Lehigh Football Wins Patriot League Championship

Lehigh University’s football team achieved a remarkable turnaround by defeating archrival Lafayette 38-14, securing their 13th Patriot League championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs. First-year quarterback Hayden Johnson was instrumental, earning MVP honors with a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown, as the Mountain Hawks amassed 229 rushing yards. Coach Kevin Cahill emphasized the significance of the victory, stating, "This is Lehigh football," reflecting the program's resurgence after two seasons of 2-9 records. The win was celebrated by a sellout crowd at Goodman Stadium, where students famously tore down the goalposts, a tradition not seen since 1989. Defensively, Lehigh excelled, limiting Lafayette to 283 total yards and forcing two interceptions, including a touchdown return by Mason Moore. The Mountain Hawks' triumph also marked the 160th meeting in college football’s most-played rivalry.