UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown on Saturday, October 25, 2025, Eastern University dealt Misericordia its first loss of the season in the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC), claiming victory with a score of 28-21 at Mangelsdorf Field in Dallas. This loss snaps Misericordia’s impressive five-game conference winning streak, dropping their record to 5-2 overall and 5-1 in the MAC.
With just 3:44 remaining in the fourth quarter and trailing by seven, the Cougars seemed poised for a comeback, having advanced into Eastern territory. However, a critical fumble caused by Eastern’s defense halted their momentum, allowing the Eagles to recover the ball and run out the final 1:22 on the clock.
Misericordia’s first-year head coach, Steve Cushing, expressed pride in his team despite the loss: “We knew Eastern was a good team coming in. It was a tight game, and they just made one more play than us. That’s just how it goes.”
Eastern quarterback Brett Nabb led his team effectively, contributing significantly to their offensive strategy, which averaged 30.3 points per game. After a slow start, the Eagles took a 7-0 lead with a touchdown run from Jeremiah Avrilien. The Cougars quickly responded, tying the game with a six-yard touchdown run from Jacob Hunter.
Despite some strong defensive plays, including a blocked field goal from Misericordia, Eastern regained the lead with a 31-yard touchdown pass from Nabb just before halftime, making it 14-7.
The second half continued to see fierce competition, with both teams scoring on their possessions. Nabb extended the lead with another touchdown run, but Hunter kept the Cougars in contention with a ten-yard score. Eastern’s decisive drive included a crucial fourth-down conversion that ultimately led to a 28-14 lead.
Misericordia responded with a one-yard touchdown from Kasiah Poole, closing the gap to 28-21. However, time ran out on their chances for a comeback.
Looking ahead, Cushing emphasized the importance of bouncing back: “The big message is to come back next week and stay inspired. We have to continue to pay attention to detail.” The Cougars will face FDU-Florham next week, while Eastern prepares for a matchup against Widener.
This unexpected defeat not only affects conference standings but also sets the stage for the remainder of the season. Eastern now holds the tiebreaker over Misericordia, making the upcoming games crucial for both teams.
As fans and players process this significant upset, the urgency to regroup and refocus for future matchups is palpable. Follow along for further updates as each team strives for success in the final weeks of the season.
