LV.

My teammates meeting at 730a at the Rust Football Pavilion. Brisket (multiple ones, a LB buddy starts smoking that **** Friday morning down in Haverford before trucking up the blue route), pig, foot truck on hand. 50 guys from my era ('91-'95). Will need to ration the libations prior to going on air.
Will certainly see ngineer there as well.
Should be fun for all.

[Pards Rule]

That really cool that they switched. Good on them both. These types of rivalries are the best!

Yes! When are we going to play in Charleston??

[Bill]

It was Pard4 Life indeed.
#33 thread in the other PL thread, pic still at bottom LFN.
See you in booth, I have the radio color call for Fox Sports LV.

My teammates meeting at 730a at the Rust Football Pavilion. Brisket (multiple ones, a LB buddy starts smoking that **** Friday morning down in Haverford before trucking up the blue route), pig, foot truck on hand. 50 guys from my era ('91-'95). Will need to ration the libations prior to going on air.
Will certainly see ngineer there as well.
Should be fun for all.

Have fun doc!!

[Pards Rule]

Dont forget Doc...tomorrow is the 10th anniversary already of the #150 at Yankee Stadium. Damn did a decade fly by!!

[UNH_Alum_In_CT]

Game that holds all the marbles. Can't believe I am saying this, but after seeing their years of misery, I hope Lehigh pulls it off and wins the PL. Been a great turn around year for them.

Who knows maybe if UNH is fortunate(I'm Scared AF) to win @ Maine, Lehigh might be in Durham for a 1st round game. (I could see Villanova hosting Duquesne)

Good reason to be apprehensive 18, the storm we're dealing with today won't clear Orono until after the game Saturday with current forecast.

[Southsider]

It was Pard4 Life indeed.
#33 thread in the other PL thread, pic still at bottom LFN.
See you in booth, I have the radio color call for Fox Sports LV.

My teammates meeting at 730a at the Rust Football Pavilion. Brisket (multiple ones, a LB buddy starts smoking that **** Friday morning down in Haverford before trucking up the blue route), pig, foot truck on hand. 50 guys from my era ('91-'95). Will need to ration the libations prior to going on air.
Will certainly see ngineer there as well.
Should be fun for all.

where have you been Doc? I always enjoy your posts!

[Pard4Life]

Was it Pard4Life? Weird but I did search for it and couldnt find. You would think that iconic moment would have an easily findable picture

See my signature below.

[Pard4Life]

You should also check the Lafayette student newspaper archive, at Skillman Library. They may have the photo in the printed copy scanned to the archive.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Thanks P4L! Can't believe I didn't think to look there.

33540

[Pard4Life]

Thanks P4L! Can't believe I didn't think to look there.

33540

Attachment not showing. My pleasure.

[Pard4Life]

Weather forecast: high 40s at kickoff and during game, will not break 50, with wind throughout, and partly cloudy. It's going to be cold out there: dress warm to hold of wind. On that note, does not sound like grass will be open. May be muddy throughout grounds but it's so dry, water may just soak into the ground. The field... ???

[LUHawker]

Game is a sell-out. From the Morning Call: This one will be played in front of the first sellout crowd in the series since the 2014 game attracted a sellout crowd at Yankee Stadium. The last time there was a sellout in the Lehigh Valley was 2013, also at Lehigh.

As I understand it, Lehigh will decide today to sell general admission tickets for the grass hill.

[Doc QB]

Dont forget Doc...tomorrow is the 10th anniversary already of the #150 at Yankee Stadium. Damn did a decade fly by!!
That is crazy for sure. By did Ross Scheurman have a day in 150...

Looking over the notes, over those ten years, coaching changes, COVID, and some lackluster years for both sides, and a kicker as an MVP.
Broadcast will be fun with a bunch on the line, big crowd, and both programs looking to be in the right direction which is good the Lehigh Valley, PL, and obviously each school.
Will be my fifth Rivalry in booth, well over 20+ games in person. My pop played there so I been going for decades.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

https://www.college-sports-journal.com/rivalry160-preview-lafayette-at-lehigh-its-all-just-a-little-bit-of-history-repeating/

Don't forget Jack DiPietro recovering a blocked punt to win one MVP!

This will be my 35th. I've only missed one since I was an undergrad, and it was due to a death in the family... and I attended the playoff game the following week.

[ngineer]

Probably should have posted on this thread as opposed to “week 13 of the PL”, where I noted today’s “Beat Lafayette Luncheon”. These guys are focused. They want to keep playing together this year! No secrets. 12 games of tape, though I will not be surprised to see some trickery by both teams. Would love to see Senior placekicker Garrido of local Lehigh Valley high school, Notre Dame, kicking the game winning field goal! GO LEHIGH!!

(My 56th Rivalry Game)

[Lehigh Football Nation]

It was Pard4 Life indeed.
#33 thread in the other PL thread, pic still at bottom LFN.
See you in booth, I have the radio color call for Fox Sports LV.

My teammates meeting at 730a at the Rust Football Pavilion. Brisket (multiple ones, a LB buddy starts smoking that **** Friday morning down in Haverford before trucking up the blue route), pig, foot truck on hand. 50 guys from my era ('91-'95). Will need to ration the libations prior to going on air.
Will certainly see ngineer there as well.
Should be fun for all.

See you there, pal! I cannot wait.

[Pards Rule]

Game day - Im here! Lets gooooo! See you Ngineer!

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

About 25 minutes from kickoff...

I'm quite confident despite the fact I can't influence the outcome. Although, I think I could give 'em 3 good rushes off the edge...lol. Turnovers and special team are the pitfalls imo...

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Johnson officially starting for Lehigh....

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

TD Lehigh! 19 yard run by Green! Great drive!

Lehigh 7 Lafayette 0 9:47 1Q

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lafayette with their own response. Both defenses on their heels to start....

7-7 5:15 1Q

[CHIP72]

Not a good decision by the Lehigh QB on the deep pass.

Leopards offense, which was very impressive on its first drive, gets back on the field.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Johnson with a terrible throw that gets picked. Turnovers....ugh...

[CHIP72]

Good job by the Lehigh defense after the turnover, forcing a LC punt.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh defense with a huge stop! Forces a punt, offense back at it...

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Hunt and Cahill can't get overly conservative. Still need to let Johnson throw, take shots...

[CHIP72]

A note for people who don't follow the L-L rivalry or what goes on at Lafayette - Lafayette was founded in 1826 and will be celebrating its 200th anniversary as a school during the 2025-26 school year. It wanted to have the L-L game played at Lafayette that season (2025). To accommodate that, Lafayette and Lehigh agreed to flip-flop the sites for this year's game (was Lafayette, now Lehigh) and next year's game (was Lehigh, now Lafayette).


That really cool that they switched. Good on them both. These types of rivalries are the best!

It helps when the schools are less than 15 miles apart.

To illustrate the point, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, I plan to attend a Lafayette home basketball game (vs Niagara) at 4:30 PM...and then a Lehigh home basketball game (vs Marist) at 7 PM, LOL.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh will have a 2nd and 6 at the Lafayette 24 to start the second quarter. Offense, especially OL looks crisp. Gotta avoid mistakes...

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

TD Lehigh! Great drive!

Lehigh 14 Lafayette 7 12:16 2Q

[CHIP72]

Lehigh with a very solid drive for their second touchdown; they reclaim the lead early in the 2nd quarter.

[CHIP72]

Don't know about Lafayette running on 3rd and 13.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Don't know about Lafayette running on 3rd and 13.

That was an ode to the legendary Frankasaurus....

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

TD Lehigh! ESPN Top 10 catch by Humphrey!!

Lehigh 21 Lafayette 7 6:53 2Q

[CHIP72]

Nice leaping catch by Lehigh for a touchdown.

The Mountain Hawks now lead Lafayette 21-7 with 6:53 remaining in the 2nd quarter.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

2 Minute timeout...Lafayette driving and they do get the second half kickoff. Big sequence here....

Their QB might break the record for completion % in a LU/LC game.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh with an INT in the EZ!!

[CHIP72]

Huge INT in the end zone by Lehigh after Lafayette was driving. The Leopards receiver had his hands on the ball but couldn't hold on, and the LU defender catches it on the deflection.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lafayette is committing penalty after penalty......

[CHIP72]

Two huge 15 yard add-on penalties by Lafayette after two good offensive plays by Lehigh.

After those plays and penalties, Lehigh moved from their own 20 yard line to the Lafayette 21 yard line.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

TD Lehigh! Johnson with a great run!

Lehigh 28 Lafayette 7 0:01 2Q

[CHIP72]

Wow, Lehigh with a 5 yard QB scramble to score a touchdown with 1 second left in the 1st half.

Mountain Hawks lead 28-7 over the Leopards.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh has now held halftime leads this season of...

42-0 vs Wagner
21-7 vs Princeton
31-3 vs Fordham
24-0 vs Georgetown
17-3 vs Colgate
28-7 vs Lafayette

That's pretty good....

[crusader11]

Lehigh deserves the PLC. Congrats to them. What a turnaround by Cahill.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lafayette is on the march to start the second half....

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

'Pards made that look a bit too easy...

Lehigh 28 Lafayette 14 10:19 3Q

[CHIP72]

Lafayette drives 75 yards on its first possession of the 2nd half to score and get back in shouting distance.

Lehigh still leads 28-14 with just over 10 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter.

[CHIP72]

Non-game note - it sucks that this game isn't on local (to the Lehigh Valley) over-the-air TV or national cable TV. I remember being able to watch both the Lehigh broadcast and the Lafayette broadcast on TV in the DC area, and also how the game would be on WFMZ Channel 69 in Allentown (Lehigh broadcast) and WBPH Channel 60 in Bethlehem (Lafayette broadcast). (The latter station would also broadcast all Lafayette Sports Network football games.)

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lafayette with another killer penalty.....

[CHIP72]

Lafayette with another killer penalty.....

Up to this point Lafayette penalties have been a big story in this game. In addition to the pass interference penalty called on LU 3rd and 7 and the two big penalties on Lehigh's last 1st half touchdown drive, there was also a big offensive holding penalty on LC when they would have had 4th and 1/2 yard. After the penalty, they run on 3rd and 13.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh TD negated by a penalty....

[CHIP72]

Lehigh puts together a solid 8 minute drive to respond to Lafayette touchdown and scores a field goal.

The host Mountain Hawks now lead LC 31-14 with about 2 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

A grinding drive ends in a FG to push the lead to 3 possessions which at the stage of the game is huge. If Lehigh can force a quick stop the 'Pard defense will be on their last legs imo...

Lehigh 31 Lafayette 14 2:45 3Q

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

I hope DeNucci is ok! He's critical to the defense!

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lafayette is wasting a lot of time and energy on this drive and not really going anywhere. End of the 3rd quarter, Lehigh is 15 minutes away from #13 and a return trip to the playoffs...

Lehigh 31 Lafayette 14 End 3Q

[CHIP72]

Huge sack by Lehigh's defense on 3rd and 3 for Lafayette.

The big loss means the Leopards need to punt even down 17 points.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Time for Lehigh to inflict "The Death Blow"....

[crusader11]

Lehigh just playing bully ball and pushing Lafayette around.

[CHIP72]

Critical play for the Lafayette defense here on 3rd and 4. The Leopards really need a stop.

EDIT: Lafayette doesn't get the stop, Lehigh converts on a 3rd down pass for a gain of 8 yards.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

First down Lehigh! Nice pass and catch!

[CHIP72]

Lehigh's offense has really done a good job grinding things out today.

The LU offense, Lafayette's penalties, and big plays going Lehigh's way (none bigger than their INT in the end zone when Lafayette was threatening), are the biggest factors in giving Lehigh the upper hand up to this point.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh doesn't score but they eat up time and flip the field. As long as the defense doesn't give up a big play/offense turn it over they're golden.....

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Pick 6 for Lehigh! That's it! Start the celebration! Now just focus on staying healthy for next week...

Lehigh 38 Lafayette 14 7:30 4Q

[CHIP72]

Lehigh with an interception return for a touchdown, and I think the fat lady has just begun singing.

The Mountain Hawks lead 38-14 exactly halfway through the 4th quarter.

[CHIP72]

Lehigh forces a Lafayette turnover on downs, adding some icing to the victory cake.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Lehigh wins! Back to the playoffs! I'm excited to see who they draw! Lehigh is very much flying under the radar nationally...

Lehigh 38 Lafayette 14 Final...

[CHIP72]

Lehigh beats Lafayette in Rivalry 160, 38-14.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Students are still trying to tear down the goal posts at Goodman...lol

[CHIP72]

To illustrate the point, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, I plan to attend a Lafayette home basketball game (vs Niagara) at 4:30 PM...and then a Lehigh home basketball game (vs Marist) at 7 PM, LOL.

If Lehigh plays at Villanova (who beat Delaware in the Battle of the Blue) in the first round of the playoffs, especially if it is in the early afternoon, I may adjust my Saturday 11/30 plans. (With a 12 PM start for such a game, I might be able to pull off a tripleheader, skipping the non-Lafayette game - Long Island/Binghamton - of the Leopards' four team basketball tournament.)

[Pards Rule]

Students are still trying to tear down the goal posts at Goodman...lol

And they brought down south post

[Pards Rule]

Ngineer finally great to meet you at Rust Pavilion after game

[CHIP72]

Lehigh students actually carried the goal posts 3-4 miles from Goodman Stadium to the south side of Bethlehem and dumped them in the Lehigh River.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Southsider]

There is plenty of video out there on the goalposts getting dumped into the Lehigh River. It is definitely well over 2 miles from the stadium, up and over the mountain! Quite a feat!!!

[Bill]

Lehigh students actually carried the goal posts 3-4 miles from Goodman Stadium to the south side of Bethlehem and dumped them in the Lehigh River.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Shades of Vanderbilt

That's awesome.

[ngineer]

Well, I am finally decompressed. After eating dinner with my wife, who stayed home watched on TV (RCN/Astound covered in Lehigh Valley) but, also TiVo'd for me, I watched the game. and zipped through the adds and dead space. It was wonderful to relive it. Haven't erased it, either! Will keep me warm over the winter.

It was wonderful walking/talking with the players on the field. True euphoria. To have seen them over the past year year and a half transform into a real unit, supporting and believing in their coaches and each other has been heart warming--especially the upper classmen who had suffered during the Gilmore years. Then, meeting my fellow football alums at our Pavillion and knowing that our efforts in assisting Coach Cahill with his turnaround is satisfying. And, then just ambling among the players and their families on "Tailgate row" below the Pavillion, and hearing the joy was like watching your kids open their presents on Christmas morning. Many of us saw this coming, even last year there were 'signs' that things were turning; but, who'd think they'd turn this fast? So glad they get to play at least one more time...and, hopefully, it is a fairly doable driving distance. Villanova would be easiest, I'll try and get anywhere within 300 mi. radius.

Finally, got to meet Pards Rule at our Rust Pavillion used by football alums to gather before and after games. They guy really has a leopard coat and totes a stuffed leopard with him!
A real classy guy--and we even took a selfie of us--but until one of us figures out how to post it, you'll just have to wonder what we look like!

[Pard4Life]

One of my worst experiences ever at Lehigh... admin has no idea how to manage an event. It took 1 hour 10 minutes from the 78 exit traffic light to the grass parking area behind Goodman Stadium. Never, never ever have come close to experiencing that long to park. Arrived in the area at my usual time, 10:30... and then just sat. There were three kids managing parking for the entire grass lot. When I say 'managing' I mean just standing around together at the entrance. I am not even sure they were the problem. Traffic was so bad you had LU police go to 78 and escort the Lafayette fan and cheerleader busses on the opposite side of the road to near the Stadium. Why that second lane is not automatically a flow lane, I will fail to know. Anyone else run into this disaster?

I don't think it was because this was a sell out or higher interest games than in past year. There were near sellouts in prior seasons with even nicer weather, an no disaster like this.

[Pards Rule]

Well, I am finally decompressed. After eating dinner with my wife, who stayed home watched on TV (RCN/Astound covered in Lehigh Valley) but, also TiVo'd for me, I watched the game. and zipped through the adds and dead space. It was wonderful to relive it. Haven't erased it, either! Will keep me warm over the winter.

It was wonderful walking/talking with the players on the field. True euphoria. To have seen them over the past year year and a half transform into a real unit, supporting and believing in their coaches and each other has been heart warming--especially the upper classmen who had suffered during the Gilmore years. Then, meeting my fellow football alums at our Pavillion and knowing that our efforts in assisting Coach Cahill with his turnaround is satisfying. And, then just ambling among the players and their families on "Tailgate row" below the Pavillion, and hearing the joy was like watching your kids open their presents on Christmas morning. Many of us saw this coming, even last year there were 'signs' that things were turning; but, who'd think they'd turn this fast? So glad they get to play at least one more time...and, hopefully, it is a fairly doable driving distance. Villanova would be easiest, I'll try and get anywhere within 300 mi. radius.

Finally, got to meet Pards Rule at our Rust Pavillion used by football alums to gather before and after games. They guy really has a leopard coat and totes a stuffed leopard with him!
A real classy guy--and we even took a selfie of us--but until one of us figures out how to post it, you'll just have to wonder what we look like!

Thanks Nick! The leopard coat was a hit with both LU and LC students! Appreciate the hospitality at the King of All Tailgates! I wasnt shot at with the leopard coat lol. If anyone here can post the pic, please DM me with your cell and I will text it. Ngineer is Class 74 and Im 10 years behind so we are not as adept. Good luck in RIC friend. When is the team going down? By bus, train or plane?

[Lehigh'98]

One of my worst experiences ever at Lehigh... admin has no idea how to manage an event. It took 1 hour 10 minutes from the 78 exit traffic light to the grass parking area behind Goodman Stadium. Never, never ever have come close to experiencing that long to park. Arrived in the area at my usual time, 10:30... and then just sat. There were three kids managing parking for the entire grass lot. When I say 'managing' I mean just standing around together at the entrance. I am not even sure they were the problem. Traffic was so bad you had LU police go to 78 and escort the Lafayette fan and cheerleader busses on the opposite side of the road to near the Stadium. Why that second lane is not automatically a flow lane, I will fail to know. Anyone else run into this disaster?

I don't think it was because this was a sell out or higher interest games than in past year. There were near sellouts in prior seasons with even nicer weather, an no disaster like this.


It was a nightmare getting in, even with parking pass. Never saw it that bad before either.

[Pards Rule]

It was a nightmare getting in, even with parking pass. Never saw it that bad before either.

Me either! I never have had parking pass. Usually an hour and a half before game (when I arrive usually) I have always been able to park in big grass field by Rust Pavilion, except 2001 when I was directed (as this year) to the grass area where the metal sculptures are. I assumed grass area maxed out but when I walked over there there were significant spaces in areas. I saw reserved "S" parking signs. Is this new? Did they reserve whole zone? I mean it was a sellout but they had sellouts before this year. BTW Happy 35th anniversary to Goodman. I have notched my 45th straight game since frosh year 1980. Ngineer that stuffed leopard has been with me at all 45 Lehigh games.

[Pards Rule]

One of my worst experiences ever at Lehigh... admin has no idea how to manage an event. It took 1 hour 10 minutes from the 78 exit traffic light to the grass parking area behind Goodman Stadium. Never, never ever have come close to experiencing that long to park. Arrived in the area at my usual time, 10:30... and then just sat. There were three kids managing parking for the entire grass lot. When I say 'managing' I mean just standing around together at the entrance. I am not even sure they were the problem. Traffic was so bad you had LU police go to 78 and escort the Lafayette fan and cheerleader busses on the opposite side of the road to near the Stadium. Why that second lane is not automatically a flow lane, I will fail to know. Anyone else run into this disaster?

I don't think it was because this was a sell out or higher interest games than in past year. There were near sellouts in prior seasons with even nicer weather, an no disaster like this.

Did you see me in leopard coat and with stuffed leopard. We should have met before game at the vomit stained table I photoed in the concession area lol