The Gannon University Knights fans have a few vivid images ingrained in their minds after a 27-17 loss to Mercyhurst College this weekend.
These are images of junior running back Gerald Anderson running through, around and all over their beloved Knights’ defenders as the Lakers won another Niagara Cup.
Anderson set a career total of rushing yards as he rushed for 175 yards. He also found the end zone three times.
The bruising Mercyhurst rushing attack accounted for three of the four touchdowns as the offensive line cut gaping holes in the Knights’ defensive line.
“Gerald Anderson played very well with the help of our offensive line,” said Head Coach Martin Schaetzle.
The Lakers got off to a quick start Saturday, in front of a large crowd at Tullio Field as senior Joe Laffey connected with Anderson for an 11-yard touchdown pass bringing, the score to 7-0 in favor of the Lakers at the start of the second quarter.
The running game took over as Anderson scored on an 11-yard touchdown run, bringing the score to 14-0 at halftime.
The Laker defense joined the scoring party with a fumble recovery in the end zone by sophomore Ian Wild giving the Lakers a 21-0 lead.
Gannon made a run at the Lakers as they narrowed the score to 21-9 on a field goal and touchdown pass, but Anderson again scored on a 9-yard touchdown run to bring the score to 27-9 midway through the fourth quarter.
Gannon scored one more touchdown to bring the final score to 27-17, giving the Lakers an important victory.
Mercyhurst’s Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West record goes to 3-1 on the season.
“The victory brings us one game closer to win the championship, but we really need to win out the rest of the games and that started with Gannon,” said Schaetzle.
The Lakers will be back in action Saturday, Oct. 17, at Clarion University at 1 p.m. as the Lakers continue their quest for the playoffs.