Mercyhurst Secures Inaugural Division I Victory with a 28-25 Win Over Wheeling
In a thrilling debut as a Division I team, the Mercyhurst Lakers triumphed over the Wheeling Cardinals with a 28-25 victory on Thursday night. The game marked a significant milestone for Mercyhurst as they stepped up to compete at the Division I level, and they did not disappoint.
Adam Urena, Mercyhurst’s star quarterback, led the charge with an impressive performance, throwing for 267 yards and three touchdowns. Urena, who tallied 23 touchdown passes last season, picked up right where he left off, completing 21 of 31 passes and showcasing his ability to lead the Lakers’ offense.
Urena's primary target for the night was Cameron Barmore, who caught two of Urena’s touchdown passes. Barmore, a seasoned receiver, had seven catches for 101 yards, pushing his career total to over 1,500 receiving yards on 100 catches. His reliable hands and sharp route running were pivotal in securing the Lakers' win.
Wheeling Cardinals struck first in the game with a 52-yard touchdown pass from Javon Davis to Tre’ Holloway, capping a 75-yard, 5-play drive just two minutes into the first quarter. The Cardinals’ offense looked sharp early on, with Davis finishing the game with two touchdown passes to Holloway.
Despite the strong start, Mercyhurst quickly responded. Urena connected with Russell Pytlak for a 10-yard touchdown just two minutes after Wheeling's initial score, tying the game at 7-7. The Cardinals managed to take a brief lead again with a 37-yard field goal by Joao Lima early in the second quarter, but Urena and the Lakers answered back with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Barmore.
The game’s momentum shifted in the third quarter when Urena found Barmore for another touchdown, this time a 4-yard pass that extended Mercyhurst’s lead to 28-17. This touchdown proved crucial as it gave the Lakers a comfortable lead heading into the final quarter.
Wheeling didn’t go down without a fight. With just 23 seconds left in the game, Davis connected with Holloway again for a 33-yard touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion run by Holloway himself. This brought the score to 28-25, giving the Cardinals a glimmer of hope. However, Mercyhurst recovered the ensuing onside kick, effectively sealing their victory.
Mercyhurst’s victory in their first-ever Division I game is a promising start to the season. Adam Urena’s leadership and connection with Cameron Barmore were key factors in the win, while Wheeling’s Javon Davis and Tre’ Holloway showcased their talents in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful comeback effort. As the season progresses, Mercyhurst will look to build on this success as they navigate the challenges of Division I competition.
